Theatre Terms
As a service to the theatre community, AACT provides over 1000 definitions of theatrical terms. Fully searchable, our glossary is helpful for technical staff, directors, actors, producers, or anyone wanting to better understand the inner workings of theatre.
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| Term | Definition | Link |
|---|---|---|
| FEEDBACK | A sharp whistle or rumble heard emanating from a sound system. It is caused by a sound being amplified many times. (e.g. a sound is picked up by a microphone and amplified through the speaker. The microphone picks up this amplified sound and it is sent through the system again). Feedback can be avoided by careful microphone positioning, and can be reduced by use of Equalization to reduce the level of the frequency band causing the feedback. Also known as "howl." | |
| FIBER OPTIC | A method of directing light down a very thin glass fiber. Fiber Optics are used mostly in communication, but find theatre applications in star cloths which are black backcloths with the ends of optical fibers poked through, to create a mass of pin pricks of light. A large bundle or harness of fibers may be fed from one light source, sometimes with a motorized color or flicker wheel. | |
| FIBERGLASS | A combination of a glass mat and a resin which can be formed into a strong shell. Used in prop-making. | |
| FIELD | Refers to the spread of light intensity across a beam. Most profile instruments have an adjustable field. A Flat field has an even distribution, a peak field has a "hot spot" in the center of the beam. A flat field is essential when using gobos. | |
| FILL LIGHT | Light that fills the shadows that key light creates. | |
| FILTER | 1) See Color. 2) Electronic device to isolate and redirect specific frequencies in a speaker system. | Color |
| FINALE | The last song, the closing ensemble of a musical production. | |
| FINALETTO | Rarely used as a term now, but meaning the last song or closing ensemble of the first act of a musical (to distinguish it from the finale or grand finale. | |
| FIRE CURTAIN | Short for fireproof curtain. | Safety Curtain |
| FIRE EXIT | Particular exit(s) from a building designated by local authority fire officer to be the correct means of escape from a part of the building in case of fire. It is the responsibility of all staff and performers to ensure that all fire exits are kept clear, unlocked and accessible at all times. | |
| FIREPROOF CURTAIN | The foremost curtain in the proscenium arch, made of a nonflammable material on a steel frame, used to protect the auditorium if fire breaks out on or behind the stage. | Safety Curtain |
| FIREPROOFING | Treatment given to fabric, lumber, drapes etc. to retard flammability. Many scenic materials require regular re-application of fireproofing treatment. | |
| FIRST NIGHT or FIRST-NIGHT | Opening night. Thus, "first-night audience." | |
| FITTING | Costume Fitting | |
| FLASH BOX | A small box containing the socket into which a pyro cartridge is plugged. Also known as a flash pod. | |
| FLASHTHROUGH | Method of checking whether lamps are functioning properly by flashing them on one at a time. It is good practice to flash lamps to 70%, rather than Full to preserve lamp life. | |
| FLAT | A lightweight timber frame covered with scenic canvas. Now usually covered with plywood or hardboard, and consequently not so lightweight. Most theatres have a range of stack flattage made to a standard size, and re-used many times. A Rail is a horizontal batten within a flat. A Stile is a side or vertical piece within a flat. A Sill is the bottom rail of a flat. | |
| FLIES | ||
| FLOAT | In British terminology, a truck used for transporting scenery from theatre to theatre. Hence, any travel from theatre to theatre, and by extension, a theatre junket or trip that takes in multiple theatres. | |
| FLOOD | 1) Short for floodlight. 2) Verb: To increase the beam size of a focus spot by moving the lamp and reflector towards the lens. "Flood that a bit, please !" | Floodlight |
