What are the common acting terms and set lingo I need to know?
Understanding acting terminology is crucial for appearing professional and avoiding misunderstandings on a film or TV set. Key terms include “Off Book” (lines memorized), “ADR” (re-recording dialogue), and “Honeywagon” (the trailer for dressing rooms and restrooms). Beyond set lingo, actors must master craft-specific terms like “Objective” (what the character wants) and “Moment Before” (the emotional state just before a scene starts). Familiarizing yourself with this glossary ensures you can focus on your performance rather than worrying about the technical language surrounding you.
Walking onto a set for the first time can be intimidating. At Theresa Bell Actors Studio, we believe that knowing the language of the industry is just as important as the acting itself. This glossary will help you appear knowledgeable and professional in the Dallas film community and beyond.
The Actor’s On-Set Glossary
- ADR (Automatic Dialogue Replacement): Re-recording lines in a studio post-production to fix audio issues.
- Booking: The best word in acting—it means you got the job!
- Call Time: The exact time you must arrive on set for hair, makeup, or wardrobe.
- Craft Services: The “magic table” filled with snacks and drinks for the cast and crew.
- Wrap: The magical word that signifies filming has ended for the day or the project.
The Business of Acting
- Local Hire: An actor who lives where the project is being shot, helping producers avoid travel and lodging expenses.
- Scale: The minimum daily or weekly pay rate set by SAG/AFTRA.
- Sides: The specific pages of a script you are asked to perform for an audition.
Craft Terms Used at TBell Actors Studio
In our Dallas acting classes, we use specific terminology to break down a scene and find the “truth” in a performance:
- Overall Objective: What your character wants more than anything else in the entire story.
- Substitution: Endowing your scene partner with a person from your real life to create authentic “heat” and energy.
- The Moment Before: The physical and emotional life of the character immediately before the director yells “Action!”
- Inner Monologue: What is going on in your character’s head when they don’t have lines.
Master the Language of Success at TBell Actors Studio
Reading about these terms is a great start, but using them in a professional environment is where the real learning happens. At Theresa Bell Actors Studio, we prepare you for every aspect of your career—from the terminology to the final “Wrap.” Book acting lessons today and step onto your next set with total confidence!
