120k
(US) Originally shorthand for a lighting rig of 120 Parcans. This was a standard rig for big rock shows of the 1970s and early 80s. Nowadays, it refers to a rig of around 120 instruments, configured for a concert. But it may include any generic lanterns (but not moving lights etc.).
ACL / A.C.L.
Acronym for AirCraft Landing Light. See AERO.
ACN
Stands for Architecture for Control Networks. A new (2003) ethernet-based control protocol between control desk, dimmers & moving lights. Developed by ESTA and Strand Lighting. DMX nodes are used to communicate with non-ethernet devices.
ACTING AREA
That area within the performance space within which the actor may move in full view of the audience. Also known as the playing area.
This term is also used to describe the smaller subdivisions of the main stage area which are lit separately by the lighting designer (e.g. 'The stage is split into 6 acting areas, 3 downstage and 3 upstage').
An Acting Area Rehearsal (also known as a Blocking Rehearsal) involves the actors running through their moves around the set, and less focus on the quality of the characterisation.
(Also the name of an early Strand down-lighting floodlight - it was called an Acting Area Flood, and was colloquially known as 'Ack Ack' or 'A.A.').
ADB
(Manufacturer) Belgian manufacturer of lanterns, control desks and dimming equipment. Named after the initials of it's founder, Adrian de Backer.
ADB website
ADB 62.5
Near-obsolete digital lighting control protocol developed by ADB. Uses a 5 pin XLR connector but is NOT compatible with DMX512
ADDRESS
(LIghting) Each item of equipment controlled by DMX512 has an address, which is the first DMX control channel to which it will respond. A dimmer rack requires 1 DMX channel per dimmer. A moving light requires many DMX channels.
For example, in a situation where you have three 6-way dimmer racks, the first should be addressed to 1, the second to 7 and the third to 13. Moving lights requiring 16 DMX channels each might be addressed to 120, 137, 154 etc.
The address is either set via pushbuttons (up / down) to get to the correct channel, via a menu screen, via small rotary selectors where you can set each digit of the address, or via DIP switches where each switch represents a binary digit which combine to give the full address.
In larger systems, where more than 512 channels are required, each block of 512 addresses is called a Universe. By default, Universe 1 is used, so DMX address 120 on Universe 1 is known as 1/120.
Some control desks permit the use of absolute addresses, where the first address of the 2nd Universe, normally called 2/001, is numbered 513.
AERO
A type of high intensity Par lamp that derives its name from its use as an aircraft landing lamp. The true Aero is 28V and 250W (type 4596), although there are many variations. The lamp has a very tight beam.
ALPHAPACK
(Trade Name) Portable 3 way dimmer pack manufactured by Zero 88 in the UK. Integral faders to control the 3 dimmers. Maximum 6.3A load per dimmer.
Zero 88 website
AMX-192
See MULTIPLEXED SIGNAL.
ANALOGUE SIGNAL
A continuously variable signal that can have any value over a given range.
1) In lighting: an analogue voltage within the range 0 to 10 Volts can have values of 0, 2, 8.785 or any value between. Most dimmers require an analogue voltage in order to operate (from 0 to -10V or 0 to +10V depending on the manufacturer). Most lighting control desks produce a digital multiplexed output, which is converted by a demux box to an analogue signal for the dimmer. See also Digital dimmer.
2) Sound: An analogue recording will record the exact waveform of the original sound, simply converting it to an electrical signal at the microphone, and back into air movement at the speaker. See DIGITAL.
ANGSTROM
Unit of measurement of length (e.g. for wavelengths of light). 1 Angstrom is equal to one ten billionth (1 x 10-10) of a metre. The unit is named after the Swedish physicist Anders J. Ångström.
See WAVELENGTH.
ANSI / A.N.S.I.
American National Standards Institute. Three letter ANSI codes are used in the US to identify lamps.
ANSI website
ANTE PROSCENIUM
Sometimes (incorrectly) called ANTI PROSCENIUM. From Latin - ANTE means in front of the proscenium. Refers to lighting bars or other equipment rigged in the theatre on the audience side of the proscenium arch. Often shortened to AP.
Also known as FOH (front of house).
See also ADVANCE BAR.
APOLLO DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
(Manufacturer) US-based manufacturer of gel, gobos, effects and scrollers.
Apollo Design Technology Inc. website
ARC LIGHT
See DISCHARGE LAMP.
ARC-LINE
(Trade Name) A coloured plastic tube containing a number of small strobe units which, when triggered, flash in sequence down the tube. Many tubes can be connected together.
Arc-Line in the Backstage Heritage Collection
ARCHITECTURAL LAMP
A type of linear filament lamp with contacts at 90 degrees to the filament which can gives the appearance of a continuous line of light (similar to neon, but dimmable).
ARRI
(Manufacturer) German/US manufacturer of film lighting and cameras (Arriflex). Founded in 1917. Previously, Arri made a range of lighting desks (including Imagine, Impulse, Mirage, Microlux) which were early versions of desks now produced by ETC. ETC took over the lighting control side of Arri in 1995.
ARRI website
ART-NET
Ethernet-based lighting control protocol, developed by Artistic Licence. ArtNet can carry up to 256 DMX512 universes on the ethernet saving on cable runs. With the development of wireless networking the possibilities are endless.
Art Net website
ARTIC
Short for Articulated Lorry. Lorries of 40 feet length (or more) are used to transport sets, costume, props and sound & lighting equipment from venue to venue. A number of companies specialise in moving theatrical and musical tours around the country / world.
Known in the USA as a SEMI (short for Semi-Trailer, where a trailer box with a rear axle only is pulled by a tractor unit).
ARTISAN
(Trade Name) Moving light control console made by Vari*Lite.
Vari*Lite Website
AVOLITES
(Manufacturer) UK-based manufacturer of lighting control consoles (Azure, Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond) and dimmers.
Avolites website
AWG
American Wire Gauge. US system for measuring the thickness of wire. The lower the number, the thicker the wire.
BAFFLE
1) A sheet of material used to prevent a spill of light in a lantern or in part of a set.
2) A panel in a loudspeaker cabinet designed to reduce back interference noise by isolating the front and rear of the loudspeaker diaphragm.
3) A panel in an auditorium positioned so as to reduce sound reflections and improve the acoustics of the space.
4) What most of this jargon will do to any non-technical theatrical type.
BAKELITE
(Trade Name) Early type of thermosetting plastic often used for electrical plugs and sockets. Has a distinctive fishy (ammonia) smell when burning.
BALLAST
A unit used in conjunction with discharge lamps containing capacitors, inductors and other start-up circuitry. The inductor is initially used to develop a high potential (voltage) to strike the discharge and is then used to limit the current flow while the lamp is lit.
BALLYHOO
(US) Swinging a followspot beam around in a figure of eight pattern. A more random effect is sometimes known as an RKO (after the searchlights used in the RKO Pictures movie logo.
BANANA PLUG
Plastic bodied single-connection plug used on some test meters and audio equipment.
BARE ENDS
Term to describe an electrical cable which has no connector at one end (for example, a SPEAKON to BARE ENDS cable is used to connect the terminals of a speaker cabinet to a speakon socket, and a 63A socket to bare ends might be used to wire in a temporary supply from a power distribution board before connecting equipment. Any installation work of this sort should only be carried out by a qualified electrician, and should never be done 'live'.
BASE PLATE
A metal plate which prevents damage to floors when using scaffolding or trussing.
BAUD
(Bits per second) Measurement of the speed of electronic communications protocols. DMX512 operates at 250,000 baud (i.e. 250,000 electronic signal changes per second).
BECTU
Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union. The UK entertainment technicians union. (US equivalent is IATSE)
BECTU website
BENCH FOCUS
The process of adjusting the lamp and reflector positions on a profile lantern such as the ETC Source 4 to ensure a smooth and even beam.
BETAPACK
(Trade Name) Portable 6 way dimmer pack manufactured in the UK by Zero88.
Zero 88 website
BIFOCAL SPOT
Profile lantern with two sets of shutters, one of which produces a hard edge, and one a soft edge. Not necessary in zoom profiles, because this requirement is fulfilled by two lenses.
The first theatre lantern with this functionality was the Patt.264. The T-Spot range also had bifocal shuttering.
Patt.264 in the Backstage Heritage Collection
T Spot (1976)
BINARY*
BIT = Binary Digit. More information coming soon.
BIOBOX
(Aus) Australian term for the lighting / projection control booth at the rear of the auditorium. Shortened version of BIOGRAPH BOX, after it's original function as a cinema projection box. Sometimes also known as the DOME if followspots are controlled from the same position.
BIPLANE
(Lighting) Describes a fllament inside a lamp which has two sections, a front and a back filament, which enables more light to be produced from a smaller point than with a monoplane filament.
BLEECON
Trade name for a type of low voltage 8 pin connector which is similar to the audio DIN plug. Used most often for carrying signals from analogue lighting control desks to dimmers or to demux boxes. Originally manufactured by Belling and Lee, hence BLEEcon (for connector).
BLEED
1) Dimmers which are incorrectly trimmed are said to bleed. That is, the dimmer still gives a small output, causing the lantern to glow, when the control signal is at a minimum.
2) A contrasting colour paint still showing through a newly-applied top coat is said to be bleeding.
3) A transformation from in front of a gauze to a previously unseen scene behind it is called a 'bleed-through'.
BLONDE
2000W open-faced flood lamp used in film / TV lighting. So-called because of it's yellow/gold paint finish. See also REDHEAD.
BLUE EDGE / BROWN EDGE
Chromatic effects at the sharply-focussed edges of the beam from a profile lantern. The focus can be adjusted to give either a blue effect or a brown effect - the lighting designer can decide which is the option they want to go with. The effect is also seen when using gobos. Sometimes the effect can be reduced by using a DONUT to sharpen the image.
BLUETOOTH
A technology enabling devices to wirelessly connect together over a short range for the purposes of playing or recording sound, or transferring data, or controlling a fixed device with a mobile device (e.g. mouse / keyboard).
BNC
Coaxial connector used for carrying a composite video signal or radio frequency signal. BNC stands for Bayonet Neill Concelman - after original inventors Carl Concelman and Paul Neill who developed the connector in the late 1940s. BNC is also thought to stand for 'Bayonet Nut Connector'.
See also TNC.
BOMB TANK
Metal bin or box covered with fine mesh in which Theatrical Maroons can be safely detonated.
See also PYROTECHNICS.
BOOMERANG
1) See COLOUR CHANGER.
2) Old name for a BOOM (vertical lighting position).
BOUNCE FOCUS
When scenery prevents you safely getting access equipment under a lighting position, you may need to bounce focus the instruments on that bar. This involves flying the bar to a reachable height, turning the lantern on, adjusting the tilt / focus, flying it out to the 'dead' height, and seeing whether it does the correct job. If not, continue flying it in and adjusting until it's correct.
Although time-consuming, this is sometimes the only way.
Some touring companies use FOCUS CLOTHs covered in odd shapes and markings so that the instruments can be focussed to the cloth markings, then flown out, and they will look correct.
BOWENS
Short for Bowens Flash Unit. Instrument which produces a bright white flash when triggered. Used by professional photographers. Unlike a STROBE, the Bowens unit needs to charge up between flashes (around 10 seconds) so is unsuitable for the same applications, but is ideally suited for recreating bright lightning flashes on stage.
BOX
1) Lighting Box - see CONTROL ROOM.
2) Enclosed seating area at the side of the auditorium in a traditional proscenium arch theatre. In the UK, some London theatres have a ROYAL BOX, which is usually equipped with an additional private reception room and is available for members of the Royal family (or other VIPs) to use.
BOX BOOM
US term for a front of house vertical lighting position (predominantly sidelight as the booms are rigged from the boxes nearest the proscenium arch).
BOX TRUSS
See TRUSS.
BRIGHTNESS
A measure of the amount of light produced by a display screen, projector or light source.
Data projector brightness is measured in lumens. A lumen is a measure of the brightness of a light source.
One lux is one lumen per square meter. One lumen is one candela per square radian (to measure the light travelling outwards from a light source).
Cinema screen brightness is measured in nits. A nit is unit of visible-light intensity, commonly used to specify the brightness of a cathode ray tube or liquid crystal display computer display. One nit is equivalent to one candela per square metre.
BSI
British Standards Institute.
BUBBLE
1) (especially TV and Film) Jargon for a replacement lamp.
2) The glass part of a lamp, also known as the ENVELOPE.
See also GLOBE, LAMP.
BULGIN
Range of connectors used for multipin or 'non-standard' connections. The small 3 pin Bulgin plug is used on the Le Maitre Pyroflash system. The larger 8-pin round 'truck plug' allows the connection of 6 dimmer circuits (up to 6A each) via a single multicore cable. This is ideal for carrying multiple dimmed circuits to a moving set-piece or truck. The 8-pin round connector has become a standard for disco lighting systems.
Bulgin Components website
BUSBAR
Metal bar carrying incoming electrical supply into which portable dimmer racks or other large power requirements can be wired directly. An enclosure containing busbars is a Busbar Chamber.
C STAND
Also known as a Grip Stand. The C Stand is a 3 legged heavy duty stand used for holding lighting accessories on a film set. C Stands are not typically used for luminaires - instead they hold reflectors and flags to cut off and reflect light. However, they can be used to support smaller (e.g. LED) light sources. While normal C Stands can't be folded, they do nest and can be stored ready to use in the corner of a studio or stage.
The C stands for Century Lighting, who made a range of film & theatre lighting equipment (later becoming Century Strand and then Strand Lighting).
CABLE GRIP
A U-shaped clip and saddle used for terminating wire rope. Also known as a Bulldog, Dog Grip or Wire Rope Clip.
CABLE TESTER
A tool designed to check connections and terminations on a range of cables used in audio, lighting and audio-visual applications.
CADENZA
Range of 2000W lanterns by Strand Lighting in the UK.
Cadenza in the Backstage Heritage Collection archive
CAMLOCK
(Trade Name - Crouse Hinds - CAMLOK) Single pole connector used on professional power distribution & dimming systems. A separate connector is used for each phase/neutral of the supply.Originally developed for touring concerts, as power demands increase it's finding more use in theatres.
CANTATA
(Trade Name) Range of 1200W lanterns produced by Rank Strand (now Strand Lighting) in the UK.
Strand Lighting website
Strand Archive
CARBON ARC LAMP
First demonstrated by Humphrey Davey in the early 1800s, the carbon arc lamp was the first practical electric light. It consisted of two carbon rods in air connected to a power source. To ignite the lamp, the rods are touched together and then slowly drawn apart. The electric current heats the tips of the rods and maintains an arc (originally, an 'arch' of electricity). The carbon at the tips of the rods vapourises, producing an intense bright light. The rods are slowly burnt away in use so constant adjustment of the distance between the rods is necessary to maintain the arc.
CAROUSEL
Circular slide magazine; also refers to a 35mm slide projector using this type of magazine (Kodak trade name). See PROJECTION.
CAST LIGHTING
Canadian creators of WYSIWYG software.
Cast Lighting website
CCTV
Closed Circuit television. A video relay system, used in the theatre to give a view of the stage to remote technical operators (especially stage managers). Also used to give musical performers a view of the conductor (and vice versa) to help in keeping time. It's called Closed Circuit because the signal is not being broadcast anywhere - there's a direct link between camera and monitor.
CHAIN HOIST
Manually operated or electrically driven hoist for lifting scenery and lighting equipment. The chain hoists are rigged to fixed points in the venue. Commonly used to lift lighting truss into position for touring shows or concerts.
CHIAROSCURO
(n.) In Lighting or Scenic design (and the Art world), Chiaroscuro means the use of contrasts of light and shade, especially in order to enhance the depiction of character and for general dramatic effect. Many painters are said to be masters of Chiaroscuro (especially Rembrandt, Caravaggio etc.) From the Italian words chiaro 'clear, bright' and oscuro 'dark'. From the Random House Word of the Day website.
CHOPPERS
(Followspot term) Two horizontal masking shutters used in followspots to shape the beam above and below.
Submitted by Bert Morris.
CID
(Compact Iodide Daylight) A high intensity discharge lamp that produces a light similar in colour temperature to daylight approx. 5500K). A 1000W CID lamp produces 2.5 times more light than a 2000W tungsten halogen source.
CIE
(Commission Internationale d'Eclairage) International lighting forum which has produced (amongst many other things) a series of universally recognised symbols for lighting plans.
CIE website
CITT
Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology.
CITT website
CLASSIC GEAR
Long-running column in Lighting & Sound International magazine, by Rob Halliday, discovering the history and origins of many essential technologies and bits of equipment that have made entertainment technology what it is today.
See the Lighting & Sound International archive for many examples.
COLOUR CORRECTION
The use of colour filters to compensate for the different colour temperatures of different light sources. Important in lighting for TV and film.
COLOUR ORGAN
Electronic lighting controller which automatically varied the intensity of lighting equipment in time to music. Often used 3 channels (Treble, Mid, Bass) and a single audio input. Each channel had a rating in watts based on what the dimmer circuitry could handle. There was often a controller for adjusting the sensitivity of the dimmer to the sound input.
See also Light Console (early lighting control system based on a Compton organ console)
CONCAVE
Lens shape. Edges are wider than the centre of the lens. Useful to remember that 'caves' go inward.
CONDENSER LENS
Loosely applied to any spotlight lens which condenses diverging rays into a beam, but more correctly to the short focus combination of two or more lenses in a jacket used for illuminating a slide or effect disc. Also used in some profile lanterns and followspots to produce a smoother light (especially for gobo work).
CONDUIT
Metal or plastic pipe used to carry electrical conductors as part of a permanent electrical installation. See also Trunking.
Also used to add weight to the bottom of a flown cloth.
CONVEX
Lens shape. Edges are thinner than the centre of the lens.
COUPLER
Equipment used to join two other items together.
Commonly refers to a SCAFFOLD COUPLER (also known as a SCAFFOLD CLAMP or TUBE CLAMP).
A scaffold clamp is known as a Cheeseborough in the USA, believed to be named after Chesebro-Whitman Company of New York City.
COVE
US for front of house catwalk lighting positions. Also 'Balcony Rail'.
CRMX
Wireless DMX Protocol. Used by LumenRadio and Astera products.
CROSBY
Manufacturer of shackles and lifting hardware (US, Canada and Belgium). The shackles are known as Crosby Clips.
Crosby Group website
CROWN-SILVERED LAMP
Type of lamp which has the top part of the envelope / bubble silvered so that the light is reflected backwards (where the reflector of the light fitting / lantern will reflect it forwards). Used in beamlights and other narrow-angle fittings to help produce a near-parallel beam, without glare from the lamp.
CSI
(Compact Source Iodide) A high intensity discharge lamp. Most often used in followspots, because it has a colour temperature (approx. 4000K) close to that of the tungsten halogen lamps.
CTB
Colour Temperature Blue - a colour filter to convert a warm light source to a colder colour to match daylight or to match discharge light sources.
See also CTO.
CTO
Colour Temperature Orange - a colour filter to correct a cold discharge or LED light source to be more warm, or on a film set to convert a cold daylight source to match other tungsten (warm) light sources.
See also CTB.
CUE STACK
Section of a lighting desk which allows a list of pre-plotted lighting states to be 'played back' on the push of a button. These lighting states normally have fade times allocated to them. Lighting desks designed for theatrical use will have this as the primary control, but a rock desk will have more 'hands on' control as a priority, only providing a cue stack for occasional use.
D54
See MULTIPLEX.
DAISY-CHAINING
Connecting items of equipment together by linking from one to the next in a chain. Used for connecting demux boxes to dimmers etc.
DATA PROJECTOR
As prices are dropping, the use of a data projector connected to a laptop or PC/Mac is within the budget of almost every performance.
See link below for more information.
Known in parts of Europe as a BEAMER.
See Multimedia Projection for Drama for more information.
DE-RIG ARM
A Boom Arm fitted with a scaffold coupler which makes it easy to remove / reposition between shows.
DEATH BY CUES
A colloquial phrase when the speaker believes that there are a lot of unnecessary cues going on.
It's the job of the lighting or sound designers to ensure the show can be run reliably every night, in discussion with stage management. If there are lots of cues running in a short period of time, it may be better to simplify them, or make them timed auto-follows, or run them from timecode, to avoid 'death by cues'.
DESIGNERS CONTROL
See RIGGERS CONTROL.
DIMMER DOUBLING
A system designed by ETC where two ETC lanterns can be connected to a single ETC dimmer, and have different intensities. It only works with 115V / 60Hz supplies (e.g. USA). A special adapter ('twofer') is connected to the dimmer output. This contains a series of diodes which split the AC sine wave into two halves (positive and negative). Each half is sent to a separate socket on the adaptor and from there to a modified ETC Source Four lantern with a 77 volt lamp. Using these lower voltage lamps means that full intensity is achievable using only half the AC wave. The system will not work in the UK or other countries with 50Hz power supplies as the flickering of the lamps is too noticeable.
DIMMER LAW (CONTROL DESK)
The dimmer law in a lighting desk defines the relationship between the control value (fader position) and the console output value (outgoing DMX level).
Submitted by Andre Broucke
DIMMER LAW (Dimmer)
The dimmer law defines the relationship between the incoming DMX control value and the dimmer output RMS voltage. Common dimmer laws are 'linear RMS voltage' and 'linear light output'. Around the rated lamp voltage the light output is quite sensitive to voltage variations (a slightly lower voltage can also improve lamp life). If the dimmer is set to 'linear light' and you fade from 100% to 95%, the light output will be reduced by 5%. If you set the dimmer to 'linear RMS voltage' and you fade from 100% to 95%, the light output will be reduced by more than 5%.
Submitted by Andre Broucke
DIMMING SHUTTER
Mechanical way of dimming the light output from a discharge lamp or projector when dimming the lamp is not possible. Consists of a series of horizontal blades which are rotated to reduce and then cut the light completely. See also DOWSER/DOUSER.
DIN
Deutscher Industrie Normen. European standard covering audio connectors and tape equalisation characteristics.
DIP SWITCH
Small plastic switch used to configure the functions of a piece of equipment. Most often used for setting the DMX address of either a moving light, colour scroller, or LED unit. Each switch corresponds either to a binary digit, or to a particular function (ON/OFF).
DIP stands for Dual In-line Package.
DISCHARGE LAMP
A high-powered source of light produced by means of an electrical discharge between two electrodes. An arc light, for example uses a discharge between two carbon rods which are manually or automatically fed together as they are burnt up. The use of this type of lighting is restricted to non-dimming applications such as followspots and projection, where dimming is achieved by mechanical means. Many of the new generation of moving lights use discharge lamps, dichroic filters and mechanical dimming shutters.
See BALLAST, CSI, CID, MSR, HMI, HTI, Xenon, MBI.
DISCONNECT
(US) Also known as a COMPANY SWITCH, this is a large capacity power connection point on/near the stage which touring companies can use to connect their equipment.
DISSOLVE UNIT
Interface connected between two or more slide projectors and a tape player. Synchronisation signals recorded onto the tape are detected by the dissolve unit and fade up the lamp in one slide projector while changing the slide in the other, and then vice versa, producing a dipless crossfade between the two images.
DISTRIBUTION BOARD
System of interconnected fuses / circuit breakers and cabling that routes an incoming power supply to a number of different outputs. Known colloquially as DISTRO or the DIS BOARD.
DISTRO / POWER DISTRO
See DISTRIBUTION BOARD.
DMX BUFFER
Powered device which is used to boost a DMX512 signal so that it can reliably travel over a long distance.
The maximum distance for a DMX512 signal is 300m - using a buffer you can send the signal an additional 300m.
DMX512-A
See MULTIPLEXED SIGNAL.
DOME
1) (Aus) Follow spot location usually at rear of the upper gallery. Sometimes referred to as BIOBOX, where the control booth and followspot position are the same.
2) (Aus) A Followspot in any location (from the above).
DOME OP
Australian term for the followspot operator. See DOME.
Submitted by Mac Calder
DONUT
A metal plate with a hole in the middle inserted in the colour runners of a lantern to sharpen focus (in the case of a profile) or reduce spill.
DOUBLE HANG
To rig two lanterns adjacent to each other in different colours, both covering the same area.
DOWSER (UK) / DOUSER (US)
A metal flag used in larger followspots and projection equipment to cut off the light beam without cutting off the electrical supply. Discharge lamps cannot be dimmed, so this is the only way of stopping light. Discharge lamps need a period of cooling down when they are turned off before they can be turned on again, so they should not be switched off if needed again within about two hours.
See also DIMMING SHUTTER.
DRIFT WIRE
A length of suspension wire of standard length with eyelets at each end between the counterweight bar and the top of the scenic piece flown from it.
EARTH SPIKE
Copper rod inserted into the ground to maintain earth continuity (especially when using generators etc.)
EARTHING
Electrical safety requirement that metal parts of electrical equipment are connected to a common earth or ground point so that in the event of a fault, excess current can be carried away, causing the fuse to blow. Known in the USA as Ground. Some sound problems (such as hums) can be cured by altering the earthing / grounding arrangements of the system, but this should never involve removing the earth connections to equipment, only by adding an earth connection where none exists, or by adjusting the way audio cables are wired. Seek professional advice to avoid safety problems.
EDM
Acronym for Electronic Dance Music. Repetitive beats and an awesome light show.
EGGS
Slang term used for Strand Pattern 123's, due to their shape.
Patt.123 in Backstage Heritage Collection
EL WIRE
Electro-luminescent Wire. Requires an alternating current power supply of between 90-120 volts, but this is usually generated by an oscillator circuit powered by a few AA batteries. The wire is very efficient and robust. The weak points tend to be the connections between the wire and the power supply, so ensure these are well-protected if the wire is being used in/on a prop or costume.
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
The electromagnetic spectrum is a way of describing all of the types of electromagnetic radiation in order of wavelength. The spectrum includes visible light (which are of most relevance to theatre), radio waves and other types of radiation.
For light, the spectrum starts with infra-red radiation (which we feel as heat), then the visible light colours run from red (around 700 nanometers), through orange, yellow, green, blue to violet, and then ultra-violet radiation.
Encyclopaedia Britannica entry
Wikipedia entry
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
A self-contained lighting system for a public space that provides enough illumination for the public to leave the area and to locate exits in the event of a power cut.
Emergency Lighting systems should be checked regularly (as required by local licencing authorities).
It's especially important to consider power cuts when using non-theatre spaces (especially outdoor spaces) for performances.
EMF
Abbreviation for Electromotive Force, or VOLTAGE.
EQUITY LIGHT
See GHOST LIGHT.
More on Ghost Light
ERF / E.R.F.
(US) Short for Ellipsoidal Reflector Floodlight. See also ERS.
ETC
(Manufacturer) US/UK based manufacturer of lanterns and lighting control equipment.
ETC website
ETHERNET
Computer networking protocol which is installed on many new lighting desks, to allow networking between the main desk, dimmers, and remote desks around the theatre.
EXPRESSIONISM
Theatre design and performance style which places greater value on emotion than realism. The trademark Expressionist effects were often achieved through distortion.
EXTENSION CABLE
A cable used to connect equipment to a power socket which is too far to connect directly.
Extension cables are available either with a single outlet or multiple outlets.
EYE CANDY
Lighting equipment used (especially at live music events) to look good to the audience or the camera, rather than being used to light the performers. This is distinct from equipment used to light the air above / around the band (when haze or smoke is in use) as this has a scenographic function. Eye Candy equipment provides limited functional light.
F.B.O.
Abbreviation for Fade to Blackout.
FEEDER
In the US, a main power cable to an installation is known as a feeder.
FEL
ANSI standard 1000W lamp, with a G9.5 medium 2 pin base, and is made by a number of manufacturers including GE, Osram, Ushio, Eiko and Philips.
FESTOON
1) See Swag
2) Describes tabs which adopt a sculpted shape.
3) A length of cable incorporating a number of lamp holders used for outdoor party lighting etc. Available in multi-circuit form so that the lamps can be 'chased'.
FIBRE FRAME
A colour frame made from heat resistant fibres, which doesn't get as hot to the touch as a standard metal frame.
FIELD
Refers to the spread of light intensity across a beam. Most profile lanterns have an adjustable field. A Flat field has an even distribution, a peak field has a 'hot spot' in the centre of the beam. A flat field is essential when using gobos.
The Field Angle is a measurement of the width of the cone of light produced by the lantern until the light falls off to 10% intensity. This is a wider angle then the Beam Angle, which is a measurement of the cone of light until the light falls off to 50% of full intensity.
For a sharply focussed profile, the Field angle and the Beam angle will be very similar (or identical). For a Fresnel or Parcan, there will be a difference between the two. It's best to use Beam Angle when calculating lantern coverage.
See PROFILE.
FINDING YOUR LIGHT
Important skill for an actor - being able to feel the light on your face, to know when you are correctly standing in a spotlight or lit area, and when you are standing just out of it.
FISH PLATE
Colloquial name for a coupler to join two pieces of pipe (e.g. 48mm scaffolding tube) together.
FLOATS
Early form of footlights using burning wicks floating in oil across the front of the stage. Now applies to anything rigged on the front edge of the stage (eg Float microphones, Uplights / footlights etc.)
FLOOR PACKAGE
(Gigs) The lighting equipment brought by a touring band / production which sits on the stage deck on ground-supported truss, lighting stands or other frames. The floor package is used alongside the venue rig.
FLOORPOCKET / FLOOR POCKET
(US) A electrical socket mounted under a flap in the stage floor (UK equivalent is DIP).
FLORRIES
(Colloquial) UK term for the fluorescent working lights over a stage / in a venue. (e.g. 'Please get the florries off in the corridor because we can see them through the upstage door').
FLOW
A way of describing the movement of the lighting on stage from one state (or scene) to another. This flow can help keep the pace of the production moving forward, without the end of the scene leading to an unnatural pause.
FLUORESCENCE
The property of some materials to glow when subjected to light. This normally refers to ultraviolet light, although blue visible light (along with many other colours) can cause fluorescence. The materials degrade the UV wavelengths into longer and therefore visible reflected rays. See also Phosphorescence.
FLYING PIG SYSTEMS
(Manufacturer) Makers of the Wholehog / Hog range of lighting control desks.
Flying Pig Systems website
FOG
See SMOKE MACHINE
FOOT-CANDLES
An non-SI unit of illuminance (or light) used in film, TV and architectural lighting industries. The unit is defined as the amount of illumination the inside surface of a 1-foot radius sphere would be receiving if there were a uniform point source of one candela in the exact center of the sphere. Alternatively, it can be defined as the illuminance on a 1-square foot surface of which there is a uniformly distributed flux of one lumen. This can be thought of as the amount of light that actually falls on a given surface. The foot-candle is equal to one lumen per square foot.
The SI derived unit of illuminance is the lux. One footcandle is equal to approximately 10.764 lux, although in the lighting industry, typically this is approximated as 1 footcandle being equal to 10 lux.
In the lighting industry, footcandles are a common unit of measurement used to calculate adequate lighting levels of workspaces in buildings or outdoor spaces. Footcandles are also commonly used in the museum and gallery fields, where lighting levels must be carefully controlled to conserve light-sensitive objects such as prints, photographs, and paintings, the colors of which fade when exposed to bright light for a lengthy period.
See also FOOT-LAMBERTS
FOULING
Fouling occurs when a piece of flown scenery / drapery gets caught on a piece of scenery on the stage floor, or another piece of scenery / lighting bar etc in the rig. Fouling sometimes happens due to changes in temperature / air pressure causing lightweight scenery or curtains to move in a particular direction. Happens frequently in tightly-packed flying systems.
Sometimes lighting designers need to remove additional equipment (e.g. barndoors, top hats) from lanterns in the rig because other scenery or curtains get caught on them.
FRAMING SHUTTERS
Built into some moving lights, these motorised shutters allow the beam to be cut off or to form a flat-sided shape, under control of the lighting desk.
They're specifically named Framing Shutters to differentiate them from Dimming Shutters, which are used on moving lights with discharge light sources (which can't be put on a dimmer), and are used to dim the light by mechanically cutting off the beam.
The framing shutters are positioned in the same position as a gobo, so a sharp focus can be obtained.
As well as being brought in or out of the beam, each of the 4 shutters can be angled, so a range of shapes can be formed.
FRENCH FLAG
Film/Video term. A card or metal panel fitted to an adjustable arm used to stop unwanted light from directly entering the lens of a camera.
FTB
Initialism of Fade to Black - a gradual reduction in lighting levels towards blackout.
Originally a shorthand in TV/film scriptwriting, where it refers to a fadeout in camera rather than a lighting effect.
FTP
1) See also HIGHEST TAKES PRECEDENCE (HTP) and LATEST TAKES PRECEDENCE (LTP).
2) File Transfer Protocol - a method of transferring files across the internet.
FULL UP FINISH (FUF)
A shorthand note for manual desk lighting operators to bring all relevant dimmers to full for the end of a song / finale of a show to 'draw the applause'. Still applies for the snap build on the last beat of a song. See also LIGHTS UP, FULL UP.
FUZZ LIGHT
A lamp with a revolving mirror and a coloured plastic dome. Gives a 'police light' effect. Usually 12 Volt or 240 Volt operation.
GALAXY
(Trade Name) Large computerised memory lighting desk. Previously manufactured by Rank Strand (now Strand Lighting)
Strand Lighting website
Strand Archive
GAM
(Manufacturer) USA based manufacturer of lighting gels, gobos and accessories. GAM stands for Great American Market. See COLOUR FILTER, GOBO.
GAM website
GAS TABLE
Distribution point for gas used in theatre lighting (from around 1816 - 1890). Various valves and wheels controlled the flow of gas from the central point to each part of the stage, so that by using a team of people, complex lighting fades could be achieved, before the advent of electricity for lighting. According to Richard Pilbrow (Stage Lighting Design: The Art, The Craft, The Life 1997) the gas table was the first stage lighting switchboard.
GDTF
General Device Type Format. An open-source format for fixture manufacturers to supply fixture profiles to lighting console manufacturers.
GDTF website
GEMINI
(Trade Name) Medium size computerised memory lighting desk with 180 channels. Previously manufactured by Rank Strand (now Strand Lighting)
Strand Lighting website
Gemini in the Backstage Heritage Collection
GENERATOR
Fuel-powered engine which drives a dynamo to convert mechanical energy into electricity. Also known as a GENNY.
Generators are used as back-up power supplies in the event of failure of the mains electricity, or to supplement the power available in a venue for a specific show that requires a large amount of electrical power.
Also used on outdoor events to provide all power (including sound system, lighting rig, catering, emergency lighting etc). A large event will have a number of generators and back-up generators to power different zones of the site.
GENIE
(Trade Name) A range of mobile access platforms or lifting devices with either hand-cranked or compressed air lifting mechanisms.
Genie Industries website
Access Equipment
GERB
See PYROTECHNICS.
GFI / G.F.I.
(US) Ground Fault Interruptor. See RCD.
GHOST LIGHT
(US) A light left burning overnight on stage to keep friendly spirits illuminated and unfriendly spirits at bay. Also believed to keep the theatrical muse in a 'dark' theatre, and to stop people tripping over bits of scenery when they come into the theatre in the morning.
The ghost light consists of a vertical pole with a bare light bulb on it, and is placed on stage. Care should be taken that the cable doesn't create a trip hazard, and that the light bulb is protected with a metal cage.
The type of bulb is not critical - it should be chosen so that enough light is emitted to enable people on stage to see furniture / other items to stop them tripping over. Where possible an energy-saving lamp should be used.
Also known as the 'Equity Light'. See link below for more information.
Could also refers to the light emitted by a lantern when a dimmer has not been 'trimmed' correctly, and is leaking.
French: La servante
More information about Ghost Light
GHOST LOAD
A lamp plugged into a dimmer which is also being used to dim an inductive load (e.g. transformers) rather than a resistive load (filament lamps). Most dimmers (and certainly all cheap dimmers) are designed for resistive loads, so adding a load lamp onto each dimmer circuit that's not being used for resistive loads enables the dimmer electronics to work correctly.
A ghost load is also used to increase the load on a dimmer when using very low wattage equipment. The ghost load is positioned next to the dimmers out of view of the audience and connected via a parallel splitter (e.g Grelco).
Also known as a LOAD LAMP.
GHOSTING
A method of determining the exact position of a followspot's beam by faintly exposing it on a darker area of the stage or upon the drapes. Often done just before a 'pick up' so the operator can have the lantern aimed and ready. A more professional practice is to use sights to line up a followspot.
Submitted by Jayson Bowles
GLASS GOBO
A highly detailed gobo consisting of an aluminium pattern sandwiched between two thin pieces of glass. A glass gobo is more expensive than a standard steel gobo, and requires special handling. A glass gobo holder must be used which allows the glass to expand when heated. When used in lanterns more powerful than around 650W, the lamp should be preheated before being turned to full to warm up the gobo, otherwise the thermal shock may cause the glass to crack.
GLS
General Lighting Service. Lamps designed for general everyday use.
GOD LIGHT
A bright intense beam of light from above to isolate a performer on stage, as if from God.
Previously achieved with a parcan, but now often a moving light.
GPC
(US only) Grounded Pin Connector. A 3 pin plug used to connect instruments to cables / lighting circuits. Also known as Stage Pin Connector.
GRAPHITE
Powdered graphite is used as a lubricant for lighting equipment manual focus / adjustments.
Liquid lubricants such as WD40 should not be used on any equipment that gets hot.
GROUP
A subdivision, permanent or optional, of a lighting board control preset, or a sound desk.
GROUP PATCHING
Function on Zero 88 lighting desks where all fixtures that are in a particular group type (during setup), can be sequentially connected (patched) to control channels.
GU10
A type of domestic lamp which consists of an integrated lens & reflector built around the light source. The electrical connection is via two pins. Now available as LED, but was originally either a low-voltage (12V 50W) lamp used in birdies which featured a dichroic reflector, which passed heat through it rather than reflecting it, resulting in a colder beam, or as a mains voltage version.
HALATION
(from 'Halo') The spreading of light beyond it's normal boundaries to form a fog around the edges of a bright image.
Halation - Color Theory
HALOGEN CYCLE
Chemical process occurring in Tungsten Halogen lamps which makes them possible. During the lamps life, Tungsten evaporates from the filament, and would normally deposit itself on the glass wall of a Tungsten lamp, causing it to blacken, and causing the output of the lamp to reduce until it finally blew. In a Tungsten Halogen lamp, the Tungsten combines with the Halogen gas elements present in the lamp envelope and is re-deposited back onto the filament. This process needs a very high temperature to operate, so Tungsten Halogen lamps are able to be a lot smaller, and run a lot hotter, than their Tungsten equivalents. See also Tungsten Halogen.
HANDLE
Avolites term for the channel fader and the buttons below it, which are used to control a channel.
HARD POWER
A non-dimmed power supply to a lighting rig (or part of a rig).
HARMONICS
TO BE DEFINED.
HARMONY
(Trade Name) Range of 1000W lanterns produced by Rank Strand (now Strand Lighting) in the UK.
Strand Lighting website
Strand Archive
HARTING
Family-owned and run technology company, founded in 1945 and headquartered in Germany.
The brand is known in technical theatre for their heavy-duty multipin connectors used as 'Lectriflex'.
Harting Website
HCR
Electronic platform for LED lighting developed by ADB and Claypaky in conjunction with Osram.
The LED light source consists of a module with 6 colours: Red, Green, Blue, Amber, Cyan, Lime.
The additional colours mean HCR fixtures can achieve a CRI value of up to 99 (typically 97).
HCR technology is used in ADB fixtures Orkis, Klemantis, Oksalis.
HEATSHRINK
A plastic-based sleeve which shinks to a fracton of it's width when heat is applied to it. The sleeve is used to protect and tidy the appearance of connections in a range of applications. It can also be used to protect microphone heads (although care should be taken not to damage the microphone head while doing it!).
See also SLEEVE.
HIGH HAT
See TOP HAT.
HIGHEST TAKES PRECEDENCE
Abbreviated to HTP, this is the standard by which some lighting desks operate.
If there is more than one control on the desk affecting a particular channel, then the highest level of the controls will take priority and affect the output of the desk and the dimmers.
This system is universal on manual lighting desks, but there are problems with the control of moving lights, scrollers etc, when more subtle variances in level are necessary, and LTP (Latest Takes Precedence) control is required.
See LATEST TAKES PRECEDENCE.
Video
HMI (Hydragyrum Medium arc-length Iodide)
A mercury-halide discharge lamp with a colour temperature of 5600K (daylight).
HOLOGAUZE
A trademarked system for achieving high-brightness 'holographic' projection effects. Patented by Stuart Warren-Hill.
HoloGauze Patent, 2017
HOOK UP / HOOKUP
A Hook Up is paperwork generated by the Lighting Designer for a show. It lists connections or layouts between number systems. For example, a Channel Hook Up lists the channel numbers used on the lighting plan alongside the dimmer numbers into which they're connected, and a brief text description of that channels function.
HOT
One of three connections on an audio or power connector.
Hot - the 'live' or positive or signal cable, often coloured red
Cold/Common - the 'neutral' or return cable to complete the circuit
Ground - the 'earth' or ground connection which ensures electrical safety. In an audio connector is this often connected to the metal sheath of the cable.
HOT PATCH
See Patching.
HOWIE BATTEN
(After Howard Eaton) This is a two circuit (two colour) 120V per circuit MR16 (PAR 16) batten developed by Howard for lighting cloths at close proximity. A row of these hung above a cloth allow you to light the cloth where there is little space. They have also become popular as footlights. The battens are designed to be used in pairs on a 240V (UK) power supply, connected via a series splitter to share the 240V down to 2 x 120V battens. They are also known as MR16 Battens or L&E Battens (after the manufacturer).
Howard Eaton Lighting Ltd. website
HPL
Initialism for High Performance Lamp, the proprietary lamp designed for the Source Four by Entertec. The HPL uses a compact filament (with 4 filament strands, hence the name Source Four).
HTI
See DISCHARGE LAMP.
HTP
See HIGHEST TAKES PRECEDENCE.
HUE
The colour of a light, costume or piece of scenery (etc.).
The term is usually linked to Saturation, which is the amount of that colour.
ICOPER
Acronym for International Code of Practice for Entertainment Rigging.
A new standard, published in 2017.
Download ICOPER at PLASA
IEC
International Electrotechnical Commission. The UK mains inlet connector / 'kettle lead' is known as an IEC LEAD.
IEC website
IGBT
Acronym for Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor. Electronic component used in later generation lighting dimmers.
Wikipedia entry
ILDA
International Laser Display Association
ILDA website
IMAG
Short for Image Magnification - the use of live feed video cameras and huge video screens to bring the details of an artists' performance to a huge stadium-sized audience.
IMPEDANCE
A 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. Measured in Ohms. Speakers are rated according to power handling capabilities (Watts, W) and impedance (Ohms).
INDUSTRIAL
Also known as a CORPORATE. An event or performance staged by a manufacturer or company in order to launch a product or celebrate a milestone of some kind. Such events are often spectacular.
INHIBITIVE SUBMASTER
See SUBMASTER.
INSTALLATION
1) An electrical system in a particular building (e.g. "the stage lighting installation was tested last year")
2) A piece of art designed to transform a particular room or building into something other than a room in an art gallery. Installations often use complex audio-visual equipment and can be intensely immersive experiences. (e.g. "In the studio space this week we have an installation by John Doe entitled 'Space'")
INVERSE SQUARE LAW
The Inverse Square Law, when applied to light, states that as light loses energy as it travels, the further you are from a light source, the dimmer the light source becomes.
JONES PLUG / JONES SOCKET
Type of multipin connector used on some lighting desks for analogue outputs.
CINCH website
JOSEF SVOBODA
Czech scenographer (1920 - 2002)
Josef Svoboda in the Backstage Heritage Collection Archive
K1 HAZER
The Jem K1 Hazer is a high-performance hazer produced by Martin. It provides the combination of continuous operation, long hang time, and low fluid consumption for greater economy.
Martin Website
KEYSTONE
A function available on data projectors which allows the selective stretching of the horizontal component of the projected image so that it appears to be rectangular when projected from an angle above or below the projection surface. More advanced (expensive) projectors can also keystone the vertical component of the image, and some recent projectors can automatically detect the projection surface and can automatically keystone the image to fit.
Before data projectors, special lenses were available for slide or film projectors to apply the keystone effect.
The term comes from the wedge-shape of the stone placed at the top of an arch to spread the load of the wall above equally down both sides of the arch.
KICKER LIGHT
Lanterns placed to the side of the actor to maximise the sculptural quality of the light are sometimes known as KICKERS.
KLIEG LIGHT
Named after brothers John and Anton Kliegl, the Klieg Light was originally an intense carbon arc lamp especially used in filmmaking. Modern Klieg lights use Tungsten Halogen lamps. Klieg lights are either fitted with a fresnel lens and spherical reflector (for a wash of light) or a single or pair of plank-convex lenses and an ellipsoidal reflector for a spot light.
KVA
Kilo-Volt Amps. Unit of electrical power.
LADY AND THE TRAMP
A Lady and the Tramp moment occurs when two people clearing and coiling LX or sound cables end up both coiling the same one. Named after the Disney classic animation where two dogs end up eating the same piece of spaghetti.
LAMP OFF / LAMP ON
A command sent over DMX512 from lighting control consoles to moving lights which have discharge lamps. When the moving light is powered up, the lamp is usually set to power on, and remains lit, whether the moving light is in use or not. This is wasteful of energy, and of lamp hours, which are limited. If the moving light(s) are not being used for any length of time, the Lamp Off command can be sent to turn the lamps off. The lamp cannot then be relit for a period while it cools down.
LASER
Acronym of Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A very high energy beam of light that remains virtually parallel throughout its length. Visible in the air only when a haze of smoke or dust is introduced. Great care is required when using lasers as this energy can cause permanent damage to the retina of the eye.
How Lasers Work
LATEST TAKES PRECEDENCE
Abbreviated to LTP, this is a standard by which some computerised lighting desks operate.
If there is more than one control on the desk affecting a particular channel, then the latest control to operate will be the one to affect the output on stage.
This system is used on desks with moving light functionality.
See also HIGHEST TAKES PRECEDENCE.
Video
LBO
Acronym for Light Board Operator. Also known as the Board Operation (or Board Op).
LCL
Abbreviation for Light Centre Length. This measurement (in mm) is the distance between the top of the lamp base and the optical centre of the filament. This measurement is critical as it ensures that for a particular lantern, the filament is at exactly the correct position for maximum light output and efficiency. Many different lamp types exist, but there are far fewer lamp-base types, meaning it's possible to insert the wrong lamp into a lantern very easily, resulting in poor output and efficiency.
See also MOL.
LDR
1) Light-Dependent Resistor. Electronic component used in a circuit to detect the presence (or absence) of light. Used in theme park attractions to detect a passing ride vehicle or in safety / security systems to detect movement past a particular point.
2) Italian lighting manufacturer, founded in 1997.
LDR at Backstage Heritage Collection
LE MAITRE
(Manufacturer) UK based manufacturer of pyrotechnic devices (Pyroflash brand name), smoke machines and other theatre effects
Le Maitre website
LED / L.E.D.
Light Emitting Diode. LED technology has transformed stage lighting, at a time when energy efficiency is at the top of many agendas. The best LED luminaires for theatre are, however, still expensive, but getting cheaper. Cheaper units have noisy fans and may have issues with flickering on video recordings of shows, as well as poor dimmer curves and low CRI (colour rendering index) values.
LED light sources are extremely efficient, and give off very little heat, making them ideal for display or architectural work. LED video walls are in use all over the world - they are more efficient and lighter in weight than projection alternatives.
The LED Museum
How LEDs work
LEE
(Manufacturer) UK based manufacturer of lighting gels. See COLOUR FILTER.
Lee Filters website
LENS TRAIN
An assembly of more than one lens in a piece of lighting or camera equipment. The lenses are usually adjustable relative to one another to enable the size or focus of the light to be altered.
LIGHT JOCKEY or LJ
Danish slang for Lighting Designer.
Submitted by Erling Larsen
LIGHTJOCKEY
Club / DJ control and visualisation software by Martin.
Martin website
LINK
A connection between two lighting or sound cues which are not numerically adjacent.
If, for example, the lighting designer wants to simplify a cueing sequence which is not working, the cues at the start and end of the sequence can be linked together in the lighting desk so that the sequence is jumped over. Similarly if the director cuts some lines which affect a cue.
See also POINT CUE.
LINNEBACH PROJECTOR
Optically simple lensless system for projecting a shape from a gel or glass slide etc. onto a set or cloth. The slide is placed in the front runners of the projector which is a floodlight (with a point source lamp, and no reflector). Often used for shadow effects or simple scenic projection. The projector was developed in Germany by Adolphe Linnebach (1876-1963) in 1916 at the Court Theatre, Dresden. In order to get a sharp image, the lamp filament should be as small and as bright as possible, with adjustment to move it towards and away from the slide. A high intensity low voltage lamp is often used for this purpose.
See also OLIVETTE.
LITTLE TOM CLAMP
A clamp made by Doughty Engineering, to enable a scaffold pole to be used at the top of a standard telescopic lighting stand to support two or more lanterns, or to form a vertical support for a longer scaffold pole to hang masking curtains or lightweight scenery cloth from.
LOBSTERSCOPE
A mechanical device that reproduces the flashing 'motion-freezing' effect of a strobe. Consists of a metal disc with at least two oval or S-shaped cutouts opposite each other, which when spun electrically or by hand produces a smooth strobe-like effect, and can also (at slower speed) suggest a passing train or other motion.
See also KK WHEEL.
LOOM
A neatly-organised bunch of cables. A wiring loom is used to avoid messy runs of cables by keeping the cables going in the same direction (to the same piece of equipment) tied together. This saves time when installing and packing-down equipment, and ensures that a piece of cable can't be mislaid or left behind.
The cables can be taped together (using PVC tape, never Gaffer Tape) or, for more long-lasting arrangements, with cable ties. More environmentally-friendly companies use short lengths of rope for the same purpose, which are re-used over and over again. Strips of rubber can be used for the same purpose.
The looms are named according to their purpose (e.g. the Control Loom goes from the control desk to associated equipment, and may contain a power cable, a communication cable and a DMX512 cable for the control signals).
Known as a 'hod' in the USA (apparently from old French term for intestines).
Also known as a TRIPE.
LOW SMOKE
Smoke that has been chilled as soon as it comes out of the smoke machine. This causes the smoke to lay close to the floor. Use fast dispersing smoke for this effect because when the smoke heats up in the air, it will rise.
Low Smoke is much safer to work with than DRY ICE, which produces a longer-lasting effect but is more expensive.
See also CRYOGENICS, DRY ICE.
Fog / Smoke / Haze On Stage
LTP
See LATEST TAKES PRECEDENCE.
LUA
Lua is a programming language that can be used on versions of MA software (for the GrandMA range of lighting consoles).
LUMEN / LUMENS
A measure of light output from a source. The brightness of video projectors is stated in Lumens.
See also LUX.
What Lumen rating projector should I use?
LUX
A measure of the level of illumination on a surface (1 lumen spread over 1 metre).
MACRO
A shortcut that can be user-created on software-driven devices (e.g. lighting desks, sound desks) that carry out an often-repeated set of commands at a single button press. (e.g. 'I've created a macro to stop the effects on the downstage moving lights'). A macro is first 'learned' - when in learn mode, all button presses are memorised, and can then be stored as a numbered macro, or to a specific macro key.
MAINTAINED LIGHTING
See Secondary lighting.
MARK BEFORE BREAK
(Abbreviated to MBB) A timing measurement within a DMX signal. Variations in timings and DMX speed can cause problems on some older or not-totally-compliant DMX controlled lighting equipment.
ETC FAQ on DMX Speed
MAROON
An electrically detonated pyrotechnic device giving the effect of a loud explosion. Made from gunpowder encased in stout cardboard or string. Must be used within a metal bomb tank. Originally developed in the second half of the 19th century to simulate the sound of cannon, it was often used to call out the volunteer lifeboat crew in an emergency.
MASK
1) Form of theatre where actors faces are covered with masks.
2) Early word for GOBO.
MAXXYZ
Moving Light console produced by Martin.
Martin website
MBI
Metal Halide discharge lamp. See also DISCHARGE LAMP.
MCB
Minature Circuit Breaker. Up to 63A (UK).
A resettable fuse, which trips to cut the flow of electrical current when too much current is detected. This may happen due to an electrical fault in a particular piece of equipment, or may be due to a lamp blowing (the bright white flash when a lamp blows is caused by a short-circuit across the lamp contacts, which draws a large amount of current briefly, until the MCB trips).
See also FUSE.
MCCB
Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (over 63A - UK). See FUSE.
MEATRACK
Heavy-duty wheeled rack with inbuilt supports or bars for transporting a number of pre-rigged six-lamp bars or lanterns.
MIMIC
The VDU associated with most medium and large lighting desks has a detailed mimic of the level of all dimmers and other associated information.
MINIM
(Trade Name) Range of 300W lanterns produced by Rank Strand (now Strand Lighting) in the UK.
Strand Lighting website
Strand Archive
MINUETTE
(Trade Name) Range of 500W/650W lanterns produced by CCT in the UK.
CCT Lighting website
MISE EN SCÉNE
Although the term literally "placing on stage" in French, the Mise en Scene refers to much more than the setting of a performance or event. The term describes all of the visual aspects of a setting - props, lighting, costume as well as set design, and how the details can contribute to the telling of the story.
ML
Short for MOVING LIGHTS.
MOBILE ELEVATED WORK PLATFORM (MEWP)
(often abbreviated to MEWP) A piece of access platform with a wheeled base, which can sometimes be self-propelled by the operator. The best known manufacturer is GENIE.
MODIFIER
(Lighting) An attachment for a photographic / film light source which alters or modifies the light, by making it softer, or reflecting it.
Common modifiers are silver umbrellas and softboxes.
MOGUL BASE
A type of lamp base, designed for heavy-duty applications such as high level lighting in warehouses etc. The Mogul base larger than standard domestic lamps is designated E39 (which is 39mm wide).
See also E.S. and G.E.S.
MOL
Abbreviation for Maximum Overall Length. This measurement (in mm) is the length between the ceramic lamp bases at each end of a double ended (linear) lamp, such as that used in floods and some discharge lamps.
See also LCL.
MOLEFAY
(Trade Name) Multi-lamp flood lantern made by Mole Richardson, used for washing large areas of stage with colour, or as an audience 'blinder' for a concert. Sometimes fitted with colour scrollers for maximum flexibility. One option consists of 8 x PAR 36 ACL (AirCraft Landing) lamps, but there are many different configurations.
The instrument is named after Mole Richardson and the FAY lamp type, produced by General Electric. The FAY is 650W 120V with a frosted front lens.
Molefay in the Backstage Heritage Collection
MONITOR
1) An onstage speaker which allows a performer to hear the output of the PA system, or other members of a band.
2) A video display screen (not normally able to receive broadcast TV pictures) used with a CCTV system or a computer.
MONOPLANE
(Lighting) Describes a filament inside a lamp between two terminals, meaning the filament is in a single line (or a single plane).
MOVE WHILE DARK
A function on modern computerised lighting control desks which automatically manages moving lights which are turned off between cues in which they're in a different position setting. Once the moving light fades out, the lighting control desk will automatically move it to its' new position, before it turns back on again (as long as the blackout or cue between is long enough).
On ETC consoles running EOS software this function is known as Auto-Mark.
MR16
A 12 Volt lamp dichroic lamp commonly used in place of a Par 16 lamp in BIRDIES. See BIRDIE.
MSD
Metal-Halide discharge lamp, generally used in 150, 250, 400, 575 and 1,200 watt ratings. Found in film/tv lighting, and in some intelligent / moving lights.
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet. Form available from manufacturers of, for example, smoke fluids. Lists any hazardous ingredients and other safety-related data about the product.
MSR
(Medium Source Rare earth) High efficiency discharge lamp with a high colour temperature (approx 5600°K). Provides around 50% more light output than a incandescent lamp of the same wattage.
MULTI
Short for MULTICORE.
MULTIPAIR CABLE
See MULTICORE.
NEON
1) A type of discharge lighting generated by a high voltage across two oppositely charged electrodes at opposite ends of a long, thin glass tube filled with neon gas. As the electrical charge flows between the electrodes, electrons collide with neon atoms causing them to give off energy in the form of visible light. Different colours can be obtained by mixing other gases, or by using fluorescent coatings. Mostly used for advertising signs - the glass tube is bent to form letters.
2) A small mains voltage indicator lamp.
NEUTRAL DENSITY FILTER
(ND) Lighting filter which reduces the brightness/intensity of a light source without changing its colour value. Used extensively in TV/film for reducing the intensity of discharge lamps or natural light sources (e.g. windows). Rarely used in theatre as dimmers fulfil a similar function (although as incandescent lamps are dimmed, the colour temperature gets warmer).
NIETHAMMER
(Manufacturer) Brand of zoom profiles & followspots with halogen or HMI lamps. Very popular in Europe. Named after Emil Niethammer.
ADB website
Submitted by Andre Broucke
NPU
Network Processing Unit used with grandMA lighting systems. Interfaces between ethernet from grandMA desk(s) and DMX-controlled devices.
OBIE LIGHT
Compact light fitting designed to mount just above (or just beside) a film/stills camera lens for two reasons: firstly to create a characteristic glint in the eye of the subject of the photograph/film (it's known as the Eye Light), secondly to flatten out any lines/wrinkles in the face of the subject. The Obie Light is named after the actor Merle Oberon (known to friends as 'Obie'). It was first used by her husband, cinematographer Lucien Ballard, in the 1940s to make lines and shadows disappear from her face which were due to scarring following a car accident.
The Obie Light is normally heavily diffused.
Also known as a CATCH LIGHT
Mole Richardson Obie Light in the Backstage Heritage Collection archive
OCTAL
8-pin plug or socket with a keyway originally used for valves, but also used for low voltage analogue control signals on some Strand equipment (e.g. Mini-2) in the 1970s.
OG
1) Abbreviation used by the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera, when he writes letters to the theatre managers. Short for Opera Ghost.
2) Urban slang 'Original Gangster' or 'Old Git' (from Internetslang.com), meaning a product which is now past its' prime, or was one of the first of its' type.
OHM
The unit of electrical resistance.
OLIVETTE
[obsolete term] Lighting instrument using an incandescent lamp (usually mogul screw-base, 1000W). The lamp was usually mounted base-up, facing a large opening (the size of a full sheet of gel). Now used as a cyc flood, the instrument was originally designed for projecting painted glass images onto cycs. See also LINNEBACH PROJECTOR.
Submitted by Audrey Glickman
OPEN FACE LIGHT
A lensless stage or film light. Most now must have some protection across the front to prevent injury / damage in the event that a lamp explodes / ruptures. The lack of a lens means there is limited adjustability to the beam, and the quality of light can be quite harsh. An example is the 800W Redhead, used for film/tv production. There is some adjustment to be beam by moving the lamp in relation to the reflector (using a control knob at the rear of the lantern) but the beam usually requires softening with some frosted gel or silk, or to be bounced off a surface or reflector, rather than being pointed at actors.
OPTICAL FIBRE
See FIBRE OPTICS.
OPTICAL TRAIN
An arrangement of lenses or mirrors in a specific layout to guide a beam of light (or a line of sight) for a specific purpose.
OPTO-ISOLATOR
Electronic component which transfers electrical signals between two isolated systems using light. This helps to prevent damage from high voltage spikes, and also isolates troubling ground loops in audio or lighting control signals from affecting audio quality and integrity of the control signal.
OVERLAY
(Followspot term) The wider of two followspot beams covering the same performer.
(i.e. lamp one in a pink 'bust' (head-to-shoulder) and lamp two in a blue full-body overlay (head-to-toe).
Submitted by Bert Morris.
PAGE
1) See PAGING.
2) Some theatre announcement systems use the term 'PAGE' to mean making a call (e.g. 'Can you page Simon to come to the fly floor')
3) A way of increasing the functionality of a control on a lighting desk. For example, most computerised lighting desks with SUBMASTERS will allow you to store more than one lighting state in each submaster. Each group of submasters is given a page number which is used to select which set you want to use. See also SUBMASTER.
PAGEANT
(Obsolete) Brand name of a 1000W beamlight made by Strand Electric in the UK. Produced a near parallel beam and had a set of spill rings on the front to minimise glare.
A similar unit made by GB-Kalee was known as a VIGNETTE beamlight.
Archive - Pageant
PAN
1) A control on a mixing desk which allows the operator to position the channel's output in the final stereo image (L - R).
2) A horizontal (side-side) movement of a camera or a moving light. Short for Panorama. See also TILT.
PANTOGRAPH
A support mechanism which supports lighting equipment in a film / TV studio situation, which allows the equipment to be adjusted in height by extending or retracting the pantograph.
The same mechanism is used in scissor lifts.
PAR BAR
See SIX LAMP BAR.
PARABOLIC REFLECTOR
See PAR.
PARALLEL
1) The folding frame that forms the base of a readily portable platform.
2) The opposite of SERIES when referring to wiring two loads into one outlet. The two loads share the available current, but are both given the same voltage.
PARK
(ETC EOS Lighting Controls) The park instruction allows you to set a channel or parameter to a specific value and have it remain at that level on stage (live mode), prohibiting manual control override, cue or submaster playback modification.
To park channel 72 at zero, type 72 @ 0 PARK ENTER.
The standard keyboard shortcut for PARK is ALT+K.
PARNEL
Brand name for a wash light manufactured by ETC. It's a cross between a soft-edged focussable Fresnel and a ETC Source Four PAR.
PARnel at the Backstage Heritage Collection
Types of lantern
PEPPERS GHOST
Optical illusion effect used to make a ghost appear on stage next to an actor. A sheet of glass is hung across the front of the stage so that the image of an actor standing in the orchestra pit appears to float on stage. First shown at the Royal Polytechnic Institution in London by J.H.Pepper on Christmas Eve, 1862. Following many subsequent events, Charles Dickens used it during readings of The Haunted Man. Several plays were written specially to use the effect around 1863, but the long-term future of the effect was limited by the fact that the ghost couldn't speak.
Peppers Ghost is now used to great effect in smaller scale applications like the Haunted Mansion in Disney theme parks.
More about Peppers Ghost
Dark Rides at Theatrecrafts.com
PHOENIX
A family of medium to large computerised lighting consoles manufactured by ADB. The desks use ISIS software running on an external PC-based processing unit which allows advanced networking possibilities.
ADB website
PHOSPHORESCENCE
The property of some materials that can store light energy and glow in the dark.
PIANO BOARD
Resistance dimmer board heavily used in the USA before computerised lighting came along in the 1970s.
Heavy construction, and ran on DC current.
PIGTAIL
(USA) A short wire used to extend an existing electrical circuit or to add an additional link to an existing circuit.
Term not recognised in the UK. Work on electrical systems should only be carried out by qualified electricians.
PILE-ON SUBMASTER
See SUBMASTER.
PIN PATCH
See PATCHING.
PIN PLUG
See PATCHING, PHONO PLUG.
POLE OPERATION
A mechanical means whereby pan (horizontal rotation), tilt (up and down) and focus of a lantern may be adjusted by a pole from floor level. Commonly used in TV & Film studios where fast resetting of positions is necessary.
POWER FACTOR
The power factor of an electrical system is the relationship between the power that should be used by the system, and the power that is actually being used. Stage lighting dimming systems, and newer innovations such as LED and fluorescent lighting can have very low power factors, which can result in very inefficient use of the electrical supply.
Large lighting installations should use power factor correction equipment to increase the power factor.
Power Factor information
PRE-HANG
(Lighting) Rigging the stage lighting equipment required for a show in advance of the show arriving at the venue.
PRE-RIG
A section of the lighting rig which has been set up in advance of arriving at the theatre, or that remains rigged and tours into different venues as a complete unit. An example is a Six Lamp Bar - this is a bar rigged with 6 Par64 lanterns for rock and roll concerts, which has a single multi-way Socapex or Lectriflex connector which plugs it into the dimming system.
Larger tours now have trusses pre-rigged with moving lights straight from the truck.
PREFOCUS CAP
A type of lamp base which ensures that the filament is correctly lined up relative to the reflector and lens.
PREHEAT / PRE-HEAT
Smoother lighting builds from zero are achieved when a tungsten lamp filament has been warmed (at approx 15%) in the previous state.
Preheating lamps MAY prolong the life of the lamp by reducing the thermal 'shock' of going to 100% instantly. It's good practice to preheat lamps where possible, and some computerised lighting desks provide this function at the push of a button.
This is not required for LED or discharge sources.
See also RIG CHECK.
PRELUDE
(Trade Name) Range of 500W/650W lanterns produced by Rank Strand (now Strand Lighting) in the UK.
Strand Lighting website
Strand Archive
PREVISUALISATION
Computerised tools which enable design teams to show directors and other members of the production team how lighting, scenery or scenic automation will look before the set is even built. See WYSIWYG.
Visualisation
PRISM
A multi-faceted lens that splits the light beam in a moving light (or other effects light) into multiple beams. Particular effective when used with gobos.
PRODUCTION ELECTRICAN
Member of the electrics team in a theatre (or contracted by a production) who is responsible for the technical preparation of the lighting rig. The interpretation of this role is varied depending on the size of the production / venue. It may include taking the lighting plan and generating paperwork such as lists of equipment, colour gel requirements, circuit hookups (which dimmer connects to which socket in the rig / which DMX channel) etc. They are also likely to be responsible for ordering / preparing additional equipment for the rig (e.g. boom stands), preparing the rig for focussing etc.
Also known as Prod LX.
PROTOCOL
See MULTIPLEX.
PSU
Power Supply Unit.
PUDDLE PLOT
A simple way to lay out a complex lighting rig, either on paper or on a magic sheet in lighting software. Large shapes / blobs are used to depict areas of the stage or particular rig functions, so they can be easily selected or entered into the lighting software.
PUNT PAGE
A lighting desk setup for a visiting designer/operator to quickly 'busk' the lighting as required for a band / event, without any preparation time. The punt page may contain colour washes, effects etc as appropriate to the venue, event and stage type, ready for the visiting LD to use.
See also MAGIC SHEET.
QUAD SPANNER
A double-ended, double-sided ratchet spanner designed to fulfill all of the requirements for a stage rigger.
In the UK, Quad spanners typically include 13mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm sockets, which fit M8, M10, M12 bolts and scaffold clips.
A popular range in the US is made by Quadbox.
See also Podger.
QUARTET
1) A group of 4 performers in a musical.
2) A range of 650W lanterns made by Strand Lighting in the UK.
Strand Quartet
QUARTZ HALOGEN
See TUNGSTEN HALOGEN.
QUARTZCOLOR
(Manufacturer) Range of TV/Film lanterns marketed by Strand Lighting.
Quartzcolor products at Strand Lighting archive
R & V
(Manufacturer) Reiche & Vogel. German manufacturers of low voltage beamlight. Now sometimes used to describe any beamlight.
Reiche & Vogel website
RADIO CONTROL
System whereby battery-powered practicals / props on stage can be controllable from offstage with no connecting leads.
RAT STAND
Illuminated music stand (named after manufacturer).
R.A.T. website
RAYLIGHT
Named after it's inventor, Australian rock lighting tech Ray Hawins, the Raylight as designed to use A1233 500W lamp and a custom reflector, instead of the PAR64 lamp. It produced a narrow pure white beam. (Definition from Phil Dunesky)
RDM
Remote Device Management. New lighting control and configuration protocol (officially ANSI E1.20 standard) currently under development at ESTA, which allows two-way communication over standard DMX512 cable, so that settings of a variety of RDM-compatible devices can be confutured remotely.
See also MULTIPLEXED SIGNAL.
REDHEAD
800W open-faced adjustable flood lamp used in film / TV lighting. So-called because of it's red paint finish. See also BLONDE.
REMAINDER DIM
A command used on Strand Lighting memory control desks which is comparable to the SOLO function on other desks. For example, entering CH 5 REM.DIM will put channel 5 at full and will put everything else at zero.
REP PLOT
A lighting rig that combines the requirements of a number of different productions that are running 'in rep' in the venue. There will also be a different set, collection of props, costumes etc for each show, all of which must fit into the storage available in the theatre. Running a rep season is less popular nowadays, but was a staple of many UK regional theatres until the 2000s.
RESOLUTION
1) The point during a drama when the plotline reaches a conclusion, and conflict is resolved.
2) A measure of the quality of a video display / projection. Measured in the number of pixels width x height.
3) The quality of a sound sample is measured by the sample rate (e.g. 44.1kHz is CD quality sample rate) and the resolution (either 8 bit or 16 bit normally).
RETROFIT
A modification that can be made to an existing piece of equipment after purchase to bring it up to date.
REVERSE POLISH NOTATION
A method for entering commands to a control system (e.g. a lighting desk) which avoids the need for an 'Enter' key, by issuing the command at the end of the command sequence.
This unintuitive method was very efficient once the programmer had learned it, but it's a very steep learning curve.
The method is used on AVAB consoles such as the Viking range (late 1980s) and on the ETC Cobalt.
AVAB Reverse Polish (1989)
AVAB Viking
RFU
Remote Focus Unit. Name used by ETC for a remote control for the lighting desk. Same as RIGGERS CONTROL.
RHEOSTAT
Part of an electrical circuit for varying the electrical current going to a load (e.g. an incandescent light bulb). A length of reistance wire is wound around an insulator which is connected at one end to the supply. A movable contact which passes along the windings is connected to the load, with the result that when the contact is at the end of the wire nearer the supply, the maximum current is passed. As the contact is moved down the windings, the electrical current reduces, resulting in dimming of the lamp / load.
RIGGERS CONTROL
A remote control for a lighting desk which enables dimmer channels to be called up from the stage when rigging or focusing. Usually battery powered, sometimes with infra-red (cordless) control. A Designers Control allows whole memories to be called up and/or played back, as well as individual dimmers.
RING MAIN
1) (UK) Standard way of wiring socket outlets around a room in the UK. The socket outlets are wired in a ring, with a 32A circuit breaker / fuse protecting the ring. Each socket outlet is rated at 13 Amps, but all of the sockets on the ring have a maximum load rating of 32 Amps. Care should be taken to understand how many rings exist in a given room, to ensure the circuit breaker does not trip during an event/performance. Professional venues have larger capacity power outlets (e.g. 32A or 63A, or even 125A outlets, which production power distribution systems can plug into).
2) (Film/TV) A system of monitors relaying footage from the studio around dressing rooms and production offices
RMS
Root Mean Square. A measurement of the effective voltage of an alternating current waveform.
RMS Voltage
ROCK DESK
Lighting control desk designed for rock concerts, the main feature of which is the ability to group a set of dimmers under the control of a series of flash buttons, enabling the operator to 'play the lights' in time to the music. These desks usually have a very good lighting effects capability.
ROSCO LABS
(Manufacturer) USA based manufacturer of lighting gels and scenic products. See COLOUR FILTER.
Rosco Labs website
ROUNDEL / RONDEL
A circular lighting filter either made of plastic (known as a GEL) or of glass for more permanent applications or architectural installations.
ROUTER
Computer networking device which connects different networks together. Common uses in theatre are to connect technical networks to the internet, or to create wifi networks for technical purposes. Network cabling can connect lighting desks to dimmers and to additional interfaces to enable wireless control or computer-based control of systems. In sound, mixing desks and remote input/output interfaces can be connected via network cable, saving vast amounts of time connecting multicore audio cables, and again enabling wireless remote control of various systems.
sACN
Streaming Advanced Control Network, or Streaming ACN.
Control protocol developed by ESTA to use a standard computer network to send a number of DMX universes between equipment. Similar to ArtNET.
SAFARI
Lighting control software originally manufactured by AVAB Scandinavia. Safari software is now maintained by ETC.
Safari is also the web browser installed on Apple computers and devices.
AVAB website
ETC website
SAMOILOFF EFFECT
Adrian Samoiloff was a Russian artist / lighting designer / scenographer, who used complementary lighting colours to transform scenes and costumes. His shows were run at the London Hippodrome in 1921, and were the talk of London, and later New York.
The Samoiloff Effect uses complementary coloured lighting to make scenery / costumes look different under different states.
Adrian Samoiloff at Theatrecrafts.com
SANDNET
Network operating system integrating standard communications protocols with a multitude of industry and manufacturer-specific control protocols.
Sand Network Systems website
SATURATION
The amount of colour in a lighting state, paint treatment or costume design.
The term is usually linked to Hue, which is the colour of a light, costume or piece of scenery (etc.).
A de-saturated treatment has less colour than before.
SCANNER
General name for a moving mirror lantern, especially those used in discos, rather than the more flexible units used in theatre.
SCHEMATIC
A diagram showing the layout of a complex set of equipment, using simplified graphics / symbols to depict the equipment.
A lighting plot is a schematic.
SCISSOR LIFT
A scissor lift is a type of aerial work platform (AWP), also known as an aerial device, elevating work platform (EWP), or mobile elevating work platform (MEWP).
The AWP is a mechanical device used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, usually at height. The MEWP can usually be driven around the work area by the operator at height to provide safe access to a wide area, on a flat floor. Scissor lifts have also been used in scenic automation to provide a moveable platform, often built onto a moving base. The scissor lift is used because it is a self-contained device which requires no construction for it to operate within, and which does not extend beyond the horizontal dimensions of the platform.
The mechanism to achieve the vertical lift is the use of linked, folding supports in a criss-cross X pattern, known as a pantograph (or scissor mechanism). The upward motion is achieved by the application of pressure to the outside of the lowest set of supports, elongating the crossing pattern, and propelling the work platform vertically. The platform may also have an extending bridge section to allow closer access to the work area, because of the inherent limits of vertical-only movement.
The contraction of the scissor action can be hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical (via a leadscrew or rack and pinion system). Depending on the power system employed on the lift, it may require no power to enter descent mode, but rather a simple release of hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. This is the main reason that these methods of powering the lifts are preferred, as it allows a fail-safe option of returning the platform to the ground by release of a manual valve.
SCONCE
A wall-mounted light fixture, where the light is directed upwards. Also refers to a wall-mounted flaming torch.
See also FLAMBEAUX.
SCOOP
A special type of floodlight consisting of a lamp mounted in a large ellipsoidal reflector. The body of the instrument is usually circular which means a soft edged circular beam is produced. A standard FLOOD has a rectangular body.
SCR
Silicon Controlled Rectifier. See THYRISTOR.
SCRIBBLE STRIP
DIsplay window on a lighting, sound or automation control desk which enables the user to add a description of the function of that channel. Can be entered as text, or a hand-drawn image or text. This enables graphical characters (e.g. Chinese) to be used, or other symbols.
On older analogue systems, the channel function was written on a piece of white PVC tape that was stuck on the control desk. Some systems had a white plastic strip on which chinagraph pencils (wax) could be used.
SECONDARY LIGHTING
Separately powered lighting system for use throughout the building in the event of failure of the primary system. Usually battery powered. Maintained lighting is on all the time, regardless of changes in the stage lighting, and is battery backed-up.
Non-maintained systems only light in the event of power failure or an alarm condition.
Secondary lighting systems should be regularly checked by an electrician to ensure they operate correctly.
SELECON
(Manufacturer) New Zealand-based manufacturer of theatre lanterns.
Selecon website
SEMIOTICS
The study of signs - many conventions in lighting design rely on signs (blue must be night-time, red is evil etc.)
Semiotics for Beginners
SHADE
1) Artistic lighting design can (sometimes) be about what is not lit as much as what is. Light and Shade together make up the overall picture.
2) A lampshade is positioned around a light fitting to direct the light as desired and to improve its' appearance.
3) Actors strive for a variation of tone and emotion - the terms light and shade are sometimes used to describe the tonal variety.
See also CHIAROSCURO
SHORT NOSE
Normally refers to a Short-Nose Parcan - a lighting instrument that uses a normal size PAR lamp, but has been shortened to either make it less obtrusive, or to get a wider beam angle.
SIDEARM
US equivalent to a UK Boom Arm. Used to mount lanterns onto vertical booms.
City Theatrical Safer Sidearm
SIGHTS
A pair of metal rings attached to the side or top of a followspot which enables the operator to accurately line up the beam (by looking down the length of the followspot through the rings) before turning it on. See GHOSTING.
SILHOUETTE
1) To light the cyclorama or a piece of upstage set in such a way that the actors are cast into shadow. Can be a very dramatic effect.
2) (Trade Name) A range of 2000W lanterns manufactured by CCT in the UK.
3) The outline of a costume is called the silhouette.
CCT Silhouette in the Backstage Heritage Collection
SILK FLAME
A substitute for a real flame, consisting of flame-shaped pieces of light-coloured silk, with an orange/red light underneath, and blown by a fan pointing upwards. The airflow keeps the silk upright, with a random movement which from a distance reads as a flame.
SIRIUS
(Trade Name) Manual/memory lighting control desk previously manufactured by Zero 88 in the UK. Available as Sirius 24 (24 channels) or Sirius 48. Desks can be linked together.
Zero 88 website
SIX LAMP BAR
An internally-wired lighting bar, designed for touring, with six socket outlets terminated in a multi-way connector (e.g. SOCAPEX or LECTRIFLEX). Often pre-rigged with lanterns (eg Parcans). Stored in Meatracks. A bar pre-rigged with Parcans is sometimes known as a PAR BAR.
SMOKE
See SMOKE MACHINE
SNAPPER
See GRELCO.
SNOOT
See TOP HAT.
SOCA
See SOCAPEX.
SOFT PATCH
See PATCHING.
SOLO
1) On a sound desk, the solo button on each input channel silences all other inputs so that channel alone can be heard. Dangerous to use during a show, but can be useful for fault-finding or testing equipment.
2) On a lighting desk, SOLO mode kills all other channels except the single dimmer you're working with. Again, can be useful for identifying a channel in a large rig, but can be dangerous during a show. Some desks allow you to assign flash buttons to SOLO mode which will turn off all channels except those loaded into that flash button or submaster. This can be used for a quick lightning effect (but it's a bit tacky). On Strand Lighting memory desks, the solo function is called REMAINDER DIM (or REM DIM).
SON ET LUMIERE
An audiovisual entertainment often based on an historical theme (and often produced in a historically relevant location). A voice narration is often used and lighting / special effects set the mood and portray certain events in time with the narration. Often used to refer to a performance with no performer where the meaning is communicated solely with technical effects.
SOUND TO LIGHT
A facility which can link the effects panel on a lighting board to an audio input which detects treble, mid and bass beats, and can flash lights or trigger effects in time to those beats. First used when electronics allowed it cheaply in the late 1960's/
SOURCE FOUR
(Trade Name) (Also known as S4) Range of lanterns manufacturer by ETC, and designed by David Cunningham.
Source Four on the ETC website
SPARKY
See LAMPY.
SPOT SEAT
Chair for suspending followspot operator above a stage / auditorium. Normally rigged on a truss system. The operator gets to the seat up a wire rope ladder, and is strapped into the seat. They will normally wear a harness when getting to the chair for extra safety. The seat itself is an adapted car 'bucket' seat.
STANDARD LAMP
(UK) A living room floor-standing lamp with a tall (often) wooden stem on a weighted base, with a bulb mounted at the top of the stem, covered with a decorative lampshade.
STARCLOTH
See CLOTH.
STARLETTE
(Trade Name) Range of 1000W/2000W lanterns produced by CCT in the UK.
CCT Lighting website
CCT Starlette on Backstage Heritage Collection
STATE OF THE BOARD SHEET
A hand-written document consisting of the levels of all channels for each cue throughout the show, when using a manual lighting control board. The sheet is no longer required for modern computerised lighting systems.
STATE PLOT
See RUNNING PLOT.
STEP
1) A control on some lighting effects boards which enables the operator to 'step' through a chase effect in time to music etc.
2) Each separate component of a lighting effect is called a step. A chase effect with four channels flashing on will have four steps.
STIRRUP
Lighting rigging accessory which consists of a short piece of metal tube held by a U-shaped bracket which is designed to be suspended from above. The metal tube can be used to rig a lantern using a standard clamp.
STRAND
1) (Manufacturer) Maker of lanterns, lighting desks and dimmers in the UK and Worldwide.
2) The bundle of individual fibres or wires that make up one of the helical elements in a rope.
Strand Lighting website
Strand Archive
STRIATION
An even pattern of lines (or light/dark areas) visible in a light beam, caused by the design of the filament layout in the light source.
STRIPLIGHT
1) A thin linear filament lamp similar to an Architectural, but having contacts at the ends of the lamp. Available clear or opaque.
2) (US) See BATTEN.
SUNBURNER
Historic combination gas light array and ventilation system built into many theatres with gas lighting (pre-electricity).
SVOBODA
Low voltage lighting batten used to create a light curtain. Named after Josef Svoboda, the Czech scenographer (1920 - 2002). The original Svoboda light batten is still manufactured by ADB. Josef Svoboda contacted ADB when he was looking for a manufacturer for his idea.
ADB website
Josef Svoboda in the Backstage Heritage Collection Archive
Svoboda Batten by ADB on the Backstage Heritage Collection website
SWARBIES
3 or 4 , 500 or 1000 watt flood lamps mounted on a wooden skid,used as cyclorama bottom lighting or in between scenery groundrows. Probably derived from German theatre lighting company, Schwabe.
SWL
Safe Working Load.
TENSION WIRE GRID
Abbreviated to TWG. A mesh above the stage comprised of steel wire under tension which can be safely walked on, and is transparent to light.
TESTING AND TAGGING
Australian equivalent of the UK "PAT" Test - a regime for testing electrical equipment for safe operation and then logging the results.
THREEFER
An adaptor which enables three pieces of equipment to be connected to a single outlet or cable. Great care should be taken not to overload the circuit. See also TWOFER and GRELCO.
THYRISTOR
Also known as an SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier). An electronic switch which will pass current when triggered until the current passing through it falls to zero. Essential component of stage lighting dimmers. See also IGBT, TRIAC.
TOP HAT
Also known as HIGH HAT or SNOOT. Cylinder of metal inserted into colour runners on the front of a parcan, narrow-angle profile or other lantern to limit spill light, particularly when used in view of the audience. Sometimes additional SPILL RINGS are used at the front of the top hat, to further limit spill, and to reduce glare for the audience if they have a clear view of the lantern.
TRANSITION
1) The movement of actors / scenery & change of lighting / sound between one scene and another.
2) Video: An effect applied to a change of shot / camera angle to make it anything other than a simple cut.
TRIAC
(Triode Alternating Current switch) Electronic Semiconductor device which is an integral part of modern dimmers. When a current is applied to a triac, it starts conducting, and continues until the current passing through it falls to zero. Whereas a thyristor can only conduct half of the AC wave, a triac (as long as it's triggered at the appropriate point) will conduct both halves of the wave.
See also THYRISTOR, IGBT.
TRILITE
A lightweight aluminium triangular cross-section truss manufactured by Optikinetics.
TRIM
1) US for DEAD on a flying piece. (e.g. 'The Out Trim on this piece is 14 feet from the deck')
2) Stage lighting dimmers can be adjusted ('trimmed') to change the point at which full level is achieved, and sometimes the point at which the light fades out, along the curve of the dimmer. This is known as the TOP SET. Older technology dimmers had to be trimmed each time the load on a particular dimmer changed, to enable the full range of dimming.
3) (UK) The process of adjusting the supports for a piece of flown scenery to make it level relative to the stage floor.
TROUBLESHOOT
For lighting fault-finding / troubleshooting, please see the new page:
Lighting Fault-Finding:
https://www.theatrecrafts.com/pages/home/topics/lighting/fault-finding/
More coming soon
TRUNKING
Metal or plastic wall-mounted enclosure for cables. Usually box shaped in cross-section.
Dado Trunking runs horizontally along walls at dado height, and enables socket outlets and various other services to be mounted in the system.
Known in the USA as RACEWAY or WIREWAY.
TRUSS PIN
Large diameter tapered metal pin (also known as a bullet pin) which is used to hold pieces of truss together. The pin has a hole at the far end which is used with an R-Clip to prevent it coming out accidentally. Different sizes of truss pin are used for different manufacturers' truss.
TWIST LOCK
(USA only) A type of heavy-duty NEMA (US National Electrical Manufacturers Association) plug or socket which has a locking capability. They are available in different configurations for different current loads (15A, 20A, 30A, 50A).
TWISTED PAIR
Type of data cable consisting of multiple pairs of cable contained in a common sheath, often with a metallised screen around the cables to reduce interference. The fact that each pair of cables is twisted together also helps with rejection of errors and unwanted electrical interference / noise. Originally used for telecommunications, it is now used as computer network cable, where it's known as Cat5 or Cat6 (short for Category) cable.
Wikipedia entry
TWOFER
A two-way adaptor. See GRELCO.
UDL
Uniformly Distributed Load. Some flying systems might have a UDL rating stated per bar, which is the maximum load that should be applied across the full width of the bar. A Point Load might also be shown, which is the maximum weight of a single item (or load) on the bar.
See also WLL (Working Load Limit).
UNIT
An individual instrument (lantern / luminaire) on a lighting plan may be given a Unit number, which is a unique number for it in the lighting design or visualisation software. This is not the same as the dimmer number or DMX number.
UNIVERSE
In lighting control terms, at least, a Universe is a single output of DMX512 control signals.
Each DMX Universe can control up to 512 channels (which is why the full name of DMX is DMX512). Some lighting desks can only control one universe. More modern desks can control multiple universes, and have multiple DMX outputs. When patching a control channel on the desk to a DMX output, you have to specify which universe, as well as which DMX channel. So, DMX channel 42 on Universe 1 would be 1/42. More complex control setups, using the more powerful ArtNet system can control a huge number of Universes from a single control system, enabling (for example) large numbers of dimmers, moving lights and individually mapped LED pixels to be operated simulataneously.
VARI*LITE
Trade name for a range of 'intelligent' moving lights and control equipment. Identified by VL numbers. The VL1 model was introduced in 1980 for a Genesis tour by Showco, USA.
Vari*Lite Website
VARIAC
A trade name for an autotransformer (formerly) used to dim lighting by tapping a selected reduced voltage off the transformer's winding. Not to be confused with resistance dimming.
Submitted by Peter Neilson
VDU
Acronym for Visual Display Screen (or Video Display Screen). Sometimes used to describe any monitor / screen, but the term is a bit archaic now.
VIDEO
See CCTV.
VIRTUOSO
(Trade Name) Moving light control console made by Vari*Lite.
Vari*Lite Website
VL
See VARI*LITE.
VPLT
German Professional Lighting and Sound Association.
VPLT Website
W-DMX
Wireless DMX Protocol.
WARP
1) (Trade name: ADB) The first zoom profile spotlight with ring control and 4 framing shutters which are fully rotatable.
2) "Warp and Weft" refers to the threads in a piece of fabric, or the fabric itself.
ADB lighting website
WATER CRACKER*
Device which produces a thin haze in the air by 'cracking' water droplets.
WAVELENGTH
The distance from one point on a vibrating wave to the same point on the next wave. The lengths of the sound waves (wavelengths) we can hear range from one inch to 40 feet. High frequency sounds have short wavelengths (and are more directional), low frequency sounds have long wavelengths (and are less directional). In lighting terms, blue light is short wavelength, green is medium and red is long wavelength. Beyond visible light are the short wavelength Ultra Violet light and the long wavelength Infra Red light. Wavelengths of light are measured in Angstroms.
See also FREQUENCY.
WENDY LIGHT
(Film Lighting) Array of Fay lights (14 x 14) used on a crane or cherry-picker to provide a high intensity long-throw light source for night shoots. Invented by cinematographer David Watkin, and named Wendy at his suggestion.
WHITWORTH
Pre-metric standard thread for bolts and associated fittings in the UK. (Pre 1972)
WIGGLY MIRRORS
Colloquial term for so-called 'Intelligent' lights with moving mirrors. Also known as WAGGLY MIRROR.
WIRELESS DMX
A way of transmitting DMX data from a lighting control to lighting instruments without cabling. Ideal for events and short-run shows, but in large spaces where radio microphones and lots of audience members with mobile devices also using wifi, the technology is not reliable enough for permanent installation, especially where it is going to ruin the show if a fixture suddenly stops working or turns on at full when it should be off, when it loses data. The transmitter is connected to the lighting control desk by DMX cable or by ArtNet / SACN. Some equipment is now manufactured with wireless DMX capability built-in. The time saved can be very significant, especially for outdoor, battery-powered (rechargable) fixtures, which may be used to light trees / shrubbery for an event. The equipment can be set up and operational in minutes rather than the hours it would take to run in DMX cabling safely.
WOOD'S LIGHT
Another name for Ultraviolet light, produced using a discharge lamp inside an envelope of intensely pigmented glass known as Wood's Glass. It was invented in 1903 by American physicist Robert Williams Wood (1868-1955) and allows ultraviolet and infrared light to pass through it while blocking most visible light. It was developed as a filter to use for communications during World War I.
XENON
High output discharge lamp commonly used in Strobe lighting. Some followspots also use Xenon lamps. Xenon lamps have colour temperature of between 5600 - 6500°K.
See also DISCHARGE LAMP.
YELLOW JACKET
US term for yellow plastic cable ramp sections.
YO-YO
A device used for remotely moving a gobo in one plane whilst it is in the lantern. Gives the effect of a lateral movement (door opens, train passes etc.). Made by DHA Lighting.
DHA Yoyo at Backstage Heritage Collection
ZERO 88
(Manufacturer) UK-based manufacturer of control and dimming equipment.
Zero 88 website