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 |
|---|---|
| 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 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. |
| 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 |