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Technical Theatre Vocabulary
Basic vocabulary for technical theater
144
Film, Theatre & Television
Undergraduate 1
10/04/2012

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Term
Act Curtain
Definition
Curtain usually closest to the proscenium, which when opened reveals the scene of playing area to the audience. Also called Front Curtain, Main Curtain, Working Curtain, or Grand Curtain.
Term
Acting Area
Definition
The area of the stage where the play is performed. Also called the playing area.
Term
Anchor
Definition
To secure a set piece to the stage floor.
Term
Apron
Definition
Stage area in front of the proscenium.
Term
Arbor
Definition
The metal frame that holds the counterweights. Also called the Carriage, Counterweight Carriage, or Cradle.
Term
Arena Stage
Definition
A stage in which the audience is seated on all four sides. Also called Theatre in the Round.
Term
Back Drop
Definition
A large piece of canvas hung from a batten and painted to represent a particular scenic element. Also called a Drop.
Term
Backstage
Definition
The area away from the acting area, including dressing rooms and the green room. Also called Offstage.
Term
Beam Projector
Definition
A type of lighting instrument that has no lens, used to emit a powerful beam of light with no diffused light.
Term
Blackout
Definition
A rapid extinguishing of all light on stage.
Term
Blocking
Definition
The movement and business of an actor on stage.
Term
Book
Definition
Two flats hinged together in order to be self-supporting when folded on the hinge. Also called Book Flat and Two-fold.
Term
Borders
Definition
In scenery, material hung at the top of the set to hide the fly system from the audience. Also called the Teaser. In lights, lighting instruments hung on battens over the stage area.
Term
Box Set
Definition
A set that utilizes three walls to enclose the stage area.
Term
Breakaway
Definition
A prop that is specifically made to break at a certain point in the play.
Term
Cable
Definition
Electrical cord used on circuiting lighting instruments to other stage devices requiring electricity.
Term
Call
Definition
The notification to cast and crew of rehearsal or performances. Also, the countdown to curtain provided by stage management, usually half-hour call, fifteen minute call, five minute call, and places.
Term
Call-board
Definition
The bulletin board used by SMs to post any information pertinent to actors and crew, such as rehearsal schedules and costume fittings.
Term
Caster
Definition
A small wheel used on scenery and scenic equipment for ease of shifting.
Term
Catwalk
Definition
An immobile platform above the stage that reaches from one end of the stage, or house, to the other, used to gain access to the stage equipment.
Term
Center Line
Definition
An imaginary or real line that divides the stage area into two equal parts, running from downstage to upstage.
Term
Center Stage
Definition
The middle area of the performance space.
Term
Cornerblock
Definition
A piece of 1/4" plywood cut in the shape of a triangle, used to connect the stile to the rail on a flat. Also called a Triangle or Corner.
Term
Counterweight System
Definition
A type of rigging that uses weights to counterbalance horizontal battens containing scenery, curtains, or lighting instruments.
Term
Cross
Definition
In blocking, to move from one area of the stage to another.
Term
Cue
Definition
A signal for the stage manager that puts into action a shift in lights, sound, or scenery.
Term
Cue Lights
Definition
Specific lights used by the SM to cue backstage technicians and actors.
Term
Cue Sheet
Definition
The page(s) used to note the cues given by the stage manager to the different technicians.
Term
Curtain
Definition
In addition to its normal definition relating to draperies, a term used to indicate the start or end of a performance such as "Five minutes to curtain!" (five minutes to the start of the performance).
Term
Curtain Line
Definition
1) The line on the stage floor where the front curtain touches when brought in. 2) The final line in the play. Also called the Tag Line.
Term
Cyc Lights
Definition
Type of powerful lighting instruments used to light the cyc with a smooth wash.
Term
Dim
Definition
To decrease the intensity of a stage light.
Term
Dimmer
Definition
An electrical apparatus used to control the intensity of the lightning instrument to which it is circuited. Found on the lighting board.
Term
Downstage
Definition
The area of the stage closest to the audience.
Term
Dress Parade
Definition
Designated time when the costumes are worn by the actors under stage lights in order for the director and costume designer to make any necessary changes or improvements to the costumes.
Term
Dresser
Definition
Crew person assigned to help with quick changes and general maintenance of costumes throughout the run of the show.
Term
Set Dressing
Definition
The decoration of the set with items that are principally for aesthetic purposes only.
Term
Dry Tech
Definition
A technical rehearsal without actors.
Term
Dutchman
Definition
Thin strips of cloth used to mask cracks between flats.
Term
Electrician
Definition
A theater technician who installs and/or operates the lighting for a production.
Term
Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight (ERS)
Definition
A type of lighting instrument that emits a hard-edged circle of light. Commonly called Leko.
Term
End Stage
Definition
A stage in which the audience is seated on two opposite sides of the audience.
Term
Floodlight
Definition
A lighting instrument that projects a diffused, unfocused beam of light. Used for general illumination.
Term
False Proscenium
Definition
A constructed proscenium that fits inside the permanent proscenium.
Term
Fill Light
Definition
Light used to illuminate shadowy areas.
Term
Fire Curtain
Definition
A nonflammable curtain hung directly behind the proscenium that protects the audience from fire or smoke emitted from the stage. May be the same as the Act Curtain. Also called the Asbestos Curtain or the Fireproof Curtain.
Term
First Electric
Definition
The first row of lights hung on a batten behind the proscenium. Also called X-ray Border, First Border, Teaser Border, or Concert Border.
Term
Flat
Definition
A wooden frame covered in cloth or wood, usually rectangular.
Term
Flies
Definition
The area above the stage that contains lines to be raised or lowered.
Term
Floor Pocket
Definition
A small iron box containing an electrical outlet, sunk into the stage floor.
Term
Fly
Definition
To lower or raise lines hung from the grid that are affixed with scenery or stage equipment.
Term
Fly Gallery
Definition
A platform that runs above the stage on one side, used in the operation of fly lines.
Term
Flyman
Definition
Crew person in charge of raising and lowering the flies.
Term
Focus
Definition
To direct and lock down a lighting instrument in its specified stage area.
Term
Followspot
Definition
A hand-operated lighting instrument mounted on a swivel stand that emits a high intensity beam of light, used to follow an actor on stage.
Term
Footlights
Definition
Strip lights used for general lighting. May be permanent or mobile.
Term
Fourth Wall
Definition
An imaginary wall between the actors and the audience that disallows interaction between the two.
Term
French Scene
Definition
Scene that begins and ends with an actor's entrance or exit.
Term
Fresnel
Definition
A type of lighting instrument that emits a soft-edged, diffused light.
Term
Front Elevation
Definition
A scale drawing that gives the front view of the set.
Term
Gel or Gelatin
Definition
Transparent material used to color the lights.
Term
Ghost Light
Definition
A light left on when the theatre is locked up for the night.
Term
Glow Tape
Definition
Tape that glows in the dark, placed in small pieces around the set so the actors and crew will not bump into anything during a blackout.
Term
Green Room
Definition
A backstage room used by actors and crew as a waiting and meeting area.
Term
Grid
Definition
A steel framework above the stage from which the fly system is rigged. Also called the Gridiron.
Term
Grip
Definition
Crew member who moves scenery.
Term
Ground Cloth
Definition
A heavy piece of muslin used to cover the stage floor. Also called Floor Cloth.
Term
Ground Plan
Definition
A scale diagram that shows where the scenery is placed on the stage floor. Also called a Floor Plan.
Term
Ground Row
Definition
A short piece of scenery, usually self-supporting, placed in front of the backdrop of cyc to mask stage equipment. Also called Cutout.
Term
Half-hour
Definition
The 30 minute warning to places.
Term
Hand Off
Definition
The action of a crew member handing a prop to an actor at a designated time and place during a performance.
Term
Hand Props
Definition
Properties that are handled by actors during the performance.
Term
House
Definition
The part of the theatre where the audience sits.
Term
Instrument
Definition
A term used for any lighting device.
Term
Instrument Schedule
Definition
A list of the types of lighting instruments to be used in a show. Also called a Hookup Sheet.
Term
Jack
Definition
A triangular-shaped brace used to support scenery.
Term
Jog
Definition
A narrow flat, usually between one and four feet.
Term
Joist
Definition
A support board suspended horizontally to provide support for a platform.
Term
Keystone
Definition
A 1/4" piece of plywood used to connect the stile to the toggle bar on a flat.
Term
Legs
Definition
Narrow curtains or cloth that hang vertically on the sides of the stage to mask the backstage area. Also called Tormentors.
Term
Light Board
Definition
The console that controls all the lighting instruments. Also called the Dimmer Board and Switchboard.
Term
Light Plot
Definition
A drawn-up plan that designates the placement of lighting instruments relative to the set.
Term
Lines
Definition
Cords hung from the grid, used to fly scenery and stage equipment.
Term
Mask
Definition
To hide stage equipment or the offstage area through the use of curtains, flats, etc.
Term
Masonite
Definition
A hard material used commonly for decking.
Term
MDF
Definition
Medium Density Fiberboard. Used underneath the decking of a platform to muffle the sound of footsteps.
Term
Muslin
Definition
Material used in the construction of flats.
Term
On Book
Definition
When either the SM or an assistant follows the script in order to help actors who stumble over lines.
Term
OSB
Definition
Oriented Strand Board. A strong, thick board often used for platforming.
Term
Pace
Definition
The tempo of the performance.
Term
Paper Tech
Definition
A meeting between director, designers, and stage management to define and record the series of technical events required to operate the production.
Term
Periaktoi
Definition
Three-sided flats that can be rotated to depict three different scenes.
Term
Pin Rail
Definition
A rail connected to the fly gallery used in the securing of fly lines.
Term
Pit
Definition
The area below the front of the stage. May be used to house the orchestra. Also called the Orchestra Pit.
Term
Plaster Line
Definition
An imaginary line that runs across the proscenium along the upstage side of the proscenium wall. This line is used by the designers and technicians to position various technical elements in the theatre.
Term
Practical
Definition
Any prop or piece of scenery that is usable and used within the play.
Term
Prompt
Definition
To help an actor with her lines when she either asks or is stumbling.
Term
Prompt Corner
Definition
The area from which the SM runs the show. Usually found just to the right or the left of the proscenium, backstage. The SM often sits in the lighting or sound booth to call the show.
Term
Prompt Script
Definition
The notebook kept by the stage manager that contains all the paperwork necessary to the production of the play, including a script with blocking and cues. Also called Prompt Book.
Term
Prop Table
Definition
The table backstage on which props are laid out, usually in a mapped out order.
Term
Props or Properties
Definition
All objects, except for scenery, used during a play. Categorized into hand props and set props or set dressing.
Term
Proscenium
Definition
The outlining frame of the stage opening that separates the house from the stage. Also called the Proscenium Arch.
Term
Quick Change
Definition
A fast costume change.
Term
Rails
Definition
The short outer parts of the frame of a flat.
Term
Raked
Definition
A stage that is built on an upward slant.
Term
Read Through
Definition
Usually the first rehearsal at which the company reads through the script.
Term
Rear Elevation
Definition
The scale drawing that gives you a back view of the set.
Term
Return
Definition
A portion protruding from the back of the frame of a flat used to make it look thick from other angles of the stage.
Term
Rigging
Definition
1) The process of loading in scenery and stage equipment. 2) The way in which mobile scenery is controlled.
Term
Run
Definition
The total number of performances of a production.
Term
Running Lights
Definition
Dim lights used to illuminate the backstage; typically blue.
Term
Run Through
Definition
To rehearse the show by performing from beginning to end without stopping.
Term
Scrim
Definition
Loosely-woven material that is used as a drop. When lit from the front, the scrim is opaque, but when lit from behind, it is transparent. Also called Gauze or Bobbinet.
Term
Set Dressing
Definition
Props that are used to decorate the set and are usually not handled by the actors.
Term
Shackle
Definition
A U-shaped clamp fastened with a bolt across the top. Used to attach pipes to the fly system.
Term
Shift
Definition
The process of moving from one setting into another during a play. Also to move (shift) a prop or piece of furniture.
Term
Side
Definition
A bound excerpt from a play that focuses on one character's lines.
Term
Sightlines
Definition
Imaginary lines of sight that determine what on stage is visible to the audience and what is not.
Term
Sleeper
Definition
Support board that rests between the ground and the platform.
Term
Slip Stage
Definition
A platform on wheels or casters that moves on and off stage during the course of a play to facilitate rapid scene changes. Also called Wagon or Jackknife Stage.
Term
Special
Definition
Light set up specially for a specific scene.
Term
Spike
Definition
To mark on the stage or rehearsal floor the placement of set pieces.
Term
Spike Mark
Definition
A mark on the stage or rehearsal floor, usually a piece of tape, that denotes the specific placement of a piece of scenery or a prop. Also placed on the guide rope of an arbor to indicate trim height.
Term
Stage Brace
Definition
An adjustable piece of stage equipment that fits into a brace cleat to support scenery.
Term
Stage Directions
Definition
Instructions indicating the movement, blocking, or stage business of the performers or other descriptions of the physical setting or atmosphere of the play.
Term
Stage Left
Definition
When facing the audience, the area of the stage to the actor's left.
Term
Stage Right
Definition
When facing the stage, the area of the stage to the actor's right.
Term
Stage Screw
Definition
A screw used to fasten the bottom portion of a stage brace to the floor. Also called a Stage Peg.
Term
Stile
Definition
The long outer portion of the frame of a flat.
Term
Swatch
Definition
A small piece of fabric or paint used to demonstrate the color and/or texture of the material being used.
Term
Technical Rehearsal
Definition
The rehearsal or series of rehearsals in which the technical elements of the show are integrated with the work of the actors. Also called Tech.
Term
Toggle
Definition
The middle braces connecting the stiles in the frame of a flat.
Term
Thrust Stage
Definition
A type of theatre in which the audience is seated around three quarters of the stage.
Term
Traps
Definition
Removable areas of the stage floor that allow access to the area underneath the stage.
Term
Traveler
Definition
A curtain that can open to the sides of the stage.
Term
Trim
Definition
The height to which a piece of scenery or stage equipment will be flown.
Term
Triscuit
Definition
Short, thin platforms attached together by biscuits, with small gaps left in between to prevent squeaking when walked on top of.
Term
Turnbuckle
Definition
A long, narrow, capped U-shaped metal piece with a screw through the flat portion. Used to create tension in a wire.
Term
Turntable
Definition
Portion of the stage that revolves. Also called Revolving Stage.
Term
Unit Set
Definition
A set that can serve as several different settings by changing only one or two set pieces, or by adding different set dressing. Also used for pieces set entirely in one space.
Term
Velours
Definition
Curtains hung both to mask the backstage area and to shape the onstage area. Also called blacks.
Term
Wings
Definition
The right and left sides of the backstage area.
Term
Working Drawings
Definition
Drawings to scale that give the specifics of both set and prop construction.
Term
Worklights
Definition
Lights used for general illumination of the stage when not in performance.
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