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Theatre Terms

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Theatre Terms (A-Z) Definition
DISSOLVE UNIT Interface connected between two or more slide projectors and a tape player. Synchronization signals recorded onto the tape are detected by the dissolve unit and fade up the lamp in one slide projector while changing the slide in the other, and then vice versa, producing a dipless crossfade between the two images.
DISTORTION Noisy and unpleasant sound reproduction, usually the result of overloading sound equipment. Reducing the levels can remedy the situation.
DISTRIBUTION BOARD System of interconnected fuse carriers and cabling that routes an incoming power supply to a number of different outputs.
DISTRO

In electrical power, a distro (short for “distribution box” or power distribution unit, PDU) is a rugged enclosure that safely splits a single power feed into many outputs. It typically has one heavy-duty input connector (often three-phase) and multiple output circuits. Distribution racks provide a safe, reliable, portable power distribution capability.
DMX/SMX/RDM

MULTIPLEXED (MUX) SIGNAL
    All modern lighting desks use this serial form of communication with dimmers. All the information from the desk is transmitted along a single pair of cables to the dimmer where a de-multiplexing unit (demux box) decodes the string of data and passes the correct piece of information to the correct dimmer.

  • DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a standard communication protocol used to control lighting and other intelligent devices, allowing a single controller to send data to multiple devices over a single cable, rather than individual cables for each device.  
  • SMX is a communications protocol which enables digital dimmers to 'report back' to the desk on any faults (eg blown lamps).
  • RDM (Remote Device Management) is an emerging upgrade to DMX512 which will include bi-directional communication between controller and device.

  The industry standard protocol (language/standard) for multiplexing has the digital USITT DMX512 (introduced in 1986, based on RS485 data protocol). However, new protocols are continually being added to keep up with more demanding equipment.
    DMX512-A (officially ANSI E1.11) is a standard developed at ESTA, which is backwards-compatible with DMX512, but has stricter safety parameters and offers some upgrades of functionality.
DOCK A place (often a raised platform) for the loading or unloading of materials.
DOG GRIP

A U-shaped clip and saddle used for terminating wire rope. Also known as a Bulldog, Cable Grip, or Wire Rope Clip. 
DOLBY Trade name for a series of noise reduction systems that have become standard on many tape playback machines. Many film soundtracks are produced using this process. Different varieties are found from Dolby B on most personal cassette players, to Dolby SR and Digital, the current state of the art for films.
DOLLY A small wheeled platform used to move heavy items. (E.g. a piano dolly).
DOMINATE A SCENE 1) In acting, to occupy an outstanding position on the stage, as the position farthest upstate, or on the highest plane of several levels. 2) A particularly strong actor who, intentionally or not, is the prime focus of a scene.
DONUT A metal plate with a hole in the middle inserted in the color runners of a lamp to sharpen focus (in the case of a profile) or reduce spill.
DOOR FLAT A flat with an opening for a door unit.
DOORSKIN A flexible thin plywood used for covering flats, also known as luaun or Philippine mahogany. Use is declining due to the fact that it is sourced from environmentally unsustainable resources in the Brazilian Rainforest.
DOUBLE or DOUBLING To play two parts in one production; an actor who does so. Thus, doubling.
DOUBLE PURCHASE Counterweighted flying system where the cradle travels half the distance of the fly bar, leaving the side wall of the stage under the fly floors clear of flying equipment. The cradle of a double purchase system needs twice as many counterweights as that of a single purchase system balancing the same weight.
DOUBLE TAKE An actor's comic response to a surprising event or action: one expression, followed after a pause by another, as he pretends to recognize the significance belatedly.
DOUBLE-CAST To cast two actors in each part, either to provide an understudy, or to permit their appearance in alternate performances. Thus, double-casting.
DOWN Short for down stage.
DOWN CENTER A stage position or area, center and downstage. Also a stage direction, as "Mary, move down center." Sometimes abbreviated as D.C. or DC.
DOWN LEFT A stage position, left (audience's right) and downstage. Also a stage direction, as in "Mary, move down left." Sometimes abbreviated as D.L. or DL.