Lighting Terms
A long-range, high-wattage light that is capable of following an actor’s movements
Follow Spot
Fabric sample used to test the costume under the lights
Swatch
The base makeup to which all other makeup is applied
Foundation
Changing the size of a costume to fit an actor
Altering
The dimming of one set of lights as another set comes up Dimming Up: Increasing light gradually
Crossfade
Increasing light gradually
Dimming Up
The quality of a fabric that determines the way the costume will catch light
Texture
A makeup that accents the eyes and makes them appear larger than usual
Eyeliner
The distinctive line and form of a costume
Costume Silhouette
A worksheet on which the specific words, sounds, or movements that signal each lighting change are written
Cue Sheet
Decreasing light gradually
Dimming Down
Extra items, such as canes and parasols that add detail to a costume
Accessories
Using a base at least 5 shades lighter than the foundation to bring out, correct or change facial features
Highlighting
A worksheet that describes the colors, fabrics, and accessories for each costume
Costume Plot
Items that are molded then applied to the face or body for example, a witch’s nose
Prosthetics
An electrical device that changes light intensity by controlling the amount of current flowing into a lighting instrument
Dimmer
A test in which actors wear their costumes under the lights before the final fitting
Costume Parade
Using a base at least 5 shades darker than the foundation to correct, bring out or change facial features
Shadowing
The place in the theater where costumes and accessories are stored
Wardrobe Room
A collection of makeup and makeup supplies; every actor should have his or her own
Makeup Kit
A diagram that shows the location of all lighting instruments and which area or object each instrument illuminates
Light Plot
These help costume designers visualize a costume before it is actually built
Preliminary Sketch
Styles of makeup used when the actor already resembles the character being portrayed
Straight Makeup
The person who keeps the costume plot and chooses assistants for the dressing rooms
Wardrobe Manager
A list of each sound effect, its cue number, script page number, volume level, and length in seconds
Sound Cue Sheet