The Designer's Eye
This "Rule of Thumb" states that if you can't see the actor's face, you can't hear them.
What is the Visibility Rule?
This standard tool is carried by techs to adjust C-Clamps and Yokes.
What is a Crescent Wrench (or C-Wrench)?
This is the standard voltage provided by power companies in the USA.
What is 120 Volts?
In 3-point lighting, this source softens the shadows created by the Key light.
What is the Fill Light?
This document is a scale mechanical drawing showing where every instrument is hung.
What is a Light Plot?
This technique uses light to direct the audience's attention to a specific area while dimming others.
What is Selective Focus?
This metal U-shaped piece straddles the lighting instrument and allows it to tilt.
What is a Yoke?
This "Formula" (W=VA) is used to ensure circuits are not overloaded.
What is the West Virginia Formula (or Power Formula)?
This 3-point light source is responsible for creating depth and separation from the background.
What is the Backlight?
If a new cue is inserted between Cue 1 and Cue 2, it is standard to number it like this.
What is Cue 1.5 (or any decimal)?
To achieve a smooth wash across the stage, individual lighting areas should overlap by this percentage.
What is 1/3?
These metal flaps are attached to the front of a light to "cut" the beam and prevent spill.
What is a Barn Door?
In a DMX system, this is the maximum number of addresses available in a single Universe.
What is 512?
This is the method of connecting DMX cables from one fixture directly into the next.
What is Daisy-Chaining?
This feature in lighting software ensures a parameter change stays in effect through subsequent cues until told otherwise.
What is Tracking?
To provide natural depth and dimension, this is the ideal vertical angle for front lighting.
What is 45 degrees?
This is the specific piece of metal with a design cut into it used to project patterns.
What is a Gobo?
This high-speed cable can handle 40 times the data capacity of a standard DMX cable.
What is Cat5e (Ethernet)?
While a Pipe/Batten is just for scenery, this rigging piece specifically contains built-in electrical circuits.
What is an Electric?
This is the industry slang for "Intelligent" fixtures that have moving parts or color-changing capabilities.
What are Movers (or Moving Lights)?
Lighting a performer from directly in front (0 degrees) causes this primary aesthetic disadvantage.
What is Flattening (or loss of facial dimension)?
This specific lighting instrument is best for sharp beams and using the aforementioned Gobos.
What is an ERS (Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight or Leko)?
These are the standard dimensions (in feet) for a single 'Lighting Area' in a typical design.
What is 8' to 10' in diameter and 7 feet high?
DMX Daisy-Chaining requires cables to run specifically in this direction.
What is Out to In (Console Out to Fixture In)?