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.
HOW TO SEARCH:
Click on a letter (A-Z) below to find terms beginning with the specified letter, OR enter a word in "Search for Term" OR search by entering a word in "Words in Definition." For example, entering the word "curtain" would display all words whose definition includes that word. (Note: If the A-Z or word search has been activated, it must be reset before using "Search for Term" or "Words in Definition." To reset the A-Z search: Click Here)
| Term | Definition | Link |
|---|---|---|
| KELVIN | The color temperature of a light source is the temperature of an ideal black-body radiator that radiates light of comparable hue to that light source. The temperature is conventionally stated in units of absolute temperature, known as Kelvin (K). Higher color temperatures (4600K or more) are called daylight colors which appear blue-white. Mid-range color temperatures (3100K–4600K) look cool white. Lower color temperatures (up to 3000K) are called warm white colors, and range from red to yellowish-white in tone. | |
| KEY LIGHT | The dominant light source/direction in a lighting state. In a sunny drawing room, the key light would be through the window, for a naturalistic exterior scene the direction of the key light could change as the sun progressed across the sky. | |
| KILL | To switch off (a light/sound effect); to strike/remove (a prop). | |
| KILOWATT | 1 kilowatt (1kW) is equal to 1000 Watts. | |
| KLIEG LIGHT or KLIEGLIGHT | Not used much today, but often referring to any powerful spotlight unit. Originally, a carbon arc spotlight developed by John and Anton Klieg, and used extensively in Hollywood. |
