Verbs Related to Cinema and Theater

the number of times something changes or happens during a specific period of time

The crime rate in the city has decreased significantly over the past year.

to do something for a special reason

The company decided to act quickly to address customer complaints and improve its services.

without prior practice or preparation

The actor forgot his lines and had to speak ad lib during the performance.

a leading actor or actress who takes part in a movie, play, etc.

to act a role in an exaggerated way that is not natural

He tends to overact by emphasizing every line with dramatic gestures.

to enjoy yourself and do things for fun, like children

A group of children were playing on the playground.

to describe something or someone through words

The author portrays the protagonist as a courageous and determined individual.

(astronomy) a shining point found in large numbers in the night sky

I looked up at the night sky and saw a shooting star.

an actor who practices the lines of another actor in order to replace them if necessary

The understudy stepped into the lead role at the last minute when the main actor fell ill.

to indicate that characters leave the stage or scene

to encourage someone to do or say something

The teacher used thought-provoking questions to prompt students to participate actively in class discussions.

the thick pinkish leaf stalks of a plant that is cooked and eaten, growing in Central Asia

Rhubarb leaves are toxic and should never be eaten, as they contain high levels of oxalic acid.

a meeting during which actors, singers, or dancers show their skills and abilities in front of casting directors, producers, or other decision-makers to be considered for a role in a production

She nervously prepared for her audition by practicing her lines over and over.

all the actors and actresses in a movie, play, etc.

She was excited to join the cast of the upcoming film.

to assign the roles of a play, motion picture, etc. to unsuitable actors

By the time they realized it, they had already miscast the key role.

cast again, in a different role

to practice a play, piece of music, etc. before the public performance

The actors gathered in the theater to rehearse their lines and perfect their stage movements before the opening night.

identify as belonging to a certain type

going from one place to another in a straight line without stopping or changing direction

The direct route to the airport takes approximately twenty minutes by car.

to give someone or something a nickname, often to show affection or to highlight a specific trait

In the music industry, the legendary guitarist was dubbed "The King of Blues" for his mastery of the blues genre.

to choose and arrange the parts that are crucial to the story of a movie, show, etc. and cut out unnecessary ones

After shooting wrapped, the director and editor collaborated to edit the documentary.

a story that we can watch on a screen, like a TV or in a theater, with moving pictures and sound

The film we watched last night was a gripping thriller that kept us on the edge of our seats until the very end.

to become hard or turn to ice because of reaching or going below 0° Celsius

As the temperature dropped overnight, the water in the pond began to freeze.

to insert a camera shot between two scenes by cutting them

to make something using raw materials or different components

How did you manage to produce a meal so quickly?

to put something or someone somewhere or in a certain position

She set the book on the table.

to supervise the production of a play or theatrical performance

to let someone leave a place in which they have been confined or stuck

The zoo decided to release the rehabilitated animals back into the wild.

the flat panel on a television, computer, etc. on which images and information are displayed

During the presentation, the speaker shared his screen with the audience.

to change something in a way that suits a new purpose or situation better

The company had to adapt its marketing strategy to reach a global audience.

to bring characters or objects to life through movement using animation techniques or computer programs

The studio animates characters for its upcoming animated film using advanced CGI technology.

to become visible and noticeable

With the sun rising over the horizon, the outline of the mountains appeared in the distance.

to add color to a black and white movie using computer techniques

a tapered rod used to strike the cue ball in billiards or pool

He chalked his cue before taking the shot.

to divide a thing into smaller pieces using a sharp object

I cut the paper with scissors to make a snowflake.

to turn a book, story, or an event into a movie or play

Historical accounts of great leaders are often dramatized in biographical films to engage modern audiences.

to approve a proposed law

The legislature voted to enact new regulations governing environmental protection.

to give a performance of something such as a play or a piece of music for entertainment

The band will perform at the city park next week.

to place or wear something on the body, including clothes, accessories, etc.

I always put on my helmet before riding my bike.

to release a bullet or arrow from a gun or bow

The police officer had to shoot to defend against the armed suspect.

an elevated area, especially in theaters, on which artists perform for the audience

The actor stepped onto the stage to deliver his monologue.

to adjust the lens of a camera in a way that makes the person or thing being filmed or photographed appear closer or larger

The nature photographer zoomed in on the butterfly resting on the flower.

to adjust the lens of a camera in a way that makes the person or thing being filmed or photographed appear further away or smaller

In the architectural photography session, the photographer instinctively zoomed out to showcase the building's surroundings.

to fall or collapse suddenly and heavily, either intentionally or unintentionally

The exhausted runner flopped onto the ground after crossing the finish line.

a device consisted of two or three metal pins that can connect a piece of electrical equipment to a power supply when fitted into the holes of an electric outlet

She inserted the plug into the outlet to charge her phone.

to watch a movie, play, TV show, etc. in advance of public presentation

Critics are invited to preview the new movie before its official release.

a theatrical technique in which the performer uses body and hand gestures in order to suggest an idea or tell something without using words

With only his hands and face, the mime communicated the entire scene.

(in a play, live performance, etc.) to forget or make errors in the delivery of one's dialogue

I had learned the speech off by heart, but I was so emotional that I started blowing my lines about halfway through.