Theatre Terms
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| Theatre Terms (A-Z) Sort descending | Definition |
|---|---|
| SIGHT GAG | A visual source of comedy, resulting from situation, business, or props. |
| SIGHTLINES or SIGHT LINES | A series of lines drawn on plan and section to indicate the limits of the audience vision from extreme seats, including side seats and front and back rows. Often marked in the wings as a guide to the actors and crew, so as not to be seen by members of the audience. |
| SILK | A special type of diffusion filter which stretches the light in one direction. Especially useful for lighting large cycloramas with a limited number of lanterns, or for lighting an elongated object (e.g. a staircase) with one lantern. |
| SINGLE PURCHASE | Counterweight flying system where the cradle travels the same vertical distance as the fly bar. The counterweight frame therefore occupies the full height of the side wall of the stage. |
| Sitzprobe | In opera and musical theatre, a "sitzprobe" (German for "seated rehearsal") is a rehearsal where singers and the orchestra rehearse together for the first time, focusing on the music and singing, usually without costumes or stage blocking. The primary goal of a sitzprobe is to integrate the singers and orchestra, allowing them to hear each other and work together musically. It usually occurs after the singers have rehearsed their parts individually or as a group with a pianist, and before tech rehearsals. While the term "sitzprobe" translates to "seated rehearsal," singers sometimes stand or move a bit during the rehearsal, especially as they work on musical dynamics and timing. A "wandelprobe" is similar, but the actors and singers are encouraged to move around on the stage while the band or orchestra plays. They still have to sing the parts they are assigned while moving. |
| SIZE | |
| SLAPSTICK or SLAP-STICK | A rough, noisy comic style. The term comes from the use in burlesque and vaudeville of a pair of lath paddles fastened together at one end, and used to "slap" noisily another comic. |
| SLEEPER | A show that is an unexpected success. |
| SLIGHTLY RESTRICTED | A term used when applications for a dramatic work are being accepted on a case-by-case basis because of current or future major city tours. |
| SMOKE, HAZE or FOG MACHINE | A theatrical fog machine (or "fogger") primarily uses water-based fog fluid, often with a small amount of glycerin, to produce a thick, dense fog. This type of fluid creates a visually striking effect when stage lighting is projected through it. Other fluids, like glycol-based fluids or even oil-based fluids, may be used, depending on the desired effect and the type of fog machine. However, water-based fluid generally dissipates more quickly than other types of fog, especially in dry environments. In the context of theatrical and entertainment applications, a "smoke," ""haze" and "fog" are generally used interchangeably. While technically there's a slight difference (real smoke and haze consist of solid particles, fog of liquid particles), in practice, they refer to what's produced for stage and lighting effects.
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| SNAP LINE | Chalked piece of string which, when stretched tight and "snapped" is used for marking straight lines on stage or on scenery as a painting aid. |
| SNUB | To seize the lines on a flying piece to prevent it's movement, either with another rope or with a mechanical line locking device. |
| SOFT EDGE or SOFT-EDGE | Said of stage lighting that is not sharply defined, and which gradually diminishes towards the boundaries of the area towards which it is directed. Used also to describe a lighting unit that throws such illumination, such as a soft-edge spotlight. |
| SOLILOQUY | A solo speech, or monologue, usually fairly long, to convey a character's thoughts to the audience, either while alone on the stage, or in the presence of others who are supposed not to hear him. |
| SOUBRETTE | A minor female role, such as a maid, in comedy. |
| SOUND CHECK | A thorough test of the sound system before a performance. This will include checking each speaker cabinet individually, and each playback device. In the case of a live concert, this is the session. |
| SOUND CUE | A cue for the commencement of a sound effect. |
| SOUND EFFECTS | 1) Recorded: Often abbreviated to FX. There are many sources for recorded sound effects, most recently on Compact Disc. May form an obvious part of the action (train arriving at station) or may be in the background throughout a scene (e.g. birds chirping). 2) Live: Gunshots, door slams, and offstage voices (amongst many others) are most effective when done live. |
| SOUND REINFORCEMENT | Amplifying a voice just enough so that it can be heard, without the audience being aware that it is being amplified. |
| SPANSET or SPAN SET | A rigging term, a Span Set is one loop measured from end to end. It is also known as a Polyester Sling, Poly Sling, or Round Sling. It is called a set, but is one product. Used in construction, circus, and theater rigging, mostr span sets are black. More specifically, a Span Set is one loop of polyester strands inside a black web cover. It can be wrapped around a truss or beam. When using around a beam or truss it is essential to protect the span set from the edge of a beam or truss with padding to prevent any movement from potentially cutting into the span set itself. The span set is pliable, and can be used in a choker shape, which prevents it from sliding along the beam or truss. Draped over the beam in a U or basket shape is the strongest method. It is also possible to link 2 span sets together, but this reduces the rated capacity of each span set. |