Tech Vocabulary 1

Backstage – The area of the stage that is unseen by the audience

Center Stage (CC) - The center area of the stage space

Downstage (DS) – The front half of the stage

Dressing Room- The room(s) where actors prepare for a show and get into costume and makeup

Proscenium Stage- A stage type that has an arch or frame separating the stage from the audience through which the play is viewed.

Mezzanine- Balcony closest to main floor

Foyer / Front of House- The area outside the house of the performance space that contains the box office, lobby, and rest rooms

House- The area in a performance space where the audience sits to watch a performance

Tech Booth / Control Booth- The area of the theatre that holds the soundboard, lighting board, and any other control board needed for the production.

Orchestra Pit- The open area in front of the apron that holds an orchestra during a production

Apron- Any part of the stage that extends past the proscenium arch and into the audience space

Plaster Line- The imaginary line that separates the action from the audience

Grand Drape- The front curtain of a performance space that hangs downstage just behind the proscenium arch

Leg Curtain- Tall, Narrow stage drapes that are used to conceal the wings of a performance space

Traveler- Curtains that have the ability to fully close

Teaser - Short curtain hung from the battons to hide elements in the fly system.

Cyclorama or cyc- A background drop or curtain, hung at the rear and sometimes around the sides of the stage.

On stage- Anywhere the audience can see the action

Off stage- Anywhere the audience cannot see the action

Stage Left (SL)- The left side of the stage as the actors look out toward the audience

Stage Right (SR) - The right side of the stage as the actors look out toward the audience

Upstage (US) – The back half of the stage

Wing- The off stage areas on either side of the stage that are typically used for actors preparing to enter the performance space, storing sets and props for scene changes, and the storage of technical equipment

Stage - The area where actors perform