Tech Prod Exam 1

basic parts of a theatre

stage, backstage, house/audience, 4th wall

proscenium stage

a performance space in which the audience views the action as if through a picture frame

thrust stage

a theater stage that extends out into the audience's part of a theater and has seats on three sides

arena stage

a performance space in which the audience sits all around the stage; sometimes called in-the-round

black box stage

Type of performance space that is small, created out of a room, painted all black, with customizable seating

environmental stage

aims to eliminate the space and distinction between the actors onstage and the audience by using the total theatre space to create the environment for the production

found space

a theatre space suitable for performances but not originally designed to be a theatre.

orchestra seating

The lower level of seating in a theater

mezzanine

the lowest balcony in a theater; a partial story between main stories in a building

balcony

upper level seating

balcony rail

the lighting position which is often attached to the front of the audience balcony

box booms

Hanging positions mounted in the house on the side walls or seating boxes of the theater

cove

a recessed lighting position built into the structure of a building or ceiling to hide stage lights from the audience while directing front light toward the stage

apron pipe

a pipe on the apron of the stage used to hang lights over the stage

pit

where the orchestra plays during a show

apron

the stage floor between the front edge of the stage and front curtain

deck

the floor of the stage

trap

Opening in the stage floor

wings

Offstage spaces to the sides of the acting area

legs

narrow, vertical curtains hung on the sides of the stage to hide the off-stage wings from the audience

border

a short, wide horizontal curtain hung above the stage to hide overhead lights, rigging, and hidden scenery from the audience

crossover

path behind stage for actors to cross from one side of the stage to the other

vomitoriums (voms)

a passage situated below or behind a tier of seats in an amphitheatre or a stadium, through which big crowds can exit rapidly at the end of a performance. They can also be pathways for actors to enter and leave stage.

grid

above the stage used to hang lights and scenery

pipe

a long metal tube suspended above the stage or audience used to hang lighting, scenery, and curtains

smoke pocket

provides a guide for the edges of the fire curtain, and provides a seal to prevent smoke from a fire from moving from the stage area into the auditorium

stage pocket

Outlet box distributed about the stage, usually sunken into the floor and equipped with a self-closing slotted cover.

What is the Broadway model?

A for-profit theatre model with investors/producers trying to make money.

What type of spaces are used in the Broadway model?

Empty spaces that productions load in and out of.

What is the goal of productions in the Broadway model?

To load in a show and leave it there for a long time.

How are productions designed in the Broadway model?

Designers and production personnel are hired on a per-show basis.

What is the nature of the crews in the Broadway model?

All crews are union, including actors, musicians, ushers, designers, and production personnel.

What is a key aspect of the load-in process in the Broadway model?

The load-in process aims to be as fast and efficient as possible.

How are the structures built in the Broadway model?

Everything is built to be sturdy and last a long time.

What is the primary structure of a regional theatre model?

Non-profit

What type of performance space does a regional theatre model typically have?

An in-house resident performance space or spaces

How does a regional theatre model typically present performances?

Presents a series of performances within a season, often around a theme

Who works full time or seasonally for a regional theatre?

Everyone except the director, designers, and sometimes actors

What is overhire in the context of a regional theatre model?

Supplementing the labor with additional workers

Where are scenery and costumes typically built in a regional theatre model?

In-house for the most part

How does working in a regional theatre model affect worker engagement?

Workers can be more engaged in the mission and growth of the theater

How is a regional theatre company often involved in its community?

Through mission or outreach

What is a co-production in the context of regional theatre?

More than one theater creating a show that moves from one place to another

What are Road Houses?

Road Houses are theaters and other venues that host a variety of short-run events.

What types of events do Road Houses host?

Road Houses host a variety of short-run events.

What is the difference between Bus and Truck tours and Sit downs?

Bus and Truck tours involve traveling productions, while Sit downs refer to productions that stay in one location for an extended period.

What is a One Off in the context of touring shows?

A One Off is a single performance event that does not have a series of shows.

Who are the key personnel in a touring production?

Key personnel tour with the production, including directors, actors, and crew members.

How are local stage hands hired for touring productions?

Local stage hands are hired through unions or other employment agencies.

producer

helps fund or raise money for a show

artistic director

The person in charge of the overall creative vision or goal of the ensemble; often chooses which plays to produce, who will direct, and who will design; is also an ambassador to the community, a fundraiser, and the theatre's chief promoter.

executive director

the top business and administrative leader who manages the financial, operational, and fundraising sides of a theatre organization

playwright

a person who writes plays

director

someone who supervises the actors and directs the action in the production of a show

production manager

oversees all technical, financial, and logistical operations to bring a show from conception to the stage safely and within budget

designers

Those responsible for the artistic look of the set, costumes, lights, makeup, etc.

production stage manager

During performances, the person fully in charge of overseeing the execution of the show

company manager

the central administrative and logistical leader who handles the day-to-day business operations, financial tracking, and personnel care of a production

production meetings

an opportunity for the creative and technical team to meet and discuss issues, concerns, and developments as they relate to the creative and technical needs of the show (note: If a topic only affects another person or two or if it will be a longer involved discussion, a separate meeting should be arranged)

members of production meetings

Director, Stage manager, Production manager, Scenic designer, technical director, Costume Designer, Costume Shop Manager, Lighting Designer, Head Electrician, Sound Designer, Props Head

ground plan

a scaled, top-down drawing that shows the exact physical layout of the stage, set pieces, and furniture from an aerial view

elevations

A drawing of a wall from floor to ceiling in a structure. It will include structural elements such as doors and windows. It includes built-in components.

orthographic

A method of representing views of a three-dimensional object by projecting the visible faces in each view on a two-dimensional plane

section

an imaginary cut through the set design that exposes internal features and details

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a government agency in the Department of Labor to maintain a safe and healthy work environment

ESTA

The Entertainment Services and Technology Association is a non-profit trade association for the entertainment technology industries

title block

contains show name, organization, designer name, drawing, title, date, and scale