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 |
|---|---|
| SCROLLER | A color scroller or color changer is an electro-mechanical lighting accessory used in theatre, film, dance and concerts to change the color projected by stage lighting instruments without the need of a person to be in the vicinity of the light. A color scroller moves plastic "gel" color gel [actually dyed polyester and/or other base materials coated with dyes] into the beam of the light. It is generally attached to the gel frame holder at the transmitting end of a lighting fixture, so color is introduced after the beam characteristics have been defined by the optics of the lighting instrument. |
| SEASON | 1) The annual period when the theatre is most active, often from September to June, or June-August for a summer season. 2) A series of productions for the year, as in "the season includes 3 dramas, two comedies, and a musical." |
| SECOND STAGE | A term used to describe a smaller playing area than the main stage, often for experimental or specialized theatre. |
| SECTION | (1) A side view of a set is known as a "section". (2) A type of mechanized stage which has sections that can be raised or lowered. (3) A designated seating area for the audience, including Orchestra, Mezzanine, Balcony, etc. |
| SECURITY DEPOSIT | Charged for rental materials to ensure their safe return. The fee is refunded upon return of the rental materials, minus any shipping/handling charges, outstanding balances, damage or loss of material. Rented materials must be returned free of pencil marks (always use pencil to mark rental materials; pen won't erase and you may lose your deposit. |
| SEGUE | (Pronounced "segg-way") Musical term for an immediate follow-on. Often used as jargon for any kind of immediate follow-on. |
| SEND | An additional output from a sound desk which can be used for foldback or monitoring without tying up the main outputs. Each input channel will have a path to the Aux buss. Also used for feeding a signal to an effects processor. Also known as "Auxiliary Output" |
| SEQUENCING | An act of recording digitally and manipulating the MIDI information required to remotely play a synthesizer keyboard or similar device. |
| SET | 1) To prepare the stage for action. (verb) 2) The complete stage setting for a scene or act, usually referring to the combination of flats, platforms, doors, windows, furniture and accessories. (noun) 3) To fix, through rehearsal, the general pattern of lines and movements to be followed by the actors, as in "This section is set, but we need to work on the final moments of act two." |
| SET PIECE or SET-PIECE | A piece of scenery used in a set that is not flown, but stands independent within a stage setting, such as a tree, rock, or gate. |
| SETTING | The designing and staging of the locale and background of a play. Sometimes referred to as the stage setting. |
| SFX | Abbreviation for Sound Effects |
| SHEAVE | The wheel in a pulley which carries the wire or rope. |
| SHIN BUSTER | The lowest lantern on a lighting boom. Named because of the proximity of sharp parts of the lantern to the flesh of the lower leg. |
| SHOW RELAY | A network of speakers carrying the sound of the show, and sometimes stage managers calls, to the furthest reaches of the theatre. |
| SHOW REPORT | A written report by stage management giving problems, running times, show staff and audience numbers for the previous days' performance(s). Copies are circulated to the technical departments and management staff. |
| SHOWBOAT or SHOW BOAT | A boat on which dramatic or musical entertainments are performed, usually on a river. Historically, showboats were built on barges, pushed or towed by the more familiar multi-storied steamboats. |
| SHOWCASE | A production intended to display the talents of performers for prospective employment, or for publicity. |
| SHUTTER | Accessory for a lighting instrument. Usually a metal blade that can be used to shape the edge of the beam. Shutters (normally four) are located in the gate at the center of the lantern. Similar in effect to barn doors. |
| SIDE LIGHT | Most associated with dance lighting, Sidelight comes from the wings of the stage, and lights the dancers' or actors' bodies, without lighting the stage floor, and without lighting the scenery. This type of light has a sculpting effect on the bodies, and helps separate them from the scenery, backdrop or cyclorama, and reduces distracting shadows on the stage floor. Sometimes referred to as Cross Lighting. |