Theatre Terms
HOW TO SEARCH:
- Enter a word in the "Search Terms and Definitions" box.
- For example, entering the word "curtain" would display all terms whose definition includes that particular word.
- When in doubt, use the simplest version of the term--for example, search for "prop" instead of "props" or "properties," and "Fade" instead of "Cross-Fade."
| Theatre Terms (A-Z) Sort descending | Definition |
|---|---|
| FX | Special Effect(s) |
| GAFFER'S TAPE | Adhesive cloth tape, not to be confused with duct tape. Most common widths are .5" for marking out areas and 2" for everything else. Black is the most commonly used color, but gaffer's tape is available in many colors, as well. Used for temporarily securing almost anything, but should not be used on coiled cables or equipment. Easy to tear by hand and writeable with pens and markers, gaffer's tape can also be used for marking and labeling audio boards and sound equipment, stages and rigging, Glow-in-the-dark types are used for safety marking on stairs, exits, and sets. Originally named for the Gaffer (Master Electrician) on a film set. |
| GAIN | 1) The level of amplification given to a signal or of a system. 2) A control of the amount of pre-amplification given to a sound signal on its way into a mixer. |
| GANG | To group together (spotlights, dimmers, etc.) Also, a group or grouping of lighting or sound equipment. |
| GATE | The point of focus in a profile spot where the shutters are positioned and where an iris or gobo can be inserted. |
| GEL | Short for gelatin, the material once used for color filters. A sheet of plastic usually composed of a colored resin sandwiched between two clear pieces. The colored filter absorbs all the colors of light except the color of the filter itself, which it allows through. For this reason, denser colors get very hot, and can burn out very quickly. At one time, filters were made from gelatin, from which came the still-used name "gel." Also known as a color filter, and manufactured and sold as such by companies like Rosco. |
| GEL FRAME | A frame which holds the color filter in the guides at the front of a lamp. Many different sizes of frames are needed for the different lamps. |
| GENERAL ADMISSION | A charge made for admission to a theatrical performance, the price being that charged to the general audience, without a discount as there is for children or senior citizens. The term is also used sometimes to denote unreserved seating. |
| GENERAL COVER | Those lamps in a rig which are set aside purely to light the acting areas. The stage is normally split into a number of areas for this purpose, which can then be isolated or blended together as required by the director. Also known as "General Fill." |
| GENERAL FILL | Light that fills the shadows that key light creates, typically covering most or all of the acting area. |
| GENERAL LIGHTING | Lighting that is spread across a fairly extensive portion of the stage. |
| GENERAL RELEASE | Rights for producing a play that are granted to anyone who applies--amateur, stock, professional, tour. Unrestricted. |
| GEORGE SPELVIN | A fictitious name, dating from about 1886, traditionally used in theatre programs to conceal the identify of an actor who is doubling in a second role. |
| GESTURE | In acting, a movement of the arm or hand as a means of dramatic expression. |
| GET-OFFS | A means for an actor to get off a rostrum, high level etc. out of view of the audience. Usually treads. |
| GHOST | In lighting, a secondary illumination from a spotlight, showing that the optical system is not in proper adjustment. |
| GHOSTLIGHT or GHOST LIGHT | A light left burning overnight on stage to ensure the safety of anyone in the stage area after the stage and houselights have been turned off. The origin of the term is disputed. Some say the light was meant to keep friendly spirits illuminated and unfriendly spirits at bay. Others believe it is a way to keep the theatrical muse in a "dark" theatre. However, the most likely origin of the term is simply that a single white bulb in an otherwise dark theatre looks a bit eerie (especially when the stage is empty)--i.e. "ghostly." The term can also refer to the light emitted by a lamp when a dimmer has not been "trimmed" correctly, and is leaking. |
| GLAZE | Glossy transparent or semitransparent finish applied as a final coat to a painted stage floor or to scenery to soften its appearance. |
| GO DRY | In acting, to forget one's lines or business. Also, forgetfulness while acting. Also: "Dry up." |
| GOBO HOLDER | A metal plate designed to hold a gobo of a particular size in a lamp of a particular type. |