Do You Have a Basket?

There are a few terms you should know, if you are writing a paper over a show.

House left (the left side of the stage when you are looking at it) is referred to as Stage Right (SR).

House right is Stage Left (SL).

The front of the stage is referred to as Downstage (DS).

The back of the stage is referred to as Upstage (US).

This is because in Greek threatre, the audience was on a level field, and the stage was on a hill, so when the audience went away from the audience, they were literally going up the stage. I don't have a historical explanation for SL and SR, except that having universal directions allows directions (referred to as blocking) to be given without complications.

In costuming, Washburn has something that we refer to as "stage perfect." This is when a garment may not actually be perfect, but the audience won't be able to tell that. If there is a blemish on a garment that the audience won't be able to see, you would say "The audience won't be able to read it."

House lights refer to the lights above the audience. Stage lights are above/shining onto the stage. A spot light shines on a specific character, usually during a solo or monologue. 

The set refers to the backdrop, floor, or panels used in the show. Props are any items used. A chair would be a set piece, a basket would be a prop.

Break-a-way or Tear-a-way objects are made to be broken or torn on stage and repaired easily, or cheap enough to replace.