Stage Vocabulary

narrow acting area between the front edge of the stage and the front curtain

• apron

• proscenium

• thrust stage

• backstage

long pipes or poles from which curtains, lights, or flats are hung

• battens

• trusses

• scaffolds

• girders

curtain that masks the acting area from the audience

• act curtain

• backdrop

• stage drape

• proscenium curtain

canvas to cover the floor of the acting area that may be painted to resemble bricks, stones, etc.

• ground cloth

• backdrop

• stage mat

• floor covering

background curtain covering stage back and sides

• cyclorama or cyc

• backdrop

• scrim

• valance

narrow platform about halfway up the backstage side wall from which the lines for flying scenery are worked

• fly gallery

• stage deck

• backstage loft

• scenery rail

area above the stage where scenery is hung out of view

• flies

• grid

• backstage

• catwalk

rail on the fly gallery or backstage wall to which lines are pulled and tied off

• pin rail

• fly rail

• backstage grid

• line holder

the offstage area to the left and right of the stage.

• wings

• flanks

• borders

• proscenium

a canvas or muslin curtain, usually painted, that forms part of the scenery

• drop

• curtain

• screen

• panel