Cinema and Theater: English Vocabulary List

a building where films are shown

"We went to the cinema."

"The cinema was full on Saturday night and everyone waited outside."

a place that shows movies

"We often go to the movies."

"They decided to go to the movies on Saturday night and chose a comedy because they both needed a good laugh after a stressful and exhausting week at work."

the job or art of performing in movies, plays or TV series

"She studied acting for many years."

"Her acting in the school play was so convincing that the audience gave her a standing ovation."

a story about a crime, typically a murder, and a detective who tries to solve it

"The detective story was exciting."

"We read a detective story in class and discussed the clues."

a type of story, movie, etc. based on imagination, often involving magic and adventure

"Fantasy stories are full of magic."

"The fantasy novel was set in a magical kingdom where dragons guarded hidden treasures and brave knights fought evil wizards to protect the innocent villagers from harm."

a story of an adventure full of exciting experiences

"He wrote an adventure story."

"The adventure story had many dangerous moments and brave heroes."

books, movies, etc. about imaginary things based on science

"Science fiction often explores futuristic technology and its consequences."

"Hard science fiction is a subgenre that emphasizes scientific accuracy and detailed logical speculation"

a movie or TV program based on true stories giving facts about a particular person or event

"We watched a documentary about climbing Everest."

"We watched a fascinating documentary about the wildlife of the Amazon."

the American film industry, involving celebrities, its lifestyle, etc. as a whole

"Hollywood is the historic center of the U.S. film industry."

"Many aspiring actors move to Hollywood hoping to achieve fame and fortune in the entertainment industry."

someone who is known by a lot of people, especially in entertainment business

"The celebrity greeted the fans."

"Many people were waiting for the celebrity outside the hotel."

to capture or record moving images, typically using a camera or video recording device

"They filmed a movie here."

"They plan to film the documentary in several different countries across Europe and Asia."

a place, usually a building, with a stage where plays and shows are performed

"We went to the theater to see a play."

"The local theater is hosting a new play this weekend."

a person who dances, sings, acts, etc. professionally

"The artist painted a beautiful picture."

"An artist often sees the world differently from other people."

the part or character that an actor plays in a movie or play

"She played a key role."

"The actor's compelling role in the historical drama earned him critical acclaim."

a part of a movie, play or book in which the action happens in one place or is of one particular type

"The final scene of the play had everyone in tears."

"The opening scene of the movie introduced the mysterious character in a dark forest."

the large, white surface on which movies or pictures are projected

"Watch the big screen."

"The documentary was projected onto a massive screen for the entire audience to see."

a role or part played by an actor, performer, voice actor, etc.

"He played a great character."

"A character actor is a supporting performer who specializes in playing unusual"

a person in charge of a movie or play who gives instructions to the actors and staff

"The film director won an Oscar award."

"The film director shouted "action" to start the scene, and the actors began performing their lines perfectly, having rehearsed them many times over the past few weeks."

the main male character in a story, book, movie, etc., often known for his bravery and other great qualities

"The firefighter was hailed as a local hero."

"The hero of the story saved the village from the terrible flood."

the main female character in a story, book, film, etc., typically known for great qualities

"The heroine saved the day."

"The courageous heroine of the novel saved her family from danger through her clever actions."

a movie or TV show, made by photographing a series of drawings or models rather than real people or objects

"The cartoon was very funny."

"Children watched the cartoon after breakfast and laughed loudly."

a genre that emphasizes humor and often has a happy or lighthearted conclusion

"It was a comedy."

"The audience roared with laughter throughout the entire performance of the hilarious comedy."

a play that is performed in a theater, on TV, or radio

"We watched a drama play."

"The drama was so emotional that many people in the theater started crying before it ended."

a kind of story, movie, etc. intended to scare people

"I do not like horror."

"The suspenseful horror film left the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end."

the final part of a story, movie, etc.

"The ending surprised everyone."

"The ending of the movie was sad but very memorable."

a report that is published in a newspaper or a magazine, in which someone gives an opinion of a play, movie, book, etc.

"Her review was very helpful."

"The critic wrote a detailed review of the new novel for the literary journal."

the act of presenting something such as a play, piece of music, etc. for entertainment

"The performance was entertaining."

"Her performance in the school play was outstanding and the audience gave her a standing ovation."

a series of performances of music, plays, movies, etc. typically taking place in the same location every year

"The festival was crowded and noisy."

"We visited the festival last weekend and enjoyed the music."

a prize or money given to a person for their great performance

"She won an award for music."

"The award was presented on stage in front of the audience."

movies, television shows, etc. or an activity that is made for people to enjoy

"The circus provided great entertainment for children."

"The shopping mall offers various entertainment options including a cinema an arcade and a bowling alley."

to play or perform a role in a play, movie, etc.

"He acts in school plays."

"The young actor will act in his first movie next year and he is very excited about it."

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

"The band performs tonight."

"The band will perform their new song live on television for the first time tomorrow night."