tech theatre test #1

director

person responsible for interpreting the script, creating a viable production concept, and directing the actors

producer

person who selects the script, finds the financial backing, and hires all production personnel

stage manager

person who assists the director during rehearsals and manages all backstage activity once the play has opened

arena stage

a stage completely surrounded by the audience

proscenium stage

a stage configuration in which the spectators watch the action through a rectangular opening (the proscenium arch) that resembles a picture frame

traverse stage

a stage where the audience is on both sides of the stage, works for a small rectangular room and intimate plays

thrust stage

a stage projecting into, and surrounded on three sides by, the audience

set props

a large, moveable item, not built into the set, that is used in some way by an actor, such as a sofa, floor lamp, table, and so forth

hand props

a small item that is handled or carried by an actor

decorative props

any item that is used to enhance the setting visually but is not specifically touched by an actor, such as window curtains, pictures, books in a bookcase

black box theatre

flexible staging encourages and demands ingenuity from the production design team

counterweight arbor

a metal cradle that hold counterbalancing weights used in flying

cue

a directive for action, for example, a change in the lighting

prompt book

a copy of the script with details about each actor's blocking as well as the location, timing, and, as necessary, action, of all set prop, light, and sound cues

technical rehearsal

run-throughs in which the sets, lights, props, and sound are integrated into the action of the play

lighting rehearsal

a run-through, without actors, attended by the director, stage manager, lighting designer, and appropriate running crews to look at the intensity, timing, and placement of the various lighting cues

dress rehearsal

a run-through with all technical elements, including costumes and makeup

shift rehearsal

a rehearsal, without actors, where the director, scenic designer, technical director, and stage manager work with the scenery and prop crews to perfect the choreography and timing of all scenic and prop shifts

scrim

a drop made from translucent or transparent material

fly

to raise an object or person above the stage floor

grid

a network of steel I beams supporting elements of the counterweight system

false proscenium

a rigid framework covered with drapery material that is used to adjust the height and width of the proscenium arch. sometimes unframed drapes are used to create a false proscenium

backsaw

a fine-toothed crosscut saw with a stiffening spine on its back, used to make accurate miter cuts

aircraft cable

extremely strong, flexible, multistrand, twisted metal cable, frequently use for flying heavy scenery

apron

the flat extension of the stage floor that projects from the proscenium arch toward the audience

bandsaw

a stationary power saw with a narrow continuous loop blade, used for making curvilinear cuts

batten

a wooden dowel or metal pipe attached to the onstage lines from a rope=set or counterweight system. scenery is attached

blocking

the actors' movements on the stage

dead hang

to suspend without means of raising or lowering

drill press

a stationary bench power drill with a variety of speeds

fly cyc

a single drop, hung on a U-shaped pipe, that surrounds the stage on three sides

fly gallery

the elevated walkway where the pin rail is located

followspot

a lighting instrument with a high-intensity, narrow beam. it "follows" an actor

found theatre space

structures originally designed for some other purpose that have been converted into performing spaces

grande drape

the curtain that covers the opening of the proscenium arch

grommet

a circular metal eyelet used to reinforce holes in fabric

head block

a multisheave block with two or more pulley wheels, used to change the direction of all the ropes or cables that support the batten

loft block

a grooved pulley mounted on top of the grid, used to change the direction in which a rope or cable travels

manilla rope

a strong, yet flexible rope… used as the operating line in a counterweight system

mix

to blend the electronic signal created by several sound sources

mike

to pick up a sound with a microphone

pin rail

a horizontal pipe or rail studded with belaying pins

production manager

coordinator of production scheduling and administrative/logistic details of a multishow theatrical season

ratchet winch

a device used for hoisting that consists of a crank attached to a drum

prop table

a table, normally located in the wings, on which hand props are stored between onstage use

scenic designer

person responsible for the design and function of the scenery and properties

sky drop

a large drop made to be hung flat, without fullness; used to stimulate the sky

slipstage

a stage wagon large enough to hold an entire set

stage business

a specific action, also known as a "bit" performed by the actor during a play

teaser

a short, horizontal drape used for masking the flies; synonym for border

tormentor

the vertical flats that form the side elements of the false proscenium

cyclorama

a large drop used to surround the stage