Easy explanations of Broadway jargon commonly used in Broadway venues, plus key words related to Broadway musicals.
*Alphabetical order
An actor who regularly covers a principal role for a set number of performances per week (often ~2–3). While one actor typically plays a principal role in all eight weekly performances, physically demanding leads sometimes have designated alternates. Recent examples include the role of Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys and Dewey in School of Rock.
Advance (pre-sale) tickets.
A theater idiom meaning “good luck,” used to avoid saying those exact words onstage; folklore holds that mischievous spirits might invert a direct wish of good luck.
A nonprofit supported by the Broadway community that funds organizations providing services such as healthcare, meals, and counseling. Twice a year—typically in the spring and fall—casts collect donations after performances with the well-known red buckets, and special events raise additional funds for charity.
An annual September event featuring playbills, posters, memorabilia, and even costumes and props. Organized by BCEFA, with proceeds donated to charity.
A free summer mini-concert series in Bryant Park (on 42nd Street) featuring performers from Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Held on Thursdays and popular with locals and visitors alike.
A Broadway-focused fan convention launched in 2016 (think a theater version of Comic-Con), featuring panels, performances, and meet-and-greets with Broadway artists and creators.
A short special appearance by a well-known performer, usually in a small role or scene.
Performers without solos or spoken lines; often used interchangeably with “ensemble.”
The final performance of a production. Past cast members may return, and producers sometimes give remarks after the curtain call.
The clothing worn by performers in a production. Designed to reflect character, period, or concept.
The bows at the end of a performance when the cast returns to the stage to receive applause.
A brief speech delivered from the stage—often by a leading actor, producer, or stage manager—at the end of a performance (e.g., for special announcements or charity appeals).
The performer responsible for maintaining the show’s choreographic standards. Works with the stage management and choreographer, leads brush-up rehearsals, and helps prepare understudies, swings, and replacements.
The company of non-principal performers who sing, dance, and often cover multiple parts, providing essential texture and storytelling.
A long-standing Broadway opening-night tradition (formerly called the “Gypsy Robe,” renamed in 2018). Before the first official performance of a new musical, the ensemble member with the most Broadway credits dons a decorated robe and circles the cast three times onstage for luck, then other ensemble members touch the robe in a good-luck gesture. The robe is passed from show to show throughout the season.
Total pre-deduction ticket revenue for a defined period.
A performer’s professional photograph used for casting and programs such as the Playbill.
The break between acts—commonly about 15 minutes.
A daytime performance, usually scheduled in the afternoon. On Broadway, the most common matinee times are Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM. Matinees allow audiences—including families and tourists—to see a show earlier in the day.
Original Broadway Cast—the cast of the first official (opening night) Broadway company.
Original Cast Recording—a recording made with the opening-night cast (or principal company) of a production.
Original London Cast—the original West End company.
The official first performance for critics and invited guests; often followed by a celebration party.
Performers appearing on opening night. Roles are often refined during rehearsals to fit these actors’ vocal ranges and dramatic choices—being in the original cast is a distinct honor.
The free program distributed at Broadway theaters containing credits and information; Playbill’s website also publishes daily theater news.
Public performances before opening night, during which creative teams can still refine the show in response to audience feedback.
A leading or featured performer (i.e., principal cast). Principals are typically listed with headshots near the front half of the Playbill.
Objects used on stage during a performance (e.g., books, cups, weapons). Short for “properties.”
A presentation—often script-in-hand—to attract backers or test material in front of potential investors.
A performer who joins an already-running production to take over a role.
A musical that primarily employs rock music idioms rather than traditional theater styles.
The length of the performance.
A limited number of discounted same-day tickets sold at the box office, usually on a first-come, first-served basis. Some shows also offer student rush.
The backstage entrance to a theater, where fans often wait after the show to meet performers, request autographs, or take photos.
An evening performance, typically starting at 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM. On Broadway, most performances are scheduled in the evening, with Friday and Saturday evenings being especially popular. The term comes from the French word “soirée,” meaning “evening.”
The actor’s left when facing the audience (下手 / shimote).
The actor’s right when facing the audience (上手 / kamite).
A dedicated cover for a principal role (not part of the ensemble). The standby appears only if that principal is out and is required to be at the theater for each performance.
When the audience rises to their feet to applaud, usually as a sign of great admiration and appreciation.
A performer who covers multiple ensemble tracks (and sometimes principal covers). Swings step in when others are out and must be ready at every performance—some cover ten or more tracks, with lines, vocals, choreography, and traffic patterns memorized.
Standing Room Only—standing places sold only when a performance is sold out.
The most prestigious honors in American theater, recognizing Broadway productions. Learn more about the Tonys here.
A pre-Broadway out-of-town run (e.g., in cities like Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, or Denver) to test and refine a show with full audiences.
A day when a show has both a matinee and an evening (soirée) performance. Often occurs on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
A performer who studies a principal role and goes on when the principal is unavailable; often an ensemble member doubles as an understudy.
Picking up pre-reserved tickets at the box office (photo ID is typically required).
A sales summary (daily/weekly) used by the box office/production to track tickets sold and revenue for a given period.
Use the links below to explore seating types and tips, plus a directory of Broadway theater owners and organizations.
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Wicked |
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MJ The Musical |
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Mamma Mia! |
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Chicago |
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The Lion King |
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Moulin Rouge! |
