Theatre Terms
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- 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 |
|---|---|
| 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" |
| 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. |
| 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 | Most associated with dance lighting, Sidelight comes from the wings of the stage, and lights the dancers' or actors' bodies, without lighting the stage floor, and without lighting the scenery. This type of light has a sculpting effect on the bodies, and helps separate them from the scenery, backdrop or cyclorama, and reduces distracting shadows on the stage floor. Sometimes referred to as Cross Lighting. |
| 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. |
| Sitzprobe | In opera and musical theatre, a "sitzprobe" (German for "seated rehearsal") is a rehearsal where singers and the orchestra rehearse together for the first time, focusing on the music and singing, usually without costumes or stage blocking. The primary goal of a sitzprobe is to integrate the singers and orchestra, allowing them to hear each other and work together musically. It usually occurs after the singers have rehearsed their parts individually or as a group with a pianist, and before tech rehearsals. While the term "sitzprobe" translates to "seated rehearsal," singers sometimes stand or move a bit during the rehearsal, especially as they work on musical dynamics and timing. A "wandelprobe" is similar, but the actors and singers are encouraged to move around on the stage while the band or orchestra plays. They still have to sing the parts they are assigned while moving. |
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