Definition

Noun: 1. Incidental activity performed by an actor for dramatic effect: Actions, gestures, or small pieces of "business" performed by an actor that are not part of the main dialogue or primary blocking. These activities are used to create realism, reveal character, add humor, or enhance the dramatic situation.

Usage

• Stage business is a specific theatrical term. It is used to describe the detailed, often improvised-feeling actions an actor uses to bring a scene to life.
• It is typically uncountable when referring to the general concept (e.g., "The scene was full of clever stage business.").
• It can be countable when referring to a specific piece or instance (e.g., "His business with the newspaper was very funny.").

Examples

• The actor's stage business of nervously polishing his glasses added depth to his character's anxiety.
• A classic piece of stage business in that comedy is the repeated checking of the pocket watch.
• The director asked the actor to add more stage business to fill the silent moment in the scene.
• Her stage business with the teacup—constantly stirring it without drinking—brilliantly conveyed her distracted state of mind.

Advanced Usage

• "To do business": An actor might say, "What business are you doing in that scene?" meaning "What specific actions are you performing?"
• "Pratfall business": Refers to comic stage business involving a fall or physical mishap.
• "Prop business": Stage business that specifically involves the use of a prop, like the cane in the reference example.

Variants and Related Words

• Business (n., theatrical): A common shortening of "stage business" within the theater community. (e.g., "Find some business for that entrance.")
• Blocking (n.): The planned movement and positioning of actors on stage, which is distinct from but coordinates with stage business.
• Mime (n./v.): The theatrical technique of suggesting action, character, or emotion without words, which can be a form of stage business.
• Shtick (n.): A Yiddish-derived term for a comic routine or piece of business, especially associated with a particular performer.

Synonyms

• Actor's business
• Stage action
• Bit (in theatrical context)
• Stage activity
• Byplay (secondary action accompanying the main action)

Related Phrases

• Stage directions: Instructions in a script for actors' movement, position, or tone, which may include suggestions for stage business.
• To mug: To exaggerate facial expressions as a form of (often poor) comic stage business.

Idioms

• "Chewing the scenery": An idiom for overly dramatic, exaggerated acting. This is generally the opposite of nuanced, effective stage business, which is meant to be naturalistic.

Noun

1. incidental activity performed by an actor for dramatic effect
   • his business with the cane was hilarious