Lesson

Cinema & Theatre

Vocabulary for movies and performances

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Cinema & Theatre Vocabulary

This lesson introduces essential vocabulary used in film and theatre contexts. You will learn common terms, their meanings, and how they appear in professional sentences.

  • Focus on key nouns (director, screenplay, cast) and industry terms (box office, premiere)
  • Learn collocations and common expressions used in reviews, reports, and meetings
  • Practice usage in business and production contexts relevant to TOEIC-level learners

Table

Key Cinema & Theatre Terms

Term Meaning Example
director The person who oversees the artistic aspects of a film or play The director requested a final rehearsal before the premiere.
screenplay The script written for a film, including dialogue and directions The screenplay was adapted from a bestselling novel.
cast All the actors in a film or play The cast includes three lead actors and several supporting performers.
crew The technical and production staff working behind the scenes The crew completed the set change in under 30 minutes.
box office Where tickets are sold or the total ticket revenue Ticket sales at the box office exceeded projections.
premiere The first public performance or showing of a film or play The premiere will take place at the downtown theatre next Wednesday.
understudy A performer who learns another's role to substitute if needed The understudy covered the lead role when the actor was ill.
cinematography The art and technique of photography in filmmaking The film's cinematography was praised for its visual style.
set design The creation and arrangement of physical scenery for a production The set design increased the production's budget but improved audience immersion.

Tip

Key collocations and article use

Remember common word pairings and how to use articles with production vocabulary:

  • Use 'the' for specific references: the director, the premiere, the box office.
  • Use 'a' or 'an' for unspecific mentions: a play, a screening, an audition.
  • Pair words appropriately: 'cast and crew', 'set design', 'opening night', 'closing performance'.

Focus on collocations (words that commonly go together) to sound natural.

Example

Examples in context

The director requested a final rehearsal before the premiere.

The screenplay was adapted from a bestselling novel.

The production's set design increased the show's budget by 20%.

Ticket sales at the box office exceeded projections for opening night.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors when using cinema and theatre vocabulary:

  • Mixing 'cast' and 'crew' — cast = actors; crew = technical staff.
  • Wrong preposition: say 'on stage' (not 'in stage') and 'at the box office' (not 'in the box office').
  • Incorrect article use: 'a premiere' vs 'the premiere' depending on specificity.
  • Using plural forms incorrectly for uncountable nouns like 'audience' — 'the audience is' (collective).

Check word meaning first (actor vs technician) and then use the correct collocation or preposition.

Quiz

Choose the best definition of 'understudy':

Hint: Think about who can replace an actor at short notice

Quiz

Complete: The film's _____ was praised for its visual style.

Hint: Think about camera work and visual style

Quiz

Which phrase is correct for the first public showing of a play or film?

Hint: Remember common collocations for first performances

Key Points

Vocabulary

director

noun CEFR B2 //dəˈrɛktər//

The person who supervises and guides the artistic aspects of a film or play.

The director requested changes to the final scene.

Vocabulary

screenplay

noun CEFR B2 //ˈskriːnˌpleɪ//

A written script for a film, including dialogue and stage directions.

We discussed the screenplay during the morning meeting.

Vocabulary

cast

noun CEFR B1 //kæst//

All the actors who perform in a film or theatre production.

The cast held a press conference after the performance.

Vocabulary

crew

noun CEFR B1 //kruː//

The group of people who work behind the scenes on a production.

The crew arrived early to set up the lighting.

Vocabulary

box office

noun CEFR B2 //ˈbɒks ˌɒfɪs//

The place where tickets are sold or the measure of ticket revenue.

The film grossed $2 million at the box office during its opening weekend.

Vocabulary

premiere

noun CEFR B1 //prəˈmɪər//

The first public performance or showing of a play or film.

The company organized a VIP reception for the film premiere.

Vocabulary

understudy

noun CEFR B2 //ˈʌndərˌstʌdi//

A performer who learns a role so they can take over if the main actor is unavailable.

The understudy received excellent reviews when she performed the lead role.

Vocabulary

cinematography

noun CEFR C1 //ˌsɪnəˈmætəɡrəfi//

The art and technique of film photography, including camera movement, framing, and lighting.

The cinematography elevated the film and became a topic in many reviews.