What does it mean for an actor to cheat in performance?

In the context of theatre, when an actor cheats in performance, it means to position themselves or move in such a way that their actions are visible to the audience, often maximizing visibility and clarity of expression. Cheating can involve adjusting bodily angles, facial expressions, or physical movement to ensure that the audience gets the intended impact of the performance. This technique helps maintain the dramatic tension and engagement, making the performance more compelling to those watching.

Other choices, while they may pertain to different aspects of acting or performance, do not capture the established term "cheating" as it relates to positioning for visibility. For instance, improvising lines unexpectedly refers to an actor's spontaneous dialog adjustments, misinterpreting the script indicates misunderstandings of the character or story, and performing without proper rehearsal relates to a lack of preparation or polish in the performance. Cheating specifically focuses on the physical dynamics of how an actor presents themselves to the audience.