Performing Arts Glossary

noun a slang term for a skilled dancer, especially in tap dancing

• The hoofer showcased their impeccable footwork during the ballet performance.
• I heard that new hoofer at the dance studio is really talented.
• Check out that hoofer busting a move on the dance floor!
• As a hoofer in the business world, she always knows how to navigate tricky situations with grace.

noun a person skilled in imitating the voice, mannerisms, or movements of others

verb to imitate or copy someone or something, typically in order to entertain or ridicule

• The robot was programmed to mimic human movements with great precision.
• She can mimic anyone's accent perfectly, it's quite impressive.
• He's always trying to mimic the way his favorite rapper talks.
• Her art piece was designed to mimic the chaos of urban life.

noun a program or announcement of the events or performers in a theatrical or musical performance

• The playbill for the upcoming theater production has been finalized and printed.
• Hey, have you seen the playbill for the show next week?
• Check out the playbill for the play - it looks lit!
• The playbill of life is constantly changing, with new characters and plot twists.

noun the part of a theater stage in front of the curtain

adjective relating to or characteristic of the area of a theater stage in front of the curtain

• The actors stood on the proscenium stage, ready to begin the performance.
• I love sitting in the front row near the proscenium - you get a great view of the action.
• Let's meet by the proscenium before the show starts.
• The proscenium represents the boundary between reality and the world of the play.

adjective having a strong desire to be on stage or perform in front of an audience

• The young actress was completely stagestruck during her first performance on Broadway.
• I can't believe how stagestruck Sarah was when she met her favorite actor backstage.
• She was so stagestruck that she couldn't stop talking about the show for days.
• His love for acting was so strong that he was always stagestruck, even when he wasn't on stage.

noun a person who learns another's role in order to be able to act as a replacement if needed

verb to study or learn (a role or part) as an understudy

• The understudy stepped in when the lead actor fell ill.
• The understudy had to fill in for the main actor at the last minute.
• The understudy had to pinch-hit for the star performer.
• Being the understudy in life means always being prepared to take on unexpected challenges.

noun a song from a musical or show

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• The theater production featured a beautiful showtune that left the audience in awe.
• I love singing along to showtunes from my favorite musicals.
• Let's blast some showtunes and have a dance party in the living room!
• Her voice was like a showtune, captivating everyone who heard it.

noun a labor union representing performers in the entertainment industry, including actors, singers, and dancers

• The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is a union representing performers in the entertainment industry.
• I heard that AFTRA is negotiating better pay for actors in the upcoming film.
• AFTRA is like the backbone of the entertainment industry, always looking out for its members.
• Joining AFTRA was like stepping into a whole new world of opportunities for my acting career.