In theater, what does blocking refer to?

Blocking in theater specifically refers to the coordination of actors' movements on stage. This includes determining where actors stand, how they move during scenes, and the specific patterns of movement that enhance a performance. Effective blocking is essential as it helps to create a visually appealing composition and ensures that the audience can see and hear the actors clearly. It also contributes to the storytelling by emphasizing relationships between characters and guiding the audience's focus to critical moments in the performance.

This aspect of a performance is carefully planned during rehearsals, as it involves not just the physical movement but also how those movements relate to the narrative and emotional arcs of the play. The other options pertain to different elements of theater production, such as audience interaction, set design, and dialogue rehearsals, but they do not capture the specific intention and purpose of blocking within a performance.