LIGHTING TERMS A-DRESS REHEARSAL

15A PLUG

Standard domestic power connector in the US.

20A PLUG

Standard power connector in US theaters with three round metal contacts (live, neutral, and earth).

ADAPTOR

Connector allowing multiple devices to connect to a single power outlet; can also refer to a jumper.

AMBIENT LIGHT

Background light in a venue with no stage-lighting sources switched on.

AMPERE (AMP)

Standard unit for measuring electrical current in a circuit.

ATTRIBUTES

Controllable parameters of a moving light, including pan, tilt, color wheels, and gobo selection.

BACK PROJECTION

A method of projecting images onto a screen from behind.

BACKLIGHT

Light coming from behind scenery or actors to separate them from the background.

BATTEN PIPE

Horizontal metal tube from which lighting equipment and scenery may be suspended.

BARN DOORS

Rotatable metal flaps attached to lanterns to control the beam direction.

BATTENS

Timber used for various purposes in lighting, including carrying hanging cloths and joining flats.

BEAM ANGLE

The angle of the light cone produced by a lantern.

BELTPACK

Part of the communication system in a theater, containing controls for headsets.

BLACKOUT

Complete absence of stage lighting; can also refer to the act of turning off stage lighting.

BLINDERS (Audience)

Lamps directed into the auditorium to prevent spectators from seeing the stage.

BOOM

Vertical scaffolding pole for mounting lanterns, often used for side-lighting.

BOOM BASE

Wooden board used as a base for lighting booms.

BOOTH

Control room in a theater.

BORDER

Narrow horizontal masking piece to mask the lighting rig from the audience.

BREAKOUT

Connection at the end of a multicore cable allowing multiple items to connect.

BREAKUP

Abstract gobo used to create a textured light effect.

BRIDGE (CATWALK)

Walkway providing access to technical areas above the stage or auditorium.

BUMP

Sudden jump in light level.

BUMP CUE

Lighting cue that instantly increases lighting to a brighter level.

BURNT OUT

A colored gel that has lost its color due to excessive heat.

C CLAMP / C-CLAMP

US equivalent of the UK Hook Clamp, used for securing lighting equipment.

CALL

Notification for a working session or request for an actor to come to the stage.

CALLING THE SHOW

Process of giving verbal cues to technical departments during a performance.

CLEAR-COM

Communication system used for coordination during performances.

CHANNEL

Control path for signals in lighting or sound equipment.

CHASE

Repeated sequence of changing lighting states.

CHEAT SHEET

Smaller version of the lighting plan used by the lighting designer.

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

Senior member of the stage lighting team, responsible for electrical maintenance and design.

CIRCUIT

Means by which a lantern is connected to a dimmer or patch panel.

COLOR CHANGER (Scroller)

Device for changing colors in front of a lantern.

COLOR FRAME (Gel Frame)

Frame that holds the color filter in front of a lantern.

COLOR MIXING

Combining effects of two or more lighting gels.

CRESCENT WRENCH

Adjustable hand wrench used in lighting setups.

CROSSFADE

Bringing another lighting state up to replace the current one.

CUE

Command given to technical departments for a specific operation.

CUE TO CUE

Cutting out action between cues during a technical rehearsal.

CUEING

Standard sequence for giving verbal cues.

CYC LIGHTS

Fixtures that illuminate the cyclorama.

DIFFUSION

Filter used to soften the edges of a light beam.

DIGITAL DIMMER

New generation of dimmers responding directly to digital outputs.

DIMMER RACK

Collection of individual lighting dimmer circuits in a single case.

DMX Terminator

Connector used at the end of a DMX run to absorb data signals.

DMX512

Digital multiplex standard for lighting control.

DOWNLIGHT

Light coming from directly above the acting area.

DRESS LIGHTING

Low-level lights provided while the audience enters the venue.