utility-man

utility-man

A utility-man carries a small table onto the stage.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A versatile performer in theatre: A "utility-man" is an actor who is capable of playing various minor roles or performing backstage tasks as needed, often in a repertory company.
    • A general handyman or jack-of-all-trades: In a broader sense, a "utility-man" can refer to a worker who performs a variety of tasks, especially in manual or technical jobs.
Usage Examples
  • (A versatile performer taking on multiple minor roles.)
  • (A worker who does different odd jobs.)
  • (A person performing various backstage duties.)
Advanced Usage
  • "utility-man in the wings": a phrase used to describe a person ready to assist or take over any minor role behind the scenes.
    • The director relied on his utility-man in the wings to cover any last-minute absences. (The versatile assistant was prepared to fill any gap.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Utility (n): the quality of being useful; also, a minor role in theatre.
    • The actor accepted a utility role in the production. (A small, flexible part.)
  • Utility player (n): a sports term for an athlete who can play multiple positions; similar to utility-man in theatre.
    • The baseball team's utility player can cover any position in the infield. (A versatile athlete.)
  • Handyman (n): a person skilled at various household repairs; often synonymous with utility-man in a non-theatrical context.
    • The handyman fixed the leaky faucet and painted the fence. (A general repair worker.)
Synonyms
  • Jack-of-all-trades: a person who can do many different types of work.
  • Factotum: an employee who does all kinds of work.
  • Versatile performer: an actor who can play many different roles.
Idioms
  • "utility-man of the stage": a fixed phrase describing a performer who handles multiple minor roles.
    • He was known as the utility-man of the stage, always ready to take on any part. (The actor's versatility was his defining trait.)
Related Terms
  • Repertory: a type of theatre in which a company performs several plays in rotation, often requiring actors to play multiple roles.
  • Minor role: a small or supporting part in a play or film.