blackout
the sudden switching off of all lights, leaving the stage in complete darkness
bump
to change the intensity of a light or group of lights instantaneously, usually for a short duration of time, often to the beat of music as if to create a pulsing effect.
call time
the expected time of arrival for participants in an event such as performance for concert
cue
an instruction given by the stage manager to one of the technical departments to take some action: 1) a change in scenery, lighting or sound or 2) the point at which an actor must enter or speak
dim
to decrease the amount of light on the stage
dimmer rack
how the lights overhead are powered
edison
takes what you have from stage pin and plugs it into the wall
Fade
a sound and lighting term meaning to gradually increase(fade up), decrease(fade down) or eliminate(fade out) the brightness of a light or the volume of a sound
Flood
a light that gives a wide-spreading, unfocused beam of light
Focus
to position and 'fine-tune' a lighting instrument so that the light covers a specific area of the stage
Fresnel
a lighting instrument with a soft-edged beam often used to blend with other lighting. It uses a Fresnel lens, a lens with concentric ridged rings.
Gel
a filter made of plastic or nylon(formerly made of gelatin) placed over the front of a lantern to change the color of the light. Comes in many different colors.
Gobo
a piece of metal or glass, which fits into the gate of a profile spot and projects a pattern onto the set or stage. Gobos can be very complex in design and changes how light comes out(creates texture onstage)
Hang
in theatre, this refers to the specific time assigned to placing the lighting instruments as indicated on the plot
Instrument
a piece of equipment that is the source of light in theatrical lighting.
Leko
an ellipsoidal reflector spot light
Lighting Designer
one who plans lighting compositions, lays out light plots, directs the focusing of luminaires, and determines the various intensities, colors, looks, and cues for a lighting production
Light Tree
a stand with arms attached-lives in the wings. Used often in lighting dance
Light Plot
document similar to an architectural blueprint used specifically by theatrical lighting designers to illustrate and communicate the lighting designe to the director, other designer and finally the Master Electrician and Electrics crew.
Par can
a type of electrical lamp that provides general lighting. Used more as a fill light.
Pigtail
made of plexiglass; wire that connects to cap(which comes off)
Preset
the ability, on a manual lighting control desk(as opposed to one which is computer-controlled) to set up a lighting cue before it is actually operated. Also the lighting state on a stage before the show actually starts
Safety cable
placed on ALL lights, goes around poles that they are hung on
shutter
metal blade that can be used to shape the edge of the beam of a lighting instrument. Shutters( normally four) are located in the gate at the center of the lantern
side lights
used mainly for lighting dance, creates a specific mood
special
a lighting instrument not used for general illumination but for a special effect, such as lighting a particular individual or area
spill
illumination from stage lighting instruments that falls outside of the area for which it is initially focused, Unwanted light onstage.
stage manager
a person responsible for the technical details of a theatrical production, assisting the director during rehearsal, supervising the lighting, costuming, setting, prompting, etc, and assuming full responsibility for the stage during a performance.
stage pin
3 prongs; plugs into wall to power lights
stand-by
a warning cue given by the stage manager informing crew and actors to be prepared to execute the cue of perform as soon as the cue is given
tech
the first time the show is rehearsed with lighting, scenery and sound. Costumes are sometimes used where they may cause technical problems(ie: quick changes). Usually a very lengthy process.
Parts of a light: cap
holds bulb; where the light comes out of
Parts of a light: body
has reflector and shutters; directs light in any shape .
Parts of a light: lens
each one has a different angle, bringing it in/out changes how hard or soft the image will be