Theatre Glossary: D

D is for drama, directors, and a good old double take. From dark theatres to dazzling debuts, this is the A–Z of all things “D” that keep the theatre world spinning (and the backstage gossip juicy). Whether you’re dimming the lights or diving headfirst into a dress rehearsal, here’s your cheat sheet to sounding effortlessly stagey.

Daisy Chain

No flowers here! In theatre, it’s a way of linking electrical cables or lighting units together in a chain. Handy, but too many daisies can overload your circuit faster than a diva at soundcheck.

Dark

The spooky word for when a theatre isn’t open to the public. “We’re dark on Mondays” doesn’t mean we’re gothic, it means no show that night.

Debut

An actor’s first performance in a role, production, or even their first-ever time on stage. Curtain up, nerves jangling, dreams beginning.

Delivery

How an actor speaks their lines, tone, pace, clarity. Great delivery makes Shakespeare soar; bad delivery makes even panto gags flop.

Deputy Stage Manager (DSM)

The stage manager’s right hand, often the one calling the show (“Standby, LX 12… GO!”). The unsung hero keeping chaos at bay.

Derig

The bittersweet opposite of “get-in.” Taking down all the lights, sets, and props once the run ends. Cue sad music and lots of bubble wrap.

Designer

The creative wizard behind the look of the show, sets, costumes, lights, or sound. If it’s seen or heard, a designer had a hand in it.

Dialogue

When characters talk to each other on stage. Ideally snappy, clever, or heartfelt, not something that sounds like it belongs in a bad soap.

Dim

To lower the intensity of lights. Nothing to do with the intelligence of the crew (who are usually the brightest in the building).

Director

The boss of the rehearsal room, shaping performances, pace, and vision. Can inspire, terrify, or occasionally both at once.

Digs

Temporary accommodation for actors while on tour. Ranges from cosy spare rooms to slightly questionable couches.

Diffuse

To scatter light so it’s soft and flattering. Think Instagram filter, but analogue and for stage lights.

Double

An actor or performer standing in for someone else, usually for stunts or tricky business. Think understudy with a dash of daredevil.

Double Cast

When two actors are cast in the same role, often alternating performances. Good for sharing the workload… or brewing friendly rivalries.

Double Take

That classic comic move where someone looks, looks away, then realises what they’ve just seen and snaps back. Gold standard in farce.

Doofer

A temporary, improvised gadget or prop used backstage. “What’s this bit of string holding the flat up?” “Just a doofer!”

Downstage (DS, DSC, DSL, DSR)

The part of the stage closest to the audience. Actors love it, directors control it, and audiences can’t miss it.

Drama

The granddaddy of theatre: plays written to be performed, ranging from tragedy to comedy. Also what happens in rehearsal rooms when egos clash.

Dramatic Pause

A deliberate silence mid-line to heighten tension or comedy. Master it, and you’ll have audiences hanging on your every word.

Dramatists

Playwrights. The architects of the script, crafting words actors bring to life.

Dramaturg

The research brain of the theatre world, helping to shape scripts, contexts, and concepts. Like the show’s resident historian and story nerd.

Drapes

Big fabric curtains used for masking, set dressing, or just making things look fancy. Swish, swoosh, and all that.

Dress Circle

The balcony seating above the stalls. Fancier view, higher ticket price, and excellent for discreet people-watching.

Dress Rehearsal

The final rehearsal with full costume, props, lighting, and technical cues. Basically the show, but with the safety net of “it’s just a rehearsal.”

Dresser

The backstage wizard who helps actors into costumes, handles lightning-quick changes, and solves wardrobe disasters.

Dressing (Set Dressing)

The art of adding all those little details, paintings, books, teacups, that make a set look lived in.

Dressing Room

The backstage haven (or chaos zone) where actors prepare. Vibes range from zen retreats to glittery warzones.

Drop

A large piece of painted fabric lowered from above to create scenery. Think instant backdrop without the faff.

Dry Ice

Creates that low-lying mist for spooky graveyards or dramatic entrances. Also: guaranteed to make stage crew cough.

Dry Run

A rehearsal without all the bells and whistles, just running through the action or lines. Basically theatre’s version of a dress rehearsal in sweatpants.