Set Design Terminology

Question 1

Raked stage

Answer 1

A sloping stage which is raised at the back (upstage) end

Question 2

Raked seating

Answer 2

Raised seating - useful for thinking about sightlines

Question 3

Revolve

Answer 3

A turntable built into the stage floor on which scenery can be set and then turned

Question 4

Set dressing

Answer 4

Small items that add detail to a set, such as stage furniture, to help establish setting and era

Question 5

Entrances and exits

Answer 5

A set designer might include naturalistic doors or performers may enter from the wing space or even enter or exit from trap doors

Question 6

Pyrotechnics

Answer 6

The use of fireworks within theatre to create effects, e.g. explosions

Question 7

Truck

Answer 7

A moving platform on which a piece of scenery is built to fascinate scene changing

Question 8

Smoke

Answer 8

Used to create dramatic effects
Created with a forger or hazer

Question 9

Flying

Answer 9

Involves a manual or electric system that lifts performers off the stage, allowing for stunts and aerial sequences

Question 10

Cyclorama

Answer 10

A white, seamless, flat muslin panel at the back of the stage - it’s used in a variety of ways, including being projected onto

Question 11

How can you use a cyclorama in the round?

Answer 11

YES!
You can have a 360° cyclorama surrounding the audience and stage
This is amazing for using PROJECTION and you can also BACK PROJECT images to support the mood in the auditorium

Question 12

Floor cloth

Answer 12

A painted canvas sheet placed on the stage floor to mark out the acting area, or to achieve a particular effect. This can also be projected onto

Question 13

What hides the actors waiting in the wings from being seen by the audience in an end on staging shape?

Answer 13

Masking

Question 14

Trap door

Answer 14

A concealed opening, usually in the stage floor, through which actors, props and scenery can be brought on and off stage
Used to create the sudden appearance or disappearance of characters or object

Question 15

Rostrum/ rostra (plural)

Answer 15

A moveable platform
Can be used to create various levels on the stage

Question 16

Set dressing

Answer 16

Encompasses all the decorative items used to enhance the visual setting.
These items are ready, moved or even touched by the actors, and mostly used to help the design, establish place or time period, as well as character detail
e.g. curtains on the window, books in the bookcase, hanging chandeliers, magazines, and floral arrangements on a coffee table

Question 17

Projections

Answer 17

They can be used to add detail and texture on stage. In some venues scenery can be projected, which can be very effective but can have limitations - unless it can be projected from behind the set actors will cast a shadow onto it

Question 18

Gauze

Answer 18

Opaque when front-lit, transparent when back-lit

Question 19

Props

Answer 19

A prop is considered to be anything movable and touched by the actors – otherwise it is considered part of the set

Question 20

When a prop need to be smashed on stage what is it made out of and why?

Answer 20

SUGAR GLASS
Because it crumbles easily into small pieces, rather than producing sharp shards

Question 21

Give an example of how props and be symbolic

Answer 21

A character that regularly holds a hot drink can be communicating that they need warmth and comfort
Fiddling with a prop can indicate nerves or anxiety