Stagecraft Final

Hand Prop

Any item handled or carried by an actor (e.g., book, cup, weapon).

Furniture

Large items actors interact with or sit on, such as chairs, tables, or sofas.

Set Dressing

Decorative items on stage not touched by actors (e.g., curtains, pictures).

Who is allowed to handle props?

Actors or stage/prop master

Counterweight System - Parts

Includes batten, arbor, weights, rope lock, loading rail, and operating line.

Square Knot

Used to join two ropes of the same diameter. Good for securing bundles.

Clove Hitch

A binding knot used to attach rope to a pipe or pole.

Bowline

Creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope. Easy to untie.

Figure 8 Knot

Used as a stopper knot or for climbing safety.

Functions of Costume Design

Define character, establish setting, support storytelling, and enable movement.

What is a Costume Rendering?

A detailed colored drawing of a costume for a specific character.

2 Main Jobs of a Stage Manager

Calling the show and maintaining communication/documentation.

Calling a Warning vs Cue

Warning: alert that a cue is coming. Cue: the actual command to execute an action.

C-Clamp

Attaches the light fixture to a batten or pipe.

Set Screw or Pan Screw

Allows the fixture to rotate (pan) and secures position.

Yoke

The U-shaped bracket that holds the lighting fixture.

Tilt Knob

Adjusts the vertical angle (tilt) of the light.

Base

Bottom of the light fixture that connects to the yoke.

Shutter

Used in ellipsoidal fixtures to shape the beam.

Effect Slot / Gobo Slot

Holds metal templates (gobos) to project patterns.

Barrel

Front part of light where the lens is housed.

Gel Frame Holder

Holds colored gels in front of the lens.

Reflector

Reflects light forward in the fixture.

Lens

Focuses and shapes the beam of light.

Fresnel

Soft-edged light; adjustable beam with a stepped lens.

Parabolic Reflector (PAR)

Intense, non-adjustable beam used for washes.

Ellipsoidal (ERS)

Hard-edged beam with shutters and gobo slot.

LED

Light-emitting diode fixtures, energy efficient and color versatile.

Front of House

Lighting positions located in front of the stage (e.g., ceiling, balconies).

Box Booms

Vertical lighting positions on sides of the proscenium.

Cat Walks

Walkways above the audience for overhead lighting access.

Stage Positions

Lighting positions located onstage.

Booms

Vertical pipes used to hang lights at different heights.

Floor

Lighting fixtures placed directly on the floor for up-lighting effects.

Power Formula

Volts x Amps = Watts (V x A = W)

Volts

Electrical pressure. Standard is 120V in U.S.

Amps

Amount of electrical current.

Watts

Amount of power used.

Gauge

Thickness of the wire; lower number = thicker wire.

Edison (Parallel Blades)

Standard household plug with two flat blades.

Stage Pin

Three-pin connector used in theaters for lighting.

Twist Lock

Connector that locks in place to avoid disconnection.

Conductors vs Insulators

Conductors allow electricity to flow (e.g., copper); insulators resist flow (e.g., rubber).

DMX

Digital protocol used to control lighting fixtures from a console.

Visibility

Ensuring the audience can see actors and action.

Selective Visibility

Directing focus to specific areas of the stage.

Reveal Form

Using light to show the shape and dimension of objects or actors.

Create Mood

Using lighting to evoke emotion or atmosphere.

Direction

Where the light is coming from.

Focus

Where the light is aimed or concentrated.

Intensity

Brightness of the light.

Movement

Change in lighting over time.

Color

Hue of the light; affects mood and setting.