Today we are spotlighting a term you may have heard if you have been in any of our camps, classes, or productions. “Thank you, places!” This is a common phrase used in response to a stage manager, teacher, or director calling “places.” It is a call and response used to show that you have heard and understood the directions that were given.
It is also used for break times! When actors are released for a five minute break, the stage manager will often call “take five,” and the expected response is “thank you, five!” It’s an easy way to communicate directions and establish accountability that the actors will be back by the end of their break and ready to rehearse again.
But what’s the point? Why is this call and response so common in theater spaces? Well, it is more than just an effective tool to communicate. Having an expected response that all actors know and use helps to build a sense of community within the cast and crew. That’s what is so important about being an ensemble; you are all working together toward a common goal, and saying “thank you” helps to show that you are all on the same team!
It also gives respect to the stage manager or directing team for the work they are doing to lead a cast. Just as saying “please” and “thank you” is respectful in other situations, we say “thank you” in the theater to acknowledge the responsibilities of our teachers and leaders.
Encore would also like to say “thank you” to all of you who have supported us this month with Giving Tuesday and our generous matches! You all make it possible for us to offer theatre by kids, for kids here in Arlington. Thank you for coming to see The Lion King Jr. and Jingle Bell Jam. Thank you for attending holiday mini camps. Thank you for your support behind the scenes. Thank you for driving your students to classes and rehearsals. It has been a great year of theatre here at Encore, and we look forward to what 2025 holds for us!
Already planning your New Year? You can register for winter classes or buy tickets to The Twelve Dancing Princesses and Flip the Script today!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Cindy Kane. Blog contribution by Parker Nelson