Before I delve into the derivations of terms that apply to where actors tread the boards, here is a quick explanation of why those stages have two acceptable spellings. “Theater” has its root origins in both Latin and Greek. ”Theatre” was occasionally used until the French adopted it in the 1660’s. Famous authors had their favorite spelling of the term. While Chaucer spelled it theatre, Shakespeare preferred theater. Either spelling is acceptable, however theater is widely used in America.

We might as well get to the history of the other theater term mentioned in my opening paragraph. Theater stages are often made from wooden boards where are trodden on by actors.

My first introduction to theater terms had nothing to do with writers like Chaucer or Shakespeare. My curiosity about theater terminology came from watching Saturday morning cartoons. While feasting on my breakfast of choice, Cap’n Crunch and milk, my eyes were glued to the television. Among the many characters in those cartoons, for some reason I really liked Snagglepuss. Snagglepuss, a Hanna-Barbara creation, was a light pink cougar who wore a starched white collar, a bow tie and white cuffs replete with cufflinks. 

He enjoyed many things, but his main interest was theater. Like in many Neil Simon comedies, Snagglepuss would often break the fourth wall and talk to the television audience. He would explain what was happening and sometimes seemed to be sharing secrets. It made me feel like I was included in the action.

The term “breaking the fourth wall” was first coined by Moliere a 17th century French playwright and actor. Of course, a theater stage set does not have four walls. The fourth wall is invisible and separates the action on stage from the audience. It allows characters like my buddy Snagglepuss to address me directly and share some insight to the action.

It was other expressions that taught me the layout of the theater stage. Besides the fourth wall, there are three other walls forming the stage. Often when Snagglepuss was in a predicament that he needed to vacate, he would announce “Exit, stage left” or “Exit stage right.” What confused me is that from my viewpoint, if he announced stage left, he dashed off the right side of my screen; Stage right, he ran off the left side of my television. 

Eventually I learned that the stage directions are from the actor’s viewpoint, not mine. That is why in written plays “upstage” is towards the back of the set while “downstage” is closer to the audience.

Snagglepuss used many expressions about the theater. Many have a history of storied origins. The expression “Break a leg” is often used to offer encouragement to any endeavor. But do not use it to support an actor or any member of a theatrical crew.

One theory of “Break a leg” is that it began during Elizabethan times. If the audience loved the performance, instead of applause they would bang the legs of their wooden chairs often breaking them. So, wishing an actor to break a leg was hoping their performance was a rousing success.

Another theory of the term was when the ensemble actors, waiting for the curtain to rise would stand behind the Leg Line in the wings. Only those performers who were chosen to break over the leg line were paid for that performance. So, it was common to offer your support by wishing someone to break a leg.

The term “winging it” relates to understudies who wait in the wings in case they are chosen to replace a lead performer. If so, they are winging it.

Many productions come to an unscheduled pause when a performance or music number is so good that the audience feels compelled to give it a long spontaneous applause. Those pauses are known as showstoppers.

Well, it is time for me to get this show on the road. That expression was invented when a successful Broadway show packed up to tour around the country. 

Hudson Cooper is a resident of Sullivan County, a writer, comedian and actor.