Actor facts & stats

Question 1

Why are actors sometimes called 'thespians'?

Accepted Answer

After Thespis, said to be the first Greek actor. Ancient tradition names Thespis as the first person to step out of the chorus and play a character.

Question 2

What do theatre performers traditionally say to wish each other good luck?

Accepted Answer

Break a leg. Saying 'good luck' is considered unlucky in theatre, so people say 'break a leg' instead.

Question 3

Which London playhouse, built in 1599, is closely associated with Shakespeare's plays?

Accepted Answer

The Globe. Shakespeare's company built the Globe in 1599 and staged many of his plays there.

Question 4

What is 'blocking' in theatre?

Accepted Answer

Planning actors' movements and positions on stage. Blocking sets where actors stand and move so scenes are clear to the audience.

Question 5

Which traditional Japanese theatre form uses carved masks and slow, stylised movement?

Accepted Answer

Noh. Noh dates from the 14th century and uses masks; Kabuki uses bold make-up and Bunraku uses puppets.

Question 6

What is a soliloquy?

Accepted Answer

A speech in which a character alone on stage speaks their thoughts aloud. Soliloquies let the audience hear a character's private thoughts, as in Hamlet's 'To be, or not to be'.

Question 7

In ancient Greek theatre, what was the group that sang and commented on the action together called?

Accepted Answer

The chorus. The chorus performed in the orchestra, the circular space in front of the skene building.

Actor facts & stats

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