4 interesting theatre jargons that you probably didn’t know about
Have you ever come across phrases like ‘chewing the scenery’ or ‘stepping on the line?’ These are actually jargons used in the theatre fraternity. The word jargon, which means technical terminology unique to a particular subject, is a French word with Latin roots. Want to know what that Latin word is? Gaggire. It means ‘chattering’. In Latin, the word used to refer to a speech that the audience is unable to comprehend. Every field of study has its own set of jargons, be it literature, science, technology, history or culture, and theatre is no exception. Let us find shed light on three interesting theatre jargons.
Chewing the scenery
The phrase ‘chewing the scenery’ is often used in the context of theatre to refer to over-acting. Basically, this is a criticism. When theatre actors speak louder than necessary, are overtly melodramatic, or indulge in extreme gesticulation, they are accused of ‘chewing the scenery’. Unless of course the character is supposed to be a “scenery chewer” or simply requires overacting, then the phrase can mean as a compliment. Although the first use of the phrase dates back to 1930 and is credited to American author Dorothy Parker, experts have recently found out that it was coined by Idahoan novelist Mary Hallock Foote in mid-19th century.
Ad Lib
If you’ve ever acted in a play, you must have experienced this: Forgetting the script on the stage. This is where the phrase ‘ad lib’ comes into play. When actors fail to remember their lines on stage during a performance, they often try to cover it up by saying something random or off the cuff. This is called ‘ad libbing’ or creating dialogues on the spot. The Latin word, ‘ad libitum’ means ‘at one’s pleasure.’ So, the next time you forget your dialogues on stage, be ready to ad lib.
Off Book
‘Off book’ is just the opposite of what ‘Ad Lib’ means. This term, as you may have already guessed, means memorising dialogues completely. When an actor rehearses or performs with no script at hand, he has actually gone ‘off book’. In fact, most professional theatre schedules even have deadlines for actors to be “off book.” The phrase is said to have been coined on the early 18th century English stage.
Stepping on Lines
If you have performed in a play, you must have faced this: Your co-actor delivering his dialogue too early or blurting out his lines before you have finished yours. This is known as 'stepping on lines' in the theatre fraternity. This is a much-criticised practice among actors.