PARTS OF A STAGE AND THEATRE FACILITY

INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL THEATRE

​

THEATRE FACILITIES VOCABULARY

​

KNOWING YOUR WAY AROUND THE THEATRE SPACE

SCENE SHOP

• where props and scenery are built

​

TOOL CAGE

• where tools, paint, hardware, and brooms are stored

PROSCENIUM ARCH

• The archway that separates the stage from the audience
• “Picture frame” for the opening of the stage

APRON

• Narrow acting area between the front edge of the stage and the front curtain.

​

​

​

(Curtain Line)

(Audience)

(Curtain Line)

TEASER/ BORDERS

• Short curtains hung at intervals above the acting area to mask (hide) lights and scenery from the audience

GRAND DRAPE

• Curtain that masks the acting area from the Audience. The front curtain is opened at the beginning of the play and closed between acts or scenes. It is usually a drawn curtain that parts in the middle. Sometimes called the Main Curtain or Grand Drape, it is usually a very nice, attractive material.

​

GRAND VALENCE

• Heavy curtain or canvas-covered wooden frame hung above the proscenium opening to adjust the height of the opening
• Helps mask (hide) lighting instruments

BATTENS

• Long pipes from which curtains, lights, or flats are hung

ELECTRIC

• a batten used for lighting that has electricity running through and to it

​

WINGS

• The spaces on either side of the stage are the wings
• Wings are used for storage of scenic elements, props, and other equipment until they are needed onstage

LEGS

• Drapes hung in pairs, stage right and left, behind the tormentors to mask (hide) the backstage

CYCLORAMA (CYC)

• Background curtain covering stage back and sides. Usually, it curves around the sides a little. It is often used for special lighting effects

TRAVELER

• A curtain on a track that can be opened or closed to reveal or mask a portion of the stage.

SCRIM

• A curtain made from a semi-transparent material that looks solid when lit from the audience side and becomes almost invisible when back lit.

PROPS/COSTUME CLOSET

• Where props and costumes are stored. Spaces are labeled and organized by type of item. It is important that all items are returned to their labeled location.

BOOTH

• Where lighting, sound, spotlights are controlled.
• Where the Stage Manager “calls” the show.

DRESSING ROOM

• a room used chiefly for dressing especially : a room in a theater for changing costumes and makeup.

HEAVENS

• Where we store furniture, large props, lumber and some set pieces. Overlooks the scene shop.

CATWALKS

• the steel structure over the stage, the audience area, or both, used by stage personnel to access lighting, rigging or other stage equipment

HOUSE

The area of the auditorium where the audience sits to view the show.

CALL BOARD

• bulletin board where you find production/performance information.

PIT - ORCHESTRA PIT

• the lowered area directly in front of the stage. Usually used for the orchestra or band.

Fire Curtain

• solid, flame retardant curtain that closes the stage off from the audience. Prevents fire from leaving the stage.

Fly System

• Area above stage where scenery is hung out of view
• any rigging hanging

over the stage.

Fly Gallery

• Narrow platform about halfway up the backstage or side wall from which the lines for flying scenery are worked
• Some schools don’t have a fly gallery, but work their fly lines from the backstage floor.

Loading Rail

• Narrow platform where weight is loaded and unloaded for the Counterweight System.

Gridiron (Grid)

• Framework of beams above the stage; supports riggings for flying scenery

Masking

• Anything used to hide the fly system, wings, or back stage areas.

Right-Hand vs. Left-Hand Stage

• Right-Hand Stage: Curtain pulled at stage right
• Left-hand stage: Curtain is pulled at stage left