Theatre Terms
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- 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 |
|---|---|
| LASH CLEAT | A small metal hook screwed into the frame of a theatrical flat for attaching a lash line, which is a rope or cable anchored onto the stage floor. |
| LASH LINE | A rope line used to fasten flats or other scenic units to one another. |
| LASH LINE CLEAT | A small metal piece that can be screwed into the back of a flat frame, with a projecting tip over which a lash line can be slipped. |
| LAUGH LINE | A line of dialogue that is calculated to produce a laugh from the audience. |
| LAVALIER MICROPHONE | Originally, a mic worn around the neck on a string. Now applies to a small "tieclip" microphone. |
| LAY 'EM IN THE AISLES | To make an audience laugh hysterically. Thus, said of a show or performer who is successful in the effort to be funny. |
| LAY AN EGG | Said of a production or performance that fails miserably. Sometimes said of an actor whose jokes or funny business falls flat. |
| LC or L.C. | Abbreviation of "Left Center" area of the stage. |
| LEAD | A principal role; also an actor who plays a principal role. |
| LEADER TAPE | (Now mostly obsolete) Non-magnetic plastic tape used to begin and end sound tapes and to separate cues on reel-to-reel tape. Clear leader tape is used to activate the automatic stop on some playback machines. Leader tape is available in a variety of colors. |
| LEAK | To leak light; said when the crack between two flats lashed together lets light through, or when a lighting instrument's beam is not properly channeled by barn doors or top hat. |
| LED | A light-emitting diode (LED) offers many advantages over traditional light sources, including lower energy consumption, cool-running, longer lifetime, improved robustness, smaller size and faster switching. Applications of LEDs are diverse. They are used as low-energy indicators but also for replacements for traditional light sources in general lighting and theatre lighting, although they are still more expensive than traditional "bulbs." |
| LEG or LEGS | A leg is a drape used to mask (hide) one side of the acting area. Usually set up in pairs on either side of the stage and used in conjunction with borders to frame the audiences' view. Both legs and borders are used primarily to mask (or block) spaces from the audience’s view. Hung parallel to (and behind) the proscenium, the legs frame the acting space and create different places for actors or set pieces to enter or exit the stage. While legs are hung to the right and left of the stage, borders are a type of curtain that hang above. |
| LEGITIMATE THEATRE | Professionally produced stage plays as distinguished from films, variety shows, theme park performance. |
| LEKO | A commonly used term for an ellipsoidal spotlight, named after its inventors (Levy and Kook), the names Leko and Lekolite are trademarked by Strand Lighting Co. |
| LENS | Optical glass with one or both sides curved, the purpose of which is to direct light by concentrating or dispersing light beams. |
| LEVEL | 1) A platform or other area for acting, above the stage floor. 2) Generically, as in "levels," to indicate a director or choreographer's positioning of performers on platforms, steps, etc. in order to get a more interesting stage picture. |
| LICENSE | On behalf of the author(s) the representative grants a license to produce the show and collects a fee, or "royalty," for this license. Built into each performance license is specific language which governs how the copyrighted work must be presented. The license is not valid until the representative has double-checked availability, sent you a confirmation of the terms, and your check has cleared. |
| LIFT | The orchestra pit and/or sections of the stage may be mounted on lifts to make moving of heavy items (e.g. piano etc.) easier. Sometimes the forestage doubles as the orchestra pit by use of a lift. |
| LIGHT BOARD or BOARD | The main control for the stage lighting. Originally known as the switchboard or dimmer board, it is now usually remote from the dimmers. The lighting operator for a show is said to be "on the board". |