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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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 |
|---|---|---|
| SECURITY DEPOSIT | Charged for rental materials to ensure their safe return. The fee is refunded upon return of the rental materials, minus any shipping/handling charges, outstanding balances, damage or loss of material. Rented materials must be returned free of pencil marks (always use pencil to mark rental materials; pen won't erase and you may lose your deposit. | |
| SEGUE | (Pronounced "segg-way") Musical term for an immediate follow-on. Often used as jargon for any kind of immediate follow-on. | |
| SEND | An additional output from a sound desk which can be used for foldback or monitoring without tying up the main outputs. Each input channel will have a path to the Aux buss. Also used for feeding a signal to an effects processor. Also known as "Auxiliary Output" | Auxiliary |
| SEQUENCING | An act of recording digitally and manipulating the MIDI information required to remotely play a synthesizer keyboard or similar device. | |
| SET | 1) To prepare the stage for action. (verb) 2) The complete stage setting for a scene or act, usually referring to the combination of flats, platforms, doors, windows, furniture and accessories. (noun) 3) To fix, through rehearsal, the general pattern of lines and movements to be followed by the actors, as in "This section is set, but we need to work on the final moments of act two." | |
| SET PIECE or SET-PIECE | A piece of scenery used in a set that is not flown, but stands independent within a stage setting, such as a tree, rock, or gate. | |
| SETTING | The designing and staging of the locale and background of a play. Sometimes referred to as the stage setting. | Setting |
| SFX | Abbreviation for Sound Effects | |
| SHEAVE | The wheel in a pulley which carries the wire or rope. | |
| SHIN BUSTER | The lowest lantern on a lighting boom. Named because of the proximity of sharp parts of the lantern to the flesh of the lower leg. | |
| SHOW RELAY | A network of speakers carrying the sound of the show, and sometimes stage managers calls, to the furthest reaches of the theatre. | |
| SHOW REPORT | A written report by stage management giving problems, running times, show staff and audience numbers for the previous days' performance(s). Copies are circulated to the technical departments and management staff. | |
| SHOWBOAT or SHOW BOAT | A boat on which dramatic or musical entertainments are performed, usually on a river. Historically, showboats were built on barges, pushed or towed by the more familiar multi-storied steamboats. | |
| SHOWCASE | A production intended to display the talents of performers for prospective employment, or for publicity. | |
| SHUTTER | Accessory for a lighting instrument. Usually a metal blade that can be used to shape the edge of the beam. Shutters (normally four) are located in the gate at the center of the lantern. Similar in effect to barn doors. | |
| SIDE LIGHT | Cross-Light | |
| SIGHT GAG | A visual source of comedy, resulting from situation, business, or props. | |
| SIGHTLINES or SIGHT LINES | A series of lines drawn on plan and section to indicate the limits of the audience vision from extreme seats, including side seats and front and back rows. Often marked in the wings as a guide to the actors and crew, so as not to be seen by members of the audience. | |
| SILK | A special type of diffusion filter which stretches the light in one direction. Especially useful for lighting large cycloramas with a limited number of lanterns, or for lighting an elongated object (e.g. a staircase) with one lantern. | |
| SINGLE PURCHASE | Counterweight flying system where the cradle travels the same vertical distance as the fly bar. The counterweight frame therefore occupies the full height of the side wall of the stage. |
