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GLOSSARY OF THEATRE ARTS TERMS
Word/Term Definition/Meaning
Abstraction Moving from the representational to the symbolic and manipulation of a
movement to create something new which retains the essence of the
original.
Actor A person who creates an imaginary reality before an audience, using body
and voice to express emotion and ideas.
Apron The front of the stage extending into the auditorium beyond the
proscenium arch. This is usually at stage level, but sometimes it is built
lower than the stage.
Arena An acting area surrounded by the audience, either totally or on two or three
sides.
Art Form An artistic medium for expression, such as Dance or Drama.
Backdrop/Backcloth A scene canvas across the width of the upstage area, usually fixed at both
the top and the bottom.
Backing Any flat or cloth behind doors or windows to mask parts of the stage that
should not be seen.
Bar/Barrel/Boom An iron pipe above the stage for carrying lighting equipment and scenery,
or fastened in a vertical position.
Batten – Electrical The compartment trough carrying a set of lamps, divided into 3 or 4 circuits.
Batten – Scenic Lengths of timber for tautening backcloths at the top and bottom. The top
end of cloth is gripped between two battens called sandwich battens. The
bottom end is usually slotted through a canvas hem.
Blocking A pattern of movement designed by the director/choreographer to help
the performers create narrative, relationship, emotion and mood.
Book flats Two free- standing flats hinged together to fold to any angle.
Border Horizontal, narrow, flat or curtain hanging from a bar or grid to mask lights
(and/or) ceiling from the audience.
Box set An enclosed setting that has three walls and sometimes a ceiling or hanging
lamp/chandelier to indicate a ceiling.
Brace An extending rod with attachments to support flats. French brace is
hinged.
CXC 32/G/SYLL 17 89
