Theatre Studies Terminology and Technology

Proscenium Arch

The frame or opening of a proscenium stage through which the audience views the performance.

Thrust Stage

A stage that extends out into the audience on three sides.

Arena Stage

A stage surrounded by the audience on all sides.

Black Box Theatre

A flexible performance space, usually painted black, that can be configured in various ways. It creates a close and intimate atmosphere for audiences, and is used in the play The Birds.

Apron

The part of the stage that extends beyond the proscenium arch towards the audience.

Wings

The offstage areas to the left and right of the main acting space.

Fly Loft (or Flies)

The space above the stage where scenery, curtains, and lighting instruments can be suspended.

Sightlines

The areas of the stage that are visible to audience members from different seats.

Fourth Wall

The imaginary barrier between the actors on stage and the audience.

Costume Plot

A list or chart that shows which costumes each character wears in each scene.

Quick Change

A rapid costume change that needs to happen quickly backstage.

Draping

A method of creating garment patterns by pinning fabric onto a mannequin.

Mock-up (or Toile)

A preliminary version of a costume made from inexpensive fabric.

Distressing

The process of making a costume look worn, aged, or damaged.

Swatches

Small samples of fabric used for costume design and reference.

Breakdown

The process of analyzing a script to determine costume needs for each character and scene.

Set Dressing

Items on stage that are not handled by actors but help create the environment.

Prop List

A comprehensive list of all the props needed for a production.

Preset

Placing props in their correct locations on stage or backstage before a scene begins.

Consumable Prop

A prop that is used up or destroyed during a performance (e.g., a letter that is torn).

Practical Prop

A prop that actually works as it would in real life (e.g., a lamp that lights up).

Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight (ERS)

A type of fixture that produces a focused beam of light.

Fresnel

A type of fixture that produces a soft, diffused beam of light.

LED Fixture

A light fixture that uses light-emitting diodes as its light source.

Gobo

A thin metal or glass template inserted into a lighting fixture to project a pattern.

Gel (or Color Filter)

A colored plastic sheet placed in front of a light to change its color.

Dimmer

A device used to control the intensity of a light.

Light Plot

A diagram showing the placement and specifications of all lighting fixtures.

Fade

A gradual increase (fade in) or decrease (fade out) in the intensity of a light.

Crossfade

Simultaneously fading out one lighting cue while fading in another.

Wash

A general illumination of a large area of the stage.

Spotlight

A focused beam of light used to highlight a specific person or area.

Follow Spot

A powerful spotlight that can be moved to follow an actor on stage.

Practical Light

A light source on stage that is also part of the set (e.g., a lamp on a table).

Beam Angle

The spread of light emitted from a fixture.

Intensity

The brightness of a light.

Color Temperature

The warmth or coolness of a light source, measured in Kelvin.

Flat

A lightweight frame covered with fabric or hardboard, used as a wall or scenic element.

Platform

A raised surface on stage used to create different levels.

Riser

A smaller platform used to elevate a portion of the stage or set.

Unit Set

A single set that can represent multiple locations through the use of lighting and minimal changes.

Box Set

A set that represents the interior of a room with three walls and a ceiling (often implied).

Cyclorama (Cyc)

A large white or light-colored fabric backdrop that can be lit to represent the sky or other backgrounds.

Scrim

A loosely woven fabric that appears opaque when lit from the front and transparent when lit from behind.

Ground Row

A low scenic element placed at the back of the stage to create the illusion of distance.

Legs

Narrow, vertical curtains used to mask the wings.

Borders

Short, horizontal curtains used to mask the overhead rigging and lighting.

Revolve (or Turntable)

A rotating platform built into the stage floor.

Levels

The use of different heights on stage to create visual interest and emphasize relationships.

Focus

Directing the audience's attention to a particular actor or area on stage.

Composition

The arrangement of actors and scenic elements on stage to create a visually appealing image.

Motivation

The internal reasons behind a character's actions and dialogue.

Subtext

The underlying meaning or unspoken thoughts and feelings of a character.

Table Work

A rehearsal process where the actors and director discuss the script.

Characterization

The process of creating and portraying a believable character.

Vocal Projection

The ability to speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard by the entire audience.

Articulation

The clarity and distinctness of speech.

Pace and Rhythm (Acting)

The speed and flow of an actor's delivery.

Gesture

A movement of the body, especially of the hands or arms, to express an idea or feeling.

Facial Expression

Using the muscles of the face to convey emotions.

Body Language

Nonverbal communication through posture, movement, and gestures.

Method Acting

A technique where actors draw upon their own emotions and experiences to create a character.

Action (Acting)

The physical or psychological verb that a character uses to achieve their objective.

Subtext (Acting)

The unspoken thoughts and feelings underlying a character's dialogue.

Sense Memory

Recalling sensory experiences to create a more realistic portrayal.

Full Lace Wig

A wig constructed with hair tied to a lace base that covers the entire scalp.

Lace Front Wig

A wig with a sheer lace panel along the front hairline to create a natural look.

Cap Wig

A wig constructed with hair sewn onto a fabric cap.

Hairpiece

A smaller section of artificial hair used to add volume or length.

Fall

A long, wefted hairpiece that attaches at the crown or nape.

Switch

A braid or ponytail that can be attached to existing hair.

Wig Block

A head-shaped form used for styling and storing wigs.

Ventilation

The technique of hand-tying individual hairs to a wig base.

Wefting

Sewing rows of hair together to create tracks that are then attached to a wig cap.

Custom Wig

A wig specifically made to fit an individual actor.

Hairpiece Integration

Blending a hairpiece seamlessly with natural hair.

Period Hairstyles

Hairstyles specific to a historical era.

Greasepaint

A traditional oil-based theatrical makeup.

Cake Makeup

A water-activated, highly pigmented makeup.

Prosthetics

Molded pieces attached to the face or body to alter appearance.

Character Makeup

Makeup designed to create a specific character (e.g., aging, animal features).

Straight Makeup

Makeup used to enhance an actor's natural features for the stage.

Practical Sound Effect

A sound effect created live on stage (e.g., a door slam).

Recorded Sound Effect

A pre-recorded sound played back during a performance.

Sound Cue

A specific point in the script or performance when a sound effect is played.

Sound Board (or Mixing Console)

A device used to control and mix sound levels.

Speaker

A device that outputs sound.

Subwoofer

A speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds (bass). In The Birds, it is used to create sound transitions from the left center, middle rotation and right center

Sound Designer

The person responsible for creating and implementing the soundscape for a production.

Sound Operator

The person who runs the sound board during performances.

Reinforcement

Amplifying live sound (e.g., actors' voices or musical instruments).

Panning

Moving a sound effect between different speakers.

Foley

The art of creating sound effects in sync with the visual elements of a performance or film.

Sound Plot

A list of all the sound cues in a production, with their timings and technical requirements.

Digital Lighting Console

A computerized control system for lighting fixtures.

Moving Light

A lighting fixture with motorized capabilities for pan, tilt, color, and gobo changes.

Media Server

A computer system used to store and play back video and other media content.

Automation

The use of computerized systems to control scenic elements, lighting, and sound.

Follow Spot Software

Computer programs that assist in operating follow spots.

CAD (Computer-Aided Design)

Software used to create technical drawings of sets and lighting plots.