Stagecraft Basics
The area of the stage closest to the audience.
Downstage
The primary type of lighting instrument used to create a sharp, focused beam of light
What is a Leko/Ellipsoidal?
A microphone worn on the body, typically hidden in the actor's hair or costume.
Lavalier or Body Mic
The standard piece of lumber used for building frame structures (often 1x4 or 2x4).
Pine
The document containing all cues, blocking, and notes for the entire production.
What is the prompt book?
he term for the decorative border hanging above the stage to hide the lights and rigging.
Teaser/Grand Valance/Border
The metal pattern inserted into a light to project shapes or textures onto the stage.
What is a gobo?
The device used to mix levels from various sound sources (mics, music, SFX) before sending them to the speakers.
What is the sound board or mixer?
The tool used to ensure a piece of lumber or a wall is perfectly vertical.
What is a level?
The person responsible for calling all cues during a performance.
Who is the Stage Manager?
The imaginary line between the stage and the audience
What is the Fourth Wall
The piece of equipment that connects the lighting console to the instruments, carrying DMX data
What is a DMX cable?
A sudden, high-pitched noise caused by a microphone picking up its own output from the speakers.
What is feedback?
A flat frame covered with canvas or plywood used to create walls for a set.
What is a flat?
The term for the act of a director telling an actor where to stand and move on stage.
What is blocking?
Curtains on the sides of the stage that mask the wings from the audience's view
What are Legs?
A "wash" light used to cover large areas of the stage with a broad, soft beam.
What is a Frensel?
The term for the specific sound effect or music cue timed to an action on stage.
What is a sound cue?
The adhesive material used to cover joints in scenery for a smooth paint finish.
What is Tape/Wood Glue or Joint Compound?
The final rehearsal before opening night, performed exactly as the show will be presented.
What is dress rehearsal?
A "false" stage floor or a temporary platform built on top of the permanent stage deck.
What is a Deck?
The process of adjusting the focus, zoom, and shutters of a light before a show.
What is focusing?
The range of frequencies a speaker can reproduce, measured in Hertz (Hz).
What is a Frenquency Response?
The technical drawing that shows the stage layout from a bird's-eye view.
What is a ground plan?
The command given to prepare for a cue, followed by the "Go" command.
What is Standby/Ready?