Callbacks: Actors the director liked at the audition are called back to read again

Casting: assigning parts and duties to actors

Cast: the characters in the play

Double casting: when actors double and play more than one part or share a part

Read-through: reading the script out loud from beginning to end so the actors can get to know their characters and see how the story unfolds

Off book: The actors have memorized their lines and don't need to read from the script anymore.

Company: an organization or group of performers

Dress rehearsal: a practice of the production with costumes, sets and props

Blocking: planning the movements of the actors onstage during the play. Actors must memorize their stage directions and where they must move along with their lines.

Front-of-house team: the ticket sellers, ticket takers and ushers

"The house is open.": Quiet everyone, the house manager is starting to let the audience into the theater.

"House down.": The stage manager calls for the auditorium lights to be turned off so the play can begin.

"Strike the set.": After the last performance, everything used in the play has to be taken down and put away. Some things are thrown away. Some props and sets go into storage to be used again. After strike, the stage is empty, ready for the next play.