Corpsing
Also called corpse, to corpse
Corpsing is when an actor breaks into laughter, or loses composure, in the middle of a scene during rehearsal or performance.
It is generally treated as unprofessional unless it is done on purpose for comic effect.
In use
She corpsed completely in the second act and the whole cast went with her.
UK and US usage
In the UK, corpsing is everyday theatre slang. In the US, the word is uncommon, and Cambridge marks it as British usage.
Last updated 4 Oct 2026
Related terms
Take it further
Train with working professionals
Knowing the words is a start. Book into live classes, get self-tape feedback from working actors and follow a plan built for you.