Theatre Terms
Here you'll find over 1000 definitions of theatrical terms, from Aside, Beam Angle, and Camlock, to Upstaging, VU Meter, and Wagon. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| TEASER | Border, usually black, set behind the proscenium and linked with tormentors to form an inner frame to the stage, and to mask the upper parts of the fly tower. | |
| TECH | ||
| TECHIE | A stage technician. Some find this term endearing, others think it demeaning. | |
| TECHNICAL REHEARSAL or TECH REHEARSAL | Usually the first time the show is rehearsed in the venue, with lighting, scenery and sound. Costumes are sometimes used where they may cause technical problems (e.g. Quick changes). Often a very lengthy process. Often abbreviated to "the tech." | |
| THESPIAN | Pertaining to acting, or an actor, as in "she is a true thespian." Derived from the name of Thespis, a Greek tragic poet of the sixth century BC, who is said to have first introduced an actor into dramatic presentations, which until then had been performed only by a chorus with a leader. | |
| THROW | Distance between a light source (e.g. lantern or projector) and the actor or object being lit. | |
| 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. |
