The common terms and language used in theater production.
Set design basics: An introduction to the fundamentals of set design, including the role of the set designer, basic design principles, and the importance of collaboration with other members of the production team.
Scale drawing: Understanding the process of creating to-scale drawings, including floor plans, elevations, and section views, and how they are used in the design and construction process.
Materials and construction techniques: An overview of the different materials used in set design, as well as the tools and techniques used to build stage sets and props, such as framing, painting, and finishing techniques.
Scenic painting: A deep dive into scenic painting techniques, including color mixing, creating textures, and special techniques for creating different materials such as wood or stone.
Lighting design: An introduction to lighting design, including the basic principles of lighting, lighting instruments and their functions, color theory, and lighting control systems.
Sound design: An overview of sound design, including the basics of sound systems, microphone placement, sound effects, and music selection.
Projections and multimedia: An introduction to projection design, including techniques for creating and integrating video content into stage sets, as well as working with audio and other multimedia elements.
Special effects and illusions: An overview of special effects and illusions commonly used in theatre, such as fog, pyrotechnics, and practical effects, as well as techniques for creating illusions and effects using stage lighting and other elements.
Stage management: An overview of the role of the stage manager, including communication techniques, scheduling, and managing backstage activity during performances.
Prop design and management: An introduction to designing and creating props for use on stage, including techniques for sourcing materials, fabrication techniques, and management processes for props during performances.
Proscenium Stage: A proscenium stage is a traditional theatrical stage with a framed opening (proscenium arch) separating the audience from the performers, creating a clear separation between the two and adding a sense of depth to the performance space.
Thrust Stage: A thrust stage is a theater stage that extends into the audience, creating a three-sided performance space.
Arena Stage: Arena Stage is a form of theatrical configuration where the stage is surrounded by audience members on all sides, creating an intimate and immersive experience.
Black Box Theatre: Black Box Theatre refers to a flexible performance space that is usually devoid of fixed seating and has black walls, floors, and ceilings, allowing for versatile staging configurations and intimate audience experiences.
Fly System: A fly system in Architecture and Design and Theatrical Terminology refers to a system of ropes, pulleys, and counterweights used to hoist and lower scenery, props, and lighting on stage.
Set Pieces: Set pieces refer to large, movable objects or structures on a theatrical stage or film set that contribute to the overall appearance and atmosphere of a scene.
Scale Model: A scale model is a small replica of a larger architectural or theatrical design, created to demonstrate its form, proportions, and details.
Ground Plan: A ground plan refers to a two-dimensional representation of a space, typically a theater or a building, showing the layout of walls, furniture, and other elements in relation to the floor.
Rigging: Rigging in the context of Architecture and Design refers to the process of suspending and securing objects or structures, often using ropes, chains, or cables, in order to create desired visual effects or support practical functionality.
Traps (Trap Room): A trap room in architecture and design refers to a concealed space or hidden passage used for various functions, such as accessing different areas of a building or providing surprising theatrical effects during performances.
Revolve or Turntable: A revolve or turntable in Architecture and Design and Theatrical terminology refers to a rotating platform that provides flexible staging options and allows for seamless scene changes.
Cyclorama: Cyclorama refers to a large, curved backdrop or wall used in theater and architectural design to create a seamless, immersive space or backdrop.
Legs and Borders: Legs and Borders in the context of Architecture and Design and Theatrical Terminology refer to the vertical and horizontal drapes respectively, used to frame the stage and create a clean visual boundary.
Scrim: Scrim is a translucent fabric used in architecture and design as well as theatrical productions to create illusionary effects by altering visibility and lighting.
Backdrops: Backdrops in the context of Architecture and Design refer to large scenic panels used as a background element in a theatrical production or stage setup.
Props (Properties): Props (Properties) refer to objects or items used by actors on stage or in film to enhance the setting, establish character, or advance the plot.
Levels: Levels in the context of Architecture and Design refer to different heights or layers within a building or space, creating visual interest and functionality.
Levels in Theatrical Terminology refer to the various raised platforms or spaces on a stage, used to create depth and enable performers to occupy different areas for dramatic effect.
Sightlines: Sightlines refer to the visual perspectives and lines of sight within a space or theater, typically ensuring optimal visibility for audiences and performers.
Stage Left and Stage Right: Stage Left and Stage Right are theatrical terms used to identify the left and right sides of the stage from the perspective of the performer facing the audience.
Orchestra Pit: The orchestra pit is a recessed area in a theater or concert hall that is located between the stage and the audience and is meant to accommodate and house the musicians performing live music for a theatrical production.
Dressing Rooms: Dressing rooms in the context of Architecture and Design refer to private spaces designed for actors or performers to change costumes and prepare for their performances, typically equipped with mirrors, storage for clothing, and sometimes seating areas.
Green Room: The topic of Green Room in the context of Architecture and Design and Theatrical Terminology refers to a backstage space typically used as a waiting area for performers before and after their onstage performances.
Sound and Audio: The topic of Sound and Audio in Architecture and Design refers to the planning and implementation of sound systems and acoustic elements to enhance the auditory experience in a space, whereas in Theatrical Terminology, it refers to the use of sound effects, music, and dialogue to enrich the storytelling and atmosphere of a performance.
Lighting: Lighting refers to the strategic and artistic use of illumination to enhance architectural spaces or theatrical productions by creating a desired mood, highlighting focal points, and controlling the visual atmosphere.
Followspot: A followspot refers to a concentrated light source operated by a technician to manually track and illuminate a specific actor, subject, or area on stage during a performance.
Masking: Masking in the context of Architecture and Design refers to concealing or hiding certain elements or areas of a space through various techniques like using walls, curtains, or other materials to create visual separation.
Masking in Theatrical Terminology refers to blocking the audience's view of backstage areas or equipment on stage by using curtains, scenic elements, or lighting effects to maintain the illusion of the performance.
Set Dressing: Set dressing refers to the process of arranging and placing props, furniture, and other decorative elements within a set to enhance its realism and narrative.
Wing Space: Wing Space refers to the offstage area on either side of the stage where actors, props, and scenery are stored unseen by the audience during a theatrical performance.
Sightline Tear: Sightline tear refers to deliberately obstructing a specific line of sight in a theater or architectural space to enhance the visual experience or create dramatic impact by selectively revealing or concealing elements.
Sound Effects: Sound Effects are audio elements that are utilized in architecture and design as well as theatrical productions to enhance the auditory experience by replicating or enhancing real-life sounds and creating specific atmospheres or moods.
Triple Height Render: Triple Height Render refers to a visual representation typically used in architectural design and theatrical production, showing an exaggerated depiction of three-dimensional structures to emphasize important details and proportions.
Travelers: In the context of Architecture and Design, travelers refer to movable tracks or trolleys that allow curtains or scenic elements to be moved horizontally along the stage or within a space.
In the context of Theatrical Terminology, travelers are curtains or scenic elements that can be moved horizontally across the stage to create different stage configurations and scenes.
Textures and Materials: Textures and materials refer to the tactile and visual qualities of surfaces, encompassing the use of various substances and finishes to achieve desired aesthetic effects in both architectural and theatrical design.
Scale and Proportion: Scale and proportion refer to the size relationships between different elements or parts within a design or architectural composition, as well as their ratio to the overall size of the space or structure.
Period Styles: Period Styles refer to architectural and design styles associated with specific historical periods, often imitated or recreated in theater settings to create a specific atmosphere or transport the audience to a particular time period.
Spatial Relationships: Spatial relationships refer to the arrangement, positioning, and interaction of elements within a given space, emphasizing their scale, proportion, and orientation.
Surface Treatments: Surface treatments in architecture and design refer to the application of various materials and techniques to enhance or modify the appearance, texture, and durability of surfaces, while in theatrical terminology, it pertains to the process of adding finishes or treatments to stage sets or props to achieve desired visual effects under different lighting conditions.
False Perspective: False Perspective in Architecture and Design and Theatrical Terminology refers to the intentional distortion of scale and perspective to create an illusion of depth or size in a visual or spatial composition.
Forced Perspective: Forced perspective is a technique used in architecture and design, as well as theatrical productions, that manipulates visual perception to create the illusion of depth and distance.
Front of House Design: Front of House Design refers to the planning and arrangement of spaces in a building or theater where the public or audience gathers, focusing on creating a welcoming, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Backstage Management: Backstage management refers to the coordination and organization of all aspects behind the scenes during a theatrical production or event, ensuring the smooth operation of logistics and technical elements.
Scene Painting.: Scene painting refers to the art of creating painted backdrops and scenery elements to enhance the visual aesthetics and convey the setting in theatrical productions or architectural designs.