Skip to main content
Advertisement
Ensemble app for theatre production management

Theatre Terms

HOW TO SEARCH:

  • Enter a word in the "Search Terms and Definitions" box.
  • For example, entering the word "curtain" would display all terms whose definition includes that particular word.
  • When in doubt, use the simplest version of the term--for example, search for "prop" instead of "props" or "properties," and "Fade" instead of "Cross-Fade."

Are we missing a term? If so, email our Webmaster and provide the missing term, so we can add it to our list.

Displaying 901 - 920 of 998
Theatre Terms (A-Z) Definition
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 or SPAN SET

A rigging term, a Span Set is one loop measured from end to end. It is also known as a Polyester Sling, Poly Sling, or Round Sling. It is called a set, but is one product. Used in construction, circus, and theater rigging, mostr span sets are black.

More specifically, a Span Set is one loop of polyester strands inside a black web cover. It can be wrapped around a truss or beam. When using around a beam or truss it is essential to protect the span set from the edge of a beam or truss with padding to prevent any movement from potentially cutting into the span set itself.

The span set is pliable, and can be used in a choker shape, which prevents it from sliding along the beam or truss. Draped over the beam in a U or basket shape is the strongest method. It is also possible to link 2 span sets together, but this reduces the rated capacity of each span set. 
 
SPEAKER Short for 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.
SPEED-THROUGH or SPEED RUN

A speed-through (or speed run) is a technical rehearsal technique where actors recite their lines as rapidly as possible, often sitting around a table without blocking, props, or costumes. Its purpose is to test line memorization, increase the show's overall pace, and sharpen cue pickup. It is sometimes called an "Italian," in reference to the perceived speed of fluent Italian speech.

  • Goal: To eliminate unnecessary pauses, reinforce memory, and improve energy.\
  • Method: Actors speak quickly but are often expected to maintain emotional connection.
  • Timing: Usually performed in the final stages of rehearsals to tighten pacing before opening night.

It differs from a "stumble-through," which is a first run-through of a show , which is often rocky. 
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 or SPIKE MARK

"To spike" means to mark the position of an item of set/furniture on stage, using chalk, paint, or tape. Sometimes called a spike mark.
SPILL Unwanted light onstage.
SPINE In the Stanislavksi method, the dominant trait in the character assumed by the actor.
SPLITTER

A common term used for any cable that has a single connector on one end, and a dual connector on the other.
SPOT
SPOTLIGHT or SPOT

General term for any lighting instrument with a lens system, allowing the light to be focused..
SQUELCH Control on a radio microphone receiver for fine-tuning the reception according to the surroundings.
STAGE CENTER or CENTER STAGE

Generally speaking, the center of the acting area. Stage Center is considered to be the most visible, and therefore the most prominent, spot on the stage, as evident in the phrase "taking center stage," which has become common in non-theatrical situations, as well: "In recent weeks, the new senate candidate has managed to take center stage."
STAGE CONVENTION Any action that would be odd in real life, but accepted as normal on stage, such as a stage whisper, ensemble singing, spotlighting, the use of verse, mistaken identities, soliloquies, etc.
STAGE DIRECTIONS The printed instructions to actors and/or directors found in published plays, as in "John pauses and considers Mary's words, then walks to the window and peers out."