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 |
|---|---|
| THROW AWAY or THROW-AWAY | To underemphasize or underplay lines or stage business, either deliberately (in order to bring out other lines or business by contrast) or aimlessly (from weakness of technique). Thus, to throw away one's lines, or a throw-away line. |
| THROW LINE | A rope used to hold adjacent flats together as one via cleats. |
| THRUST | Form of stage that projects into the auditorium so that the audience are seated on at least two sides of the extended piece. |
| THUNDER SHEET | Large suspended steel sheet with handles which produces a thunder-like rumble when shaken or beaten. |
| TOP HAT | Cylinder of metal inserted into color runners on the front of a Par Can or other lantern to limit spill light. |
| TORMENTORS | Narrow masking flats adjacent and sometimes at right angles to the proscenium arch. |
| TRANSDUCER | A device that converts energy from one form to another. A microphone is a transducer that converts sound wave energy into electrical pulses. |
| TRANSFORMATION | An instant scene change, often effected by exploiting the varying transparency of gauze under different lighting conditions. |
| TRANSVERSE | Form of staging where the audience is on either side of the acting area. |
| TRAP | An opening through the stage floor. A grave trap is a lowered rectangular section used in Hamlet etc. A cauldron trap is a simple opening through which items can be passed into a cauldron on stage. A star trap is a set of triangular sprung flaps in the stage floor through which an actor can be propelled from a lift below stage. |
| TRAP ROOM | The area directly below the trapped part of the stage. Used for accessing the traps. |
| TRAVELER | A draw curtain that opens and closes from one side only. |
| TRAVELLER | Curtain or scenic piece moving on horizontal tracks. |
| TREADS | General name for any stage staircase or set of steps. The step of the staircase is called the tread, and the height of the staircase depends on the number of risers. The length of the staircase is called the going. Treads can be either open or closed string - meaning whether the riser is solid. |
| TRIM | A pre-plotted height for a piece of scenery or lighting bar--usually measured against the height of the teaser. Sometimes flying pieces are given a number of extra trims, that may be color coded, in addition to the "in trim" (lower) and "out trim" (higher - out of view). |
| TRIPPING | Rolling up a cloth drop that can't be flown out of sight. |
| TRUSS | Trusses are structural frameworks built from straight, interconnected members, commonly used to distribute loads and provide stability. A theatrical truss can be hung, flown, or supported from the ground, and used to hang a variety of lighting fixtures, fog/haze machines, audio speakers and more in one simple system. It's particularly useful for hanging lights in a temporary location, either indoors in an outdoor area, like a park. |
| TUMBLING | Flying a drop from the bottom as well as the top when there is insufficient height to fly it in the normal way. |
| TURKEY | A show that fails deservedly. According to tradition, the term derives from "turkey actors" who took part in weak Thanksgiving productions that the indulgent public patronized as an annual tradition. |
| TURNBUCKLE | Threaded device which is used to tension a wire, or to provide an adjustable link in a cable, to fine-tune the height of flown scenery. (Known in the UK as a bottle screw.) |