verb
block
To plan performers' positions and movements.
The director blocks the scene before adding the dialogue.
Etymology
The theatrical verb is related to blocking out a work in its broad divisions before finishing details. Onstage, those planned outlines are the actors’ positions and movements through a scene.
More examples
- They blocked the actors' movements around the table.
- She has blocked the final scene carefully.
- We are blocking the entrance and exit during rehearsal.
Forms
block · blocks · blocked · blocking
Similar words
- stage
- Arranges a performance more broadly than positions and movements.
- choreograph
- Specifically plans coordinated movement, often dance.