Connecting items of equipment together by linking from one to the next in a chain. Used for connecting demux boxes to dimmers, etc.

Relative measurement for the volume (loudness) of sound. Also used to measure the difference between two voltages, or two currents.

The process of removing lighting instruments & cabling from flying bars or grid (rigging)- returning the venue to its normal state, or as preparation for the next production.

Interface unit between the serial digital output of a memory lighting control desk to the parallel analogue signal understood by a dimmer.

To perform, to act.

A call by an audience--by shouting or applause--for the reappearance of performers in order to repeat a portion of a musical or dance number. Also, to call out this word ("Encore!"). The word is French, meaning "again."

To come onstage. Also a stage direction, as in "Ted enters from the side door."

A condenser microphone where the capacitor plates are given a charge during manufacture which they retain, therefore requiring no external power supply.

Term for the electrical resistance found in a/c circuits. Affects the ability of a cable to transmit low level (e.g. sound) signals over a long distance. Speakers are rated according to power handling capabilities (Watts, W) and impedance (Ohms).

Said of a scene played in an acting area bounded on the upstage side by an imaginary line drawn across the stage from the left wing to the right wing three-quarters of the way upstage.

A producer, especially of musical entertainments.

Invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum with a longer wavelength than visible light. Infra-red remote controls are used for lighting desks and practicals. An infra-red-sensitive CCTV camera can pick up body heat activity even in a blackout.

Realism; attempting to depict life and society as it is. Usually used to describe a play in its entirety, but also the individual work of a director or actor. Thus, a naturalistic performance.

A song or dance in a musical production, so called because each musical selection is numbered for the convenience of the orchestra.

A type of discharge lighting generated by a high voltage across two electrodes at opposite ends of a long, thin glass tube filled with neon gas. Different colors can be obtained by mixing other gases, or by using fluorescent coatings.

Lighting filter that reduces the brightness of a light source without changing its color.

A board consisting of rows of sockets into which plugs can be connected to route sound signals or power for lighting circuits.

A lamp used by photographers which gives a bright white light. Because it has a thin filament, it gives a good flash effect (e.g. lightning), but has a relatively short life, so should not be left on for any length of time.

The published text of a dramatic work, with alterations from the standard text to match the actualities of stage production, often including staging information.

An actor's role.

Usually the first time the show is rehearsed in the venue, with lighting, scenery and sound. Costumes are sometimes used where they may cause technical problems (e.g. Quick changes). Often a very lengthy process. Often abbreviated to "the tech."

Large suspended steel sheet with handles which produces a thunder-like rumble when shaken or beaten.

Border, usually black, set behind the proscenium and linked with tormentors to form an inner frame to the stage, and to mask the upper parts of the fly tower.

A stage technician. Some find this term endearing, others think it demeaning.

Imaginary lines drawn from the highest seats of the audience area, often in a balcony, and from the seats in the front row, to the lowest hanging obstructions over the stage, to determine what portions of the performing area will be visible to all of the audience.

A passageway, originally for spectators, used to clear the seating area in quick fashion. Also used to describe a ramped passage that allows actors to run onstage from below (and run back).

A cue taken by a technician from the action on stage rather than being cued by the stage manager.

VU - Volume Unit). Pointer and scale meter which indicates the average level of a signal. Misses any transients and spikes that lead to a clipped signal.

An even, overall illumination over a large area of the stage. Also, to create such an illumination.

Actor-by-actor, scene-by-scene inventory of all the costumes in a production, with a detailed breakdown into every separate item in each costume.

The general name for the costume department, its staff and the accommodation they occupy.

Generally, a color that is in the yellow/orange/red range, as opposed to a cool (blue/green/purple) or neutral.

To switch off (a light/sound effect); to strike/remove (a prop).

Not used much today, but often referring to any powerful spotlight unit. Originally, a carbon arc spotlight developed by John and Anton Klieg, and used extensively in Hollywood.

The dominant light source/direction in a lighting state. In a sunny drawing room, the key light would be through the window, for a naturalistic exterior scene the direction of the key light could change as the sun progressed across the sky.

1 kilowatt (1kW) is equal to 1000 Watts.