Blumenfeld’s Dictionary of Acting and Show Business

Do you know what a gimbal stage is, or a gaffer? What is the Alexander technique? And what does it mean when a director says, ‘Back to one!’ or ‘Stop thinking!’? Does a film director want a piece of fruit when he or she asks for a half apple, or says, ‘Give me a banana!’? What is an air-to-air shot? What is the alienation effect? And what is wire removal? Do you know what a soundie is? (No relation to a techie!) If you have to go for ADR, can you use a cough drop? Hint: it’s not something you swallow. All these entries and 4200 more are defined, including slang, international, and historical terms in the remarkable Blumenfeld’s Dictionary of Acting and Show Business .Get the hook! An expression of disapproval, called out from the audience, esp. in vaudeville and burlesque, meaning that the stage manager should use the large crook on the end of a long staff designed for the purpose of pulling a performer off the stage.Longer entries on acting in film; professionalism in acting; and microphone, reading, stage, vocal, and verse technique summarize the essentials succinctly. And the invaluable index of subjects by category covers 17 topics, including lighting, commercials, contracts, drama, professional organizations, the media, and theatre. This concise guide to the art, craft, and business of entertaining is one every professional, teacher, student, and entertainment fan will want to own and consult constantly.