Performing Arts Terminology

noun a trial performance to demonstrate suitability for a particular role or job

• She prepared diligently for her audition for the lead role in the play.
• I heard Sarah nailed her audition for the school musical.
• I totally aced my audition for the band, bro!
• Life is like an audition, you have to give it your all to succeed.

noun A person who performs dances as a profession or hobby

• The professional dancer performed a flawless routine at the ballet recital.
• My friend is a great dancer and always lights up the dance floor.
• That dancer has some serious moves, it's insane!
• She danced through her problems like a skilled dancer gracefully moving across the stage.

noun a person making a first appearance in a particular capacity, especially as a performer

adjective relating to or characteristic of a debutant

• The debutant made a graceful entrance into the ballroom, capturing the attention of all the guests.
• The debutant looked a bit nervous before stepping onto the stage for the first time.
• The debutant totally rocked their performance at the talent show.
• As a debutant in the world of business, she quickly learned the ropes and excelled in her role.

verb to enter or board a vehicle or mode of transportation

preposition used to indicate boarding or entering a vehicle or mode of transportation

• Please make sure to get on the train before it departs.
• Hey, let's hurry up and get on the bus!
• I can't wait to get on that new rollercoaster at the theme park.
• In order to succeed in life, you need to get on the right path towards your goals.

verb to create or perform spontaneously or without preparation

• During the conference, the speaker had to improvise when the PowerPoint presentation failed to load.
• I had to improvise a Halloween costume at the last minute because I couldn't find anything to wear.
• When the band's guitar string broke on stage, the guitarist had to improvise and keep playing with only five strings.
• Life is like a game of chess, sometimes you need to improvise and adapt to unexpected moves.

adjective describing a quality or characteristic that can be demonstrated or carried out

• The task is performable within the given time frame.
• I think the project is performable if we work together.
• I'm not sure if that's performable, but we can give it a shot.
• His dream of becoming a professional athlete seemed performable after years of hard work.

noun the act of presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment to an audience

verb to carry out or execute a task or action

adjective describing someone or something involved in a performance

• The orchestra will be performing a symphony at the concert hall tonight.
• The band is performing at the local bar this weekend.
• The dancers are performing their routine at the club tonight.
• She is performing a balancing act trying to juggle work and family responsibilities.

noun a collection or stock of works, skills, or items that are available for use or performance

adjective relating to or characteristic of a repertory

• The theater company has a diverse repertory of classic plays.
• I love going to see all the different shows in the theater's repertory.
• The band's repertory of songs is lit!
• His repertory of skills is what sets him apart from the competition.

noun A person who performs songs and dances, especially in a theatrical production or as a form of entertainment

• The theater was thrilled to have a talented song and dance man perform in their latest production.
• I heard that the new guy in town is a real song and dance man, always entertaining everyone at parties.
• That song and dance man sure knows how to steal the show with his fancy footwork.
• He's not just a politician, he's a real song and dance man, always trying to distract from the real issues with his charm and charisma.

noun the quality that a performer has that makes them seem interesting and important when they are performing on stage

• The actor's stage presence captivated the audience throughout the entire performance.
• She has such a strong stage presence, everyone loves watching her perform.
• His stage presence is off the charts - he really knows how to work the crowd.
• Her stage presence was like a shining light in the darkness of the theater.

noun a singer, typically a woman, who performs sentimental or melancholy songs in a nightclub or cabaret setting

• The torch singer captivated the audience with her soulful performance.
• I heard that new torch singer is really talented.
• That torch singer is on fire!
• She was a torch singer, lighting up the stage with her powerful voice.

noun a person or thing with only one special feature, talent, or area of expertise

• The musician was worried about being labeled as a one-trick pony because of his repetitive style.
• Don't be a one-trick pony, try to show off your other skills too!
• He's just a one-trick pony, don't expect too much from him.
• Being a one-trick pony in this industry won't get you far, you need to be versatile.