TECHNICAL THEATRE VOCABULARY 3 Worksheet

An ‘alternative space’ that is distinguished from that actual world, but that resonates with it. The value in applying this to theatre is that in performance, we can actually witness how else space and place might be used.
1) The audience. 2) The auditorium
The front curtain, which hangs downstage, just behind the proscenium arch. (It is typically opened and closed during performances to reveal or conceal the stage and scenery from the audience. (Also known as the GRAND)
Break between sections of a performance. During a play, the interval is normally half way through a standard length performance.
Lighting Instruments that use light-emitting diodes as a light source.
A brand of ellipsoidal reflector spotlight (ERS) used in stage lighting.
A piece of glass or other transparent substance with curved sides for concentrating or dispersing light rays.
A document like an architectural blueprint used specifically by theatrical lighting designers to illustrate and communicate the lighting design.
The lighting designer's best friend. This is a graphical display of all of the lighting systems and specials used in a given production.
A document that lists information relating to occupational safety and health for the use of various substances and products.
Afternoon performance of a show. (From the Latin for 'of the morning')
Literally, anything involving communication or expression without words. PHYSICAL THEATRE and DANCE are examples.
Not on the stage and so not visible to the audience
The start of the run of a show in a venue.
The area in a theater (usually located in a lowered area in front of the stage) in which musicians perform.
A type of stage light used when a substantial amount of flat lighting is required for a scene.
A thin piece of metal, wood, or glass used to used to modify the shape of the projected light. (also known as a GOBO)
A simple yet effective prompt that lets actors know it's time to take their positions for the beginning of an act or scene.
Imaginary line running across the width of the stage used as a reference when planning furniture layouts. Usually the furthest downstage anything can be set without fouling the house tabs. This refers to the upstage edge of the proscenium wall.
Anything in position before the beginning of a scene or act (eg Props/Set Pieces placed on stage before the performance, lighting state on stage as the audience are entering.)
The period before the performance begins, when the audience may be in the front-of-house areas, or even in the auditorium.
Normally used for someone who's regularly paid for a particular job (as opposed to an amateur, who does it for fun).
Items large and small which cannot be classified as scenery, electrics or wardrobe.
The opening in the wall which stands between stage and auditorium in some theatres; the picture frame through which the audience sees the play. The "fourth wall".
English theatre stages in the Middle Ages and early Modern era typically sloped upwards away from the audience.
A sloping stage which is raised at the back (upstage) end. (Today, the stage is often left flat and the auditorium is lifted to stage level and above to improve the view of the stage from all seats.)