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 |
|---|---|
| PHOTOFLOOD | A lamp used by photographers which gives a bright white light. Because it has a thin filament, it gives a good flash effect (e.g. lightning), but has a relatively short life, so should not be left on for any length of time. |
| PICK-UP | 1) Device which, when attached to an acoustic musical instrument, converts sound vibrations into an electrical signal. 2) A way of describing the directional sensitivity of a microphone. An omnidirectional microphone has equal pick-up from all around, a Cardioid microphone is more sensitive from the front, a Hypercardioid has very strong directionality from the front. A figure-of eight microphone picks up front and rear, but rejects sound from the sides. |
| PIG | Often referred to as a "Stage Weight," a "Pig" (as in pig iron) is a weight attached to a rope, wire or chain that is in turn attached at either end of a piece of scenery or lighting bar pulling it upstage or downstage of its naturally hanging position to allow another flying item to pass, or to improve its position, or to anchor a set piece to the stage floor. |
| PIN HINGE | Hinge with removable pin used to join two pieces of scenery together (i.e. one half of the hinge is on each piece of scenery). |
| PIN SPOT | A instrument focused very tightly on a small area (e.g. an actor's head) 2) A luminaire used widely in disco installations, consisting of a low voltage Par 36 lamp with a fine beam in a metal case with built in transformer. |
| PINK NOISE | Random sounding audio noise containing all frequencies in the audio spectrum tuned to the response of the human ear. Used with a Spectrum Analyzer to set equalization equipment for a large PA installation. However, the human ear is still a better judge of how a system sounds. |
| PIPE or PIPES | The bar(s) on which scenery and instruments are raised (flown) above the stage area. |
| PIT | Short for "orchestra pit." The area housing the orchestra. Originally, a lower section between the front of the stage and the audience, although now describes any area around the stage housing the musicians. |
| PITCH | In acting, the height to which a voice is raised in tone. Also, to raise or lower the voice, not in volume, but according to the musical scale. |
| PLACES! | A call to the actors to take their positions on, or just off the stage, as needed for the opening curtain. |
| PLAN | A scale drawing showing a piece of scenery, lighting layout etc from above. Lighting plans are usually drawn onto the theatre's groundplan. |
| PLAY | 1) A dramatic composition that tells story by means of dialogue, for an audience. 2) To act, act the role of, perform in. 3) Said of a script that is actable, or that is well received, as in "It played well." |
| PLAYBACK | 1) The part of a computerized lighting control desk which enables the operator to recall cues from the electronic memory. 2) The results of a recording session. |
| PLAYBILL or PLAY-BILL | A theatrical program. At one time, programs and posters were printed on a single sheet of paper (in the case of a program, on both sides). Such a printed sheet was called a "bill." |
| PLAYWRIGHT | A person who writes plays. Note that the word ends with "wright," not "write." "Wright" means "a maker or fashioner of," as in "millwright," "shipwright," "wheelwright." |
| Playwrite | Incorrect spelling for playwright (which see). |
| PLOT | 1) A succession of unfolding dramatic situations. 2) List of preparations and actions required of technical crews during the performance (e.g. Sound Plot = list of sound cues and levels in running order.) The term also refers to a plan. (e.g. Light Plot = scale plan showing lighting instruments) |
| Plot Device | A plot device is any technique in a narrative used to move the plot forward. A clichéd or poorly-conceived plot device may annoy an audience member, and a contrived or arbitrary device may confuse them. However, a well-crafted plot device, or one that emerges naturally from the setting or characters of the story, may be entirely accepted, or may even be unnoticed by the audience. |
| PLOT LINE | Dialogue essential to the unfolding of the plot of a dramatic piece. |
| PLY | Short for plywood. |