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."
| Theatre Terms (A-Z) Sort descending | Definition |
|---|---|
| SAMPLING | The technique of recording a sound digitally (translating the analogue audio waveform into a series of electrical ones and offs that can be manipulated by a computer) for subsequent processing, editing and playback. |
| SAND BAG | Attached to an unused spot line to stop it running back through the pulleys, and to enable it to fly in without fouling adjacent equipment. |
| SCALPER | Someone who buys scarce tickets to a popular production and re-sells them to the highest bidder. |
| SCENE | 1) A full-length play normally is divided into acts, and each act is divided into scenes. Typically a new scene depicts a different location or different day or time. The term also is used to describe any portion of a dramatic work taken by itself as a unit of action. 2) Scenery, a stage setting. 3) The location in which a dramatic action is supposed to occur. 4) Location or situation, as in "to set the scene." |
| SCENE DOCK | High-ceilinged storage area adjacent to the stage, sometimes used for building and storing flats and other scenery. |
| SCENE SHIFT | A movement of scenery by stagehands to change a stage setting between scenes. |
| SCENE SHOP | The area where scenery is built or repaired. |
| SCENERY | The elements of a stage setting, especially those made of wood and canvas, or any other material used to construct platforms, flats, walls, doors and backdrops. |
| SCENIC PAINT | Traditionally, a mixture of glue size, water and pigment. Modern practice has also adopted PVA (emulsion glaze) as a bonding medium which can be used when scenery has got to be washed and used again. |
| SCOOP | Lighting instrument designed to cast unfocused light over a large area. |
| SCREEN (PROJECTION) | Many types of projection screen are available. Some are multi-purpose, some only for front projection, some only for back projection. If a screen is not self-supporting, it often has eyelets around the outside edge which are used to "lace" the screen onto a larger frame. |
| SCREW EYE | A threaded metal ring screwed to the rear of a flat for securing a stage brace. |
| SCRIM | A coarse gauze-like material used as a drop,, and sometimes called a "gauze." When lighted from the front only, the scrim appears opaque. As light is brought up behind, it becomes more transparent--totally so when front light is cut off. Used unpainted to diffuse a scene played behind it. When painted, a gauze is opaque when lighted from the front and becomes transparent when the scene behind it is lighted. Many different types of gauze are available; Sharkstooth gauze is the most effective for transformations, because it is the most opaque. Vision gauze is used for diffusing a scene, to create a dreamlike effect. |
| SCRIPT | The printed text of a dramatic work. |
| SCROLLER | A color scroller or color changer is an electro-mechanical lighting accessory used in theatre, film, dance and concerts to change the color projected by stage lighting instruments without the need of a person to be in the vicinity of the light. A color scroller moves plastic "gel" color gel [actually dyed polyester and/or other base materials coated with dyes] into the beam of the light. It is generally attached to the gel frame holder at the transmitting end of a lighting fixture, so color is introduced after the beam characteristics have been defined by the optics of the lighting instrument. |
| SEASON | 1) The annual period when the theatre is most active, often from September to June, or June-August for a summer season. 2) A series of productions for the year, as in "the season includes 3 dramas, two comedies, and a musical." |
| SECOND STAGE | A term used to describe a smaller playing area than the main stage, often for experimental or specialized theatre. |
| SECTION | (1) A side view of a set is known as a "section". (2) A type of mechanized stage which has sections that can be raised or lowered. (3) A designated seating area for the audience, including Orchestra, Mezzanine, Balcony, etc. |
| 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. |