Term
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Definition
| When an actor improvises or rephrases a given line, not spekaing word-for-word |
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Definition
| The curtain, hung just upstage of the proscenium, that opens or closes each act or scene |
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Term
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Definition
| The area within the performance space where the actor moves in full view of the audience; That part of the available space occupied by the set and/or used by actors when acting |
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Definition
| A union for theater actors and actresses called the Actor Equity Association |
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Definition
| American Federation of Musicians : A union that, amongst other things, provides standardized rates for live performances and session work. |
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Definition
| American Federation of Television and Radio Artists : performers' union that represents a wide variety of talent, including actors in radio and television, as well as radio and television announcers and newspersons, singers and recording artists (both royalty artists and background singers), promo and voice-over announcers and other performers in commercials, stunt persons and specialty acts. |
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Definition
| American Guild of Musical Artists |
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Definition
| American Guild of Variety Artists is an American entertainment union representing performers in variety entertainment, including circuses, Las Vegas showrooms and cabarets, comedy showcases, dance revues, magic shows, theme park shows, and arena and auditorium extravaganzas |
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Definition
| space before the proscenium |
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Term
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Definition
| area extending beyond the proscenium: the part of a modern theater stage between the curtain and the orchestra (i.e., in front of the curtain) |
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Definition
| Metal frame that holds counterweights in a fly system. |
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Term
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Definition
| A theater without a proscenium, in which the stage is at the center of the auditorium and is surrounded by seats. Also called theater-in-the-round, 3 or 4 |
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Definition
| Fireproof theatre curtain. Made of asbestos and steel wire. |
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Definition
| American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Membership association representing composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers of every kind of music. |
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Term
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Definition
| words spoken by an actor to the people watching a play, that the other characters in the play do not hear |
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Term
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Definition
| Device to help patrons who are hard of hearing to hear a performance better. This is a requirement in some theatres. Theatres should explore ASL interpreters for patrons with severe/complete hearing loss. |
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Term
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Definition
| A change of setting/scenery that’s unhidden from the audience. |
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Term
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Definition
| this means lights that are hung upstage (towards the rear of the stage) that shine back towards the acting area; Spotlight that illuminates from behind. |
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Term
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Definition
| A sheet of material used to prevent a spill of light in a lantern or in part of a set. |
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Term
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Definition
| Swinging a followspot beam around in a figure of eight pattern |
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Term
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Definition
| adjustable flap to cut off light from specific areas of a light fixture. |
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Term
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Definition
| A horizontal metal tube used to suspend lights and scenery in the air in a fly system. |
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Term
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Definition
| lighting position on the front edge of the balcony , rail at balcony level; A permanent front of house lighting position in older proscenium theatres. A number of spotlights, sometimes fitted with colour changers, are recessed into the front of the circle balcony above the stalls. |
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Term
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Definition
| actors who appear in the first part of an act or scene |
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Term
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Definition
| The act of fading or turning out all stage lighting |
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Term
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Definition
| black clothing worn by stage management and crew backstage during productions |
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Term
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Definition
| thin black aluminum product used to temporarily mask light when barndoors aren’t doing the trick. like tinfoil, but black, can take out a light without unplugging, can make a top hat or barn door for light, malleable |
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Term
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Definition
| Dimmers which are incorrectly trimmed are said to bleed.... or paint with bright color, put light color over so paint can seep through |
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Term
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Definition
| map of stage, ground plan, building plans for theatre |
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Term
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Definition
| slang for stage floor, or deck |
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Term
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Definition
| Narrow horizontal masking piece (cloth/flattage) to mask the lighting rig and flown scenery from audience (LIKE TEASER) |
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Term
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Definition
| spin barrel on light, can be called spin-the-bottle |
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Term
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Definition
| Naturalistic setting of a complete room built from flats with only the fourth wall missing. |
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Term
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Definition
| when an actor behaves like himself, through physical or spoken word, rather than the character he/she is portraying |
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Term
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Definition
| a superstitious alternative to “good luck” |
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Term
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Definition
| prop of furniture designed to break/shatter with impact. |
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Term
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Definition
| A walkway, giving access to technical and service areas above the stage or auditorium, or linking fly-floors |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| A flash or sudden jump in light level |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| A notification of a working session |
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Term
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Definition
| an additional audition as for a theatrical role |
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Term
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Definition
| a bulletin board backstage for posting instructions, rehearsal times, etc |
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Term
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Definition
| The members of the acting company |
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Term
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Definition
| (Trade Name) Single pole connector used on professional power distribution & dimming systems. A separate connector is used for each phase/neutral of the supply. Originally developed for touring concerts, as power demands increase it's finding more use in theatres |
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Term
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Definition
| Imaginary line running down the stage through the exact centre of the proscenium opening |
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Term
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Definition
| leads and oversees the painting of stage, film or television scenery. |
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Term
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Definition
| people that are hired by performers, or the production, for the purpose of starting sustaining applause for them |
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Term
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Definition
| brand name for communication for backstage, all are hard-wired |
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Term
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Definition
| : series of audio cues used to synchronize sound recordings, often to a moving image |
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Term
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Definition
| Type of knot every technician should know; A knot used to secure a line to a spar, post, or other object, consisting of two half hitches made in opposite directions |
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Term
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Definition
| tests your own response to a piece of text you've not prepared |
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Term
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Definition
| Short for Complimentary ticket. Free of charge ticket issued to company members or special guests |
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Term
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Definition
| A list of names and contact details (phone numbers, addresses) for cast and crew. |
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Term
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Definition
| attached to several points for drawing up various shapes |
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Term
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Definition
| a blocking technique in whcih an actor moves opposite the other |
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Term
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Definition
| Method of flying scenery which uses a cradle containing weights to counterbalance the weight of flown scenery |
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Term
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Definition
| System for giving technical staff and actors silent cues by light |
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Term
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Definition
| part of line that prompts a technical effect or an actor to do something, responding physically or verbally |
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Term
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Definition
| At an arranged time, the performers arrive and the production is worked through in chronological order, with occasional stops to correct sound, lighting, entrances etc |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Introduction given by director or theatre owner (etc.) from the stage just before the performance starts. Often replaced with a recorded announcement |
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Term
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Definition
| Usually shortened to just 'cyc' (pronounced sike). The Cyclorama is a curved plain cloth or plastered wall filling the rear of the stage or TV studio |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Stage/Rostrum Floor (e.g. 'Fly that flat in to the deck') |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| completes one universe: standard for digital communication networks that are commonly used to control stage lighting and effects. It was originally intended as a standardized method for controlling light dimmers, which, prior to DMX512, had employed various incompatible, proprietary protocols. However, it soon became the primary method for linking not only controllers and dimmers, but also more advanced fixtures and special effects devices such as fog machines and moving lights. |
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Term
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Definition
| A metal plate with a hole in the middle inserted in the colour runners of a lantern to sharpen focus (in the case of a profile) or reduce spill |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Member of the WARDROBE Department who helps actors with costume care and costume changes during the performance |
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Term
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Definition
| A theater curtain that is lowered or raised vertically rather than drawn to the side |
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Term
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Definition
| without actors to rehearse the integration of lighting, scenic changes etc. |
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Term
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Definition
Deuty Stage Manager: Sometimes it can be the DSM who calls the show - that is, they give the lighting operator and/or sound engineer, along with anyone else who needs them, their cues. Often, when doing this job, the DSM will be in the proj box.
The other job that the DSM can have is to organise what is going on in the wings, on the opposite side from the stage manager. In this case, it is a matter of the DSM just being second-in-command |
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Term
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Definition
| Tape or material used to cover the seams between flats or to cover hinges, prior to painting. |
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Term
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Definition
| A scale drawing showing a piece of scenery, the whole set, lighting layout from the side. |
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Term
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Definition
| an extra or repeated performance; usually given in response to audience demand |
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Term
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Definition
| An 'overture' to begin the second part or act of a performance |
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Term
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Definition
| glass around a filament in a lamp |
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Term
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Definition
| Scene or speech which follows the main action of the play and provides some insight or comment on the action; addressed directly to the audience by an actor at the end of a play |
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Term
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Definition
| Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight |
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Term
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Definition
| Entertainment Services and Technology Association; non-profit trade association representing the entertainment technology industry dedicated to a core mission of Building the Business of Show Business |
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Term
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Definition
| the conditions under which you can use material that is copyrighted by someone else without paying royalties |
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Term
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Definition
| Fall Arrest Line used in rigging |
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Term
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Definition
| lights are dimmed, but not completely black, allowing for easy movement for actors around stage or set/prop move/change |
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Term
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Definition
| A frame formed by scenic canvas or vertical flattage within the proscenium arch. Used to reduce the size of the opening when putting a small set onto a large stage. |
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Term
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Definition
| upholstered arm chair with open sides |
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Term
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Definition
| A loud whistle or rumble heard emanating from a sound system. It is caused by a sound being amplified many times. |
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Term
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Definition
| A fireproof curtain that can be dropped downstage of the tabs to separate the audience from the stage in the event of fire |
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Term
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Definition
| Meeting with a seamstress anc actor to chck if costumes fit actor appropriately |
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Term
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Definition
| wheels that only move in one direction, they cannot turn |
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Term
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Definition
| When focussing lighting, flagging means waving your hand in and out of the beam of a lantern/instrument in order to see where the beam is hitting on stage |
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Term
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Definition
| Narrow flat hinged to a wider one |
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Term
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Definition
| scale drawing of a horizontal section through a building at a given level; contrasts with elevation |
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Term
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Definition
| area where the flying system is operated |
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Term
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Definition
| Description of how sharply defined a light beam is |
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Term
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Definition
| A cue that happens so soon after a previous cue, that it doesn't need to be cued separately |
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Term
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Definition
| The action of bracing the bottom of a ladder while a colleague climbs it |
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Term
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Definition
| The imaginary wall of a box set through which the audience see the stage. |
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Term
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Definition
| A scene division within a play marked (as in French drama) by the entrance / exit of an actor. |
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Term
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Definition
| Every part of the theatre in front of the proscenium arch |
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Term
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Definition
| The level of amplification given to a signal or of a system |
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Term
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Definition
| A light left burning overnight on stage to keep friendly spirits illuminated and unfriendly spirits at bay. |
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Term
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Definition
| the inflection of a spoken line ends upward, rather than downward/or lower |
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Term
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Definition
| A thin metal plate etched to produce a design which can then be projected by a profile spotlight |
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Term
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Definition
| microphone that projects everywhere; An announce microphone, where the person speaking is unseen. Often used by the director for giving direction to the cast/crew, or for making announcements to the audience |
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Term
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Definition
| The front curtain - known also as the grand drape, act curtain or house curtain - hangs just upstage of the proscenium arch and is used to close the acting area from the audience's view when the acting area is not supposed to be seen |
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Term
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Definition
| Room close to the stage (i.e. the green) for the actors to meet and relax. |
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Term
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Definition
| The support structure close to the top of the fly tower on which the pulleys of the flying system are supported |
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Term
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Definition
| A canvas covering for the floor of the acting area |
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Term
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Definition
| plan showing the exact position (seen from above) of all items standing on the stage floor and indicating the position of items suspended above. |
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Term
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Definition
| Profile scenery at the back of the stage representing trees, shrubbery, hills, etc. Masks the meeting of the stage floor and the Cyclorama |
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Term
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Definition
| the call that the show will begin in 30 minutes |
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Term
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Definition
| A shouted warning (often just 'Heads !') for staff to be aware of activity above them. Also used when an object is being dropped from above |
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Term
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Definition
| clear gel which when placed between a lamp and a coloured gel, dissipates a large amount of heat to give the gel a longer life |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| when you keep the show from beginning/continuing |
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Term
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Definition
| The brightest part of the beam from a lantern, usually showing the centre |
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Term
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Definition
| International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the union of professional stagehands, motion picture technicans, and allied crafts. |
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Term
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Definition
| space between tormentors/legs |
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Term
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Definition
| In theatrical productions, an instrument schedule is a listing of all the lighting instruments and information about them used in a show [1]. The instruments are organized by their position; this is the distinguishing characteristic between an instrument schedule and a channel hookup. |
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Term
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Definition
| refers to stage lighting that has automated or mechanical abilities beyond those of traditional, stationary illumination |
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Term
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Definition
| : Adjustable aperture which, when placed in the gate of a profile lantern, varies the size of a beam of light |
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Term
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Definition
| : Lanterns placed to the side of the actor to maximise the sculptural quality of the light |
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Term
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Definition
| To switch off (a light/sound effect); to strike/remove (a prop). |
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Term
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Definition
| small mike worn under hair or mike cap, also known as halo |
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Term
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Definition
| Drape set as masking piece at the side of the acting area |
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Term
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Definition
| A type of ellipsoidal profile spot |
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Term
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Definition
| Text of an opera, or other long musical vocal composition. The script of a musical. |
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Term
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Definition
| running lines quickly without pause for the purpose of memorization rather than meaning, or can mean the elimination of technical devices/ procedures |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| League Of Resident Theatres. It is an agreement with Actor's Equity regarding payment/treatment of actors |
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Term
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Definition
| The international term for lighting equipment |
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Term
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Definition
| words ina song, text of song |
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Term
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Definition
| portable flooring for the use of being danced on |
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Term
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Definition
| Form of theatre where actors faces are covered with masks |
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Term
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Definition
| french for "good luck", used primarily within dance |
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Term
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Definition
| first or lowest balcony, intermediate floor just above the ground floor |
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Term
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Definition
| Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Control system established in 1984 for linking musical instruments or other electronic equipment and computers together and storing the control signals the equipment produces for subsequent playback |
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Term
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Definition
| A desk comprising a number of input channels where each sound source is provided with its own control channel through which sound signals are routed into two or more outputs. |
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Term
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Definition
| backdrop used for marketing or advertising, backdrop used for vaudeville productions |
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Term
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Definition
| do one show and then move to another venue, traveling show |
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Term
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Definition
| Occupational Safety and Health Administration : is the main federal agency charged with the enforcement of safety and health legislation |
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Term
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Definition
| The act of holding a tab etc. back to allow large items or actors offstage. Also preventing microphone etc cables from getting entangled by pulling / releasing them from offstage as performer walks around |
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Term
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Definition
| a session without the set or actors when the technical and design team talk through the show ensuring everything's going to work as planned. |
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Term
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Definition
| (Greek) Term for three-sided flats mounted on a rotating base. Used in rows to produce easily changed backings |
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Term
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Definition
| A small amount of cash kept on hand by a business for incidental expenses. |
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Term
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Definition
| Call by Stage Management for actors to take their places for the start of a scene / show |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| discussion of an event after it has occurred |
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Term
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Definition
| Any object which appears to do onstage the same job it would do in life, or any working apparatus |
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Term
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Definition
| Anything in position before the beginning of a scene or act |
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Term
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Definition
| Design and Casting Conferences |
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Term
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Definition
| Short scene or speech before the main action of the play to put it into context or set the scene. |
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Term
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Definition
| Master copy of the script or score, containing all the actor moves and technical cues, used by stage management to control the performance. |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| A change of costume that needs to happen very quickly takes place close to the side of the stage. |
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Term
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Definition
| Main set of tabs at the proscenium arch. |
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Term
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Definition
| A sloping stage which is raised at the back (upstage) end |
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Term
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Definition
| first time a cast reads the play aloud together |
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Term
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Definition
| French term for stage manager |
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Term
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Definition
| form created by a stage manager which records notes which arise during a rehearsal and affect other production departments |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| : Information sent to a venue by a touring group detailing lighting, sound, staging and dressing room requirements |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| The basic story thread running through a performance / play which gives the reason for the character's actions. |
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Term
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Definition
| Screen Actors Guild: Includes information for beginning actors, member and industry services, FAQs, contracts and the SAG awards. |
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Term
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Definition
| measures a scale drawing of a set. |
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Term
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Definition
| is a comic theme or gimmick. "Shtick" is derived from the Yiddish word shtik (שטיק), meaning "piece"; the closely-related German word Stück has the same meaning. The English word "piece" itself is also sometimes used in a similar context. Another variant is "bits of business" or just "bits"; comic mannerisms |
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Term
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Definition
| a course guaze: a firm open-weave fabric used for a curtain in the theater |
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Term
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Definition
| To prepare the stage for action |
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Term
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Definition
| The lowest lantern on a lighting boom |
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Term
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Definition
| unique pages, usually taken out of a script in order to help the actor prepare for the audition. The sides are the most important thing that helps the actor to rehearse the part. They are usually sent by the casting office to the actor or to his/her representative. In some cases the actor can download them himself as a pdf or word format, and print them. Many sites take money for this service. |
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Term
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Definition
| the first music rehearsal involving both singers and orchestra, usually held in the theatre, where the orchestra plays from the pit and the principals and chorus are seated on stage (Probe is German for rehearsal - a sitting rehearsal). |
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Term
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Definition
| caster that is able to move any direction; undriven, single, double, or compound wheel mounted on an object to make movement easier |
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Term
| Sneak it in and sneak it out |
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Definition
| to change scenery while another scene is still in action |
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Term
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Definition
| A type of shielded, locking multipin speaker connector which can safely carry the high currents from an amplifier needed to drive large speaker systems |
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Term
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Definition
| traditional pseudonyms used in programs in American theater. The reasons for the use of an alternate name vary. Actors who don't want to be credited, or whose names would otherwise appear twice because they are playing more than one role in a production, may adopt a pseudonym. Also actors who are members of the AFL-CIO trade union of professional actors known as Actors Equity Association, but are working illegally under a non-union contract and wish to avoid the significant penalties ranging from substantial fines to revocation of union membership that could result from working under non-union contracts, will also frequently use a pseudonym |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| standing room only, an event in which all seats are occupied leaving only places to stand. |
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Term
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Definition
| A warning given to technical staff by stage management that a cue is imminent. |
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Term
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Definition
| To disassemble a stage set ('strike the set'), to remove props from the stage. |
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Term
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Definition
| Fader on a lighting desk which can have a lighting state recorded onto it for additional control, or to use when manually mixing lighting states for music concerts or one-off events |
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Term
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Definition
| is an additional member of an organization. A supernumerary is also a non-regular member of a staff, a member of the staff or an employee who works in a public office who is not part of the manpower complement. Thus, a supernumerary could be an extra member or a temporary employee in addition to the permanent staff, or permanent members of a society |
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Term
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Definition
| A member of the cast of a musical (or a play with a large cast) who understudies multiple chorus roles in the production. |
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Term
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Definition
| A sample of fabric to demonstrate the material to use on a costume or set design, or a sample of lighting gel. |
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Term
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Definition
| also known as a tab curtain, the tableau curtain is made up of two curtain panels hung, with center overlap, from a single batten |
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Term
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Definition
| Border, usually black, set behind the proscenium and linked with tormentors to form an inner frame to the stage |
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Term
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Definition
| A pattern or gauge, such as a thin metal plate with a cut pattern, used as a guide in making something accurately, as in woodworking or the carving of architectural profiles. |
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Term
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Definition
| Narrow masking flats adjacent and sometimes at right angles to the proscenium arch. curtains behind lights, short |
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Term
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Definition
| prpeared by ASMs detailing what each of them does before and during the run of a performance |
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Term
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Definition
| An opening through the stage floor |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| A framework of alloy bars and triangular cross-bracing (usually of scaffolding diameter) providing a rigid structure, particularly useful for hanging lights where no permanent facility is available |
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Term
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Definition
| A type of steel snubbing device, also called a LINE-LOK, named after its' alleged inventor. |
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Term
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Definition
| Single setting which can represent a variety of locales with the simple addition of properties or scenic elements |
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Term
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Definition
| , a series of 512 dmx channels; the universe is a bridge between the dimmers to the light op board |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| United States Institute of Theatre Technology |
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Term
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Definition
| a short drapery or wood or metal frame used as a decorative heading to conceal the top of curtains and fixtures |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| bundling up a cloth or backdrop and tying it to a flying bar so that it can be flown out of sight |
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Term
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Definition
| The very first rehearsal where actors and tech comes together, is a full technical rehearsal with actors and all technical elements |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
|
Definition
| Multipin metallic connector |
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Term
|
Definition
| positive and neutral, but no goround, electrical cable that is used for small appliances |
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