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 |
|---|---|---|
| SIZE | ||
| SLAPSTICK or SLAP-STICK | A rough, noisy comic style. The term comes from the use in burlesque and vaudeville of a pair of lath paddles fastened together at one end, and used to "slap" noisily another comic. | |
| SLEEPER | A show that is an unexpected success. | |
| SLIGHTLY RESTRICTED | A term used when applications for a dramatic work are being accepted on a case-by-case basis because of current or future major city tours. | |
| SMOKE or FOG MACHINE | Electrically powered unit which produces clouds of white non-toxic fog (available in different flavors/smells) by the vaporization of mineral oil. Specially designed for theatre & film use. Vital for revealing airborne light beams. | |
| SNAP LINE | Chalked piece of string which, when stretched tight and "snapped" is used for marking straight lines on stage or on scenery as a painting aid. | |
| SNUB | To seize the lines on a flying piece to prevent it's movement, either with another rope or with a mechanical line locking device. | |
| SOFT EDGE or SOFT-EDGE | Said of stage lighting that is not sharply defined, and which gradually diminishes towards the boundaries of the area towards which it is directed. Used also to describe a lighting unit that throws such illumination, such as a soft-edge spotlight. | |
| SOLILOQUY | A solo speech, or monologue, usually fairly long, to convey a character's thoughts to the audience, either while alone on the stage, or in the presence of others who are supposed not to hear him. | |
| SOUBRETTE | A minor female role, such as a maid, in comedy. | |
| SOUND CHECK | A thorough test of the sound system before a performance. This will include checking each speaker cabinet individually, and each playback device. In the case of a live concert, this is the session. | |
| SOUND CUE | A cue for the commencement of a sound effect. | |
| SOUND EFFECTS | 1) Recorded: Often abbreviated to FX. There are many sources for recorded sound effects, most recently on Compact Disc. May form an obvious part of the action (train arriving at station) or may be in the background throughout a scene (e.g. birds chirping). 2) Live: Gunshots, door slams, and offstage voices (amongst many others) are most effective when done live. | |
| SOUND REINFORCEMENT | Amplifying a voice just enough so that it can be heard, without the audience being aware that it is being amplified. | |
| SPANSET | ||
| SPEAKER | Short for loudspeaker | Loudspeaker |
| SPECIAL | A lighting instrument used for a very specific purpose, rather than as part of a system such as an area light or color wash. | |
| SPIDER | Adapter to connect many lighting instruments to one multicore cable. Consists of multi-pin connector, short length of cable, then a number of sockets related to the number of circuits in the cable. | |
| SPIKE | To mark the position of an item of set/furniture on stage, using chalk, paint, or tape. Sometimes called a spike mark. | |
| SPIKE MARK |
