Stage Terms

Question 0

A curtain at the rear of the stage serving as the background for scenery

Answer 0

Backdrop

Question 1

Portion of the stage between the main drape and the audience

Answer 1

Apron

Question 2

The area of the stage that is out of sight of the audience

Answer 2

Back stage

Question 3

Any long length of steel pipe used for attaching scenery or backdrop

Answer 3

Batten

Question 4

A lighting action in which intensity shifts to compete darkness on stage during a performance

Answer 4

Blackout

Question 5

A set of drapery legs, borders, and curtains

Answer 5

Blacks

Question 6

A backdrop used to simulate sky

Answer 6

Cyclorama

Question 7

The portion of the stage closest to the audience

Answer 7

Downstage

Question 8

The last rehearsal before opening a show in which all technical elements are used

Answer 8

Dress rehearsal

Question 9

A narrow strip of cloth used to cover seams between flats and make them appear as a solid wall

Answer 9

Dutchman

Question 10

Cut out pieces of plywood applies to the edges or sides of stairs and platforms to conceal construction

Answer 10

Facing

Question 11

The principal scenic device used for creating walls- two types

Answer 11

Flat

Question 12

Mechanical drawing showing the exact layout of the setting on the floor from a bird’s eye view

Answer 12

Floor plan

Question 13

To raise and lower scenery using the counterweight system

Answer 13

Fly

Question 14

A strip of lights recessed into the front edge of the stage floor

Answer 14

Footlights

Question 15

Seating portion of the theatre

Answer 15

House

Question 16

Scenic units or drapery used to conceal portions of the stage not in use

Answer 16

Masking

Question 17

Narrow drapery located at the side of the acting area, used to mask the wings of the stage

Answer 17

Legs

Question 18

Type of scenery used to create flooring with levels

Answer 18

Platform

Question 19

Any property or piece of scenery capable of being used

Answer 19

Practical

Question 20

Wall separating the stage from the auditorium. Containing the proscenium arch

Answer 20

Proscenium

Question 21

To set at an angle, either horizontally or vertically

Answer 21

Rake

Question 22

A flat, usually black, running parallel to the footlights from the downstage end of a setting

Answer 22

Return

Question 23

A loosely woven cloth resembling cheesecloth, used onstage for “disappearing wall” effects

Answer 23

Scrim

Question 24

Shorthand for scenery

Answer 24

Set

Question 25

Line of vision from seats in the most extreme positions in the auditorium

Answer 25

Sightlines

Question 26

Mixture of about 1 part glue to 10 parts water, used to shrink canvas on flats

Answer 26

Size

Question 27

Mark on the stage floor the position of any piece of scenery or furniture

Answer 27

Spike

Question 28

To remove any prop/scenery from the stage

Answer 28

Strike

Question 29

Person responsible for all technical aspects of a production

Answer 29

Tech director

Question 30

First rehearsal in which scenery shifting, lighting, props, and sound are used

Answer 30

Technical rehearsal

Question 31

Track used for hanging and operating curtains; also a curtain backdrop operated on such a track

Answer 31

Traveller

Question 32

To drop a fly at height level with the stage

Answer 32

Trim height

Question 33

Rolling platform used for shifting scenery

Answer 33

Wagon

Question 34

Offstage areas on either side of the stage between the edge of the proscenium arch and the stage wall

Answer 34

Wings