Stagelighting Jargon List (copy)

Function

The purpose or role of a lighting element or effect on the stage.

Quality

The characteristics of light that affect its appearance, such as intensity, color, and direction.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light.

Nanometer

A unit of measurement used to specify the wavelength of light.

Wavelength

The distance between successive peaks or troughs of a wave of light.

Selective Visibility

The ability to control what the audience can see and not see on the stage.

Composition

The arrangement and placement of lighting elements to create a desired effect.

Revelation of Form

The use of light to reveal the shape and structure of objects or characters on stage.

Mood

The emotional or atmospheric quality created by lighting.

Reinforcement

Enhancing the visibility of characters or objects on stage using light.

Illumination

The overall level of brightness on the stage.

Concealment

The use of darkness or shadow to hide certain elements on stage.

Atmosphere

The overall feeling or ambiance created by lighting.

Color

The hue of light produced by various sources.

Special Effects

Lighting techniques used to create unique visual effects.

Intensity

The strength or brightness of light.

Distribution

How light is spread or directed on the stage.

Diffuse

Light that is spread out evenly.

Sharp

Highly focused and directional light.

Texture

The visual or tactile quality of light on surfaces.

Movement

Changing the position or direction of light during a performance.

Hue

The specific color of light, such as red, green, or blue.

Saturation

The purity or vividness of a color.

Value

The lightness or darkness of a color.

Color Temperature

The color quality of light sources, typically measured in Kelvin.

Step Ladder

A portable ladder with steps and a hinged design.

Extension Ladder

A ladder that can be extended to various heights.

Spotter

A person responsible for ensuring safety during elevated work.

Harness

A safety device worn by individuals working at heights.

Personnel Lift

Equipment used for lifting people to elevated positions.

Lanyard

A flexible line used to secure a person to a harness.

Realism

Lighting that aims to create a realistic setting.

Motivated Lighting

Lighting that appears to come from a natural source within the scene.

Source Light

Lighting from a visible source within the stage scene.

Fill Light

Supplementary light used to soften shadows.

Proscenium

The arch or frame separating the stage from the audience.

Proscenium Arch

The arched opening of the proscenium.

Forestage

The front part of the stage closest to the audience.

Apron

The extended part of the stage in front of the proscenium.

Wings

The offstage areas to the sides of the stage.

Borders

Horizontal curtains or structures that hide lighting equipment.

Tormentor

Vertical masking pieces used to block portions of the stage.

Teaser

A horizontal masking piece above the stage.

Thrust Stage

A stage that extends into the audience area.

Arena Stage

A stage with audience seating on all sides.

Front Light

Lighting from the front of the stage.

Front Fill

Additional front lighting to reduce shadows.

Front Diagonal

Lighting from the front at an angle.

Side Front

Lighting from the sides of the front of the stage.

High Side

Lighting from a high angle at the sides.

Pipe End

The end of a hanging pipe for lights.

Head High

Lighting at head level.

Mid High

Lighting at a medium height.

Knee High

Lighting at knee level.

Shinbuster

A low-lying lighting fixture.

Back Light

Lighting from behind the subject.

Back Diagonal

Lighting from behind at an angle.

Top Light

Lighting from above.

Footlight

Lighting at floor level in front of the stage.

Floor Mount

Fixtures placed on the stage floor.

Center Line

The central axis of the stage.

Proscenium Line

The imaginary line marking the proscenium arch's bottom.

Plaster Line

A reference line for setting up scenery.

Reference Line

A guide for setting up elements on the stage.

Boom

A vertical extension used to hang lighting equipment.

Box Boom

A horizontal extension for lighting placement.

Rover

A mobile lighting fixture.

Beam Port

An opening in the stage for lighting effects.

Cove

A concealed lighting trough.

Batten

A horizontal pipe for hanging lighting fixtures.

Electric Batten

A batten used for electrical connections.

Cyclorama

A curved or seamless background.

Drop

A backdrop or scenic element.

Cyc Lighting

Lighting focused on the cyclorama.

Balcony Rail

A railing in the balcony area.

Set Mount

Mounting lighting fixtures on set pieces.

Special

Unique or custom lighting elements.

System

The overall lighting setup and infrastructure.

Practical

Functional lighting elements integrated into the set.

Ghost Light

A single light left on for safety and superstition.

Area

A defined part of the stage.

Acting Area

The part of the stage where actors perform.

Lighting Area

The area illuminated by lighting fixtures.

Lane

A designated pathway on the stage.

Zone

A specific area of the stage.

Circle

A circular track for moving scenery or lighting.

Ellipsoidal-Reflector Spot

A type of spotlight.

Gate

The opening through which light passes in a luminaire.

Iris Slot

A device for adjusting the beam size.

Fresnel Spotlight

A type of spotlight with a fresnel lens.

PAR Can

A parabolic aluminized reflector spotlight.

Wide Flood

A floodlight with a wide beam.

Medium Flood

A floodlight with a medium beam.

Narrow Spot

A spotlight with a narrow beam.

Very Narrow Spot

A spotlight with a very narrow beam.

Floodlight

A luminaire that produces a broad, even light.

Strip Light

A long, narrow luminaire.

Wash Fixture

A luminaire for broad, even lighting.

Photometrics

The measurement and analysis of light.

Axis

The central line of a lighting beam.