Spend enough time in a theatre and you’ll develop a whole new language. It’s a mix of stage directions, inside jokes, and phrases that sound absolutely bonkers to anyone outside the biz. To us, it’s totally normal. To “normal humans”? We sound like we’re in a secret cult.
Here are 10 theatre sayings that make perfect sense backstage — but usually require a translator at the pub.
1. “Break a leg!”
Translation: Good luck, but don’t say “good luck,” or the Theatre Gods will smite us.
Confusing to civilians, who think we’re wishing each other an A&E trip.
2. “Hold, please!”
Translation: EVERYBODY STOP BREATHING UNTIL I SAY SO.
When the Stage Manager calls “Hold,” time freezes. Doesn’t matter if you’re mid-pirouette or halfway up a ladder. The SM is basically the theatre equivalent of a Jedi master.
3. “On book”
Translation: The poor soul holding the script, feeding lines to actors who ‘totally knew it in rehearsal.’
Explaining this to outsiders always makes it sound like a bizarre reading club.
4. “Strike the set”
Translation: No, we’re not forming a union protest. We’re dismantling that massive castle you just spent three weeks building.
Try yelling “Strike!” outside of a theatre context and see how quickly people scatter.
5. “Places!”
Translation: Drop your tea, stop your gossip, get where you’re meant to be — the show is starting.
To non-theatre folk, it sounds like someone’s pointing out furniture.
6. “We’ll just spike it”
Translation: Put neon tape on the floor so people stop tripping over the sofa in Scene 3.
To civilians, it sounds vaguely violent. To us, it’s a life-saving navigation system.
7. “Tech Week”
Translation: Seven days of caffeine, stress, and living in the theatre. Basically, a sleepover from hell.
To outsiders, it just sounds like we’re fixing laptops.
8. “I’ll grab it from props”
Translation: The magical Narnia cupboard where everything from fake swords to rubber chickens lives.
Every props room looks like an eccentric granny’s attic. Outsiders are equal parts terrified and amazed.
9. “That’s upstage/downstage”
Translation: Directions based on a sloped stage design from the 1600s, because apparently we refuse to update anything.
Explaining this to a normal person requires a flipchart, laser pointer, and a strong drink.
10. “It’ll be fine on the night”
Translation: We have no idea if this will work, but we’ve emotionally committed now.
This is theatre’s unofficial motto. Always said with a manic smile and just a hint of panic.
Final Bow 🎭
So next time you overhear a group of theatre folk saying, “Spike it, then strike it, but don’t forget you’re on book,” don’t panic. We’re not plotting world domination (yet). We’re just trying to make sure the sofa gets on stage in one piece.
And if none of this made sense… congratulations, you’re probably a “normal human.” Lucky you.