Learning the correct theater equipment and supplies key terms will ensure that you get what you need to realize your vision of the production being planned. Before knowing exactly what to call supplies for theater, you must have concrete visual ideas so you know what to ask for.
Knowing the key terms will help you get the theatrical equipment you want faster and more efficiently from a theatrical supplier, but using the terms incorrectly will break up the lines of communication and can end in disaster. When using key theater terms, you must do the following:
1. Always have visual representations of what exact theater supplies you want, whether it is a full color photo or a quick sketch.
2. Understand that many theater supplies have several terms to describe them, and the terms used will vary among professionals.
3. Include descriptions of what theater supplies you are talking about to avoid any misunderstanding between key players.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Understand what theater stage supplies are called
Stage scenery can be complicated and highly technical, but one common term mentioned daily in scenic shops is "flats," which are plywood or canvas-covered frames placed onstage to depict buildings or backdrops. The term "platform" is also widely used, which is a wood-covered frame that is built to change levels on the floor, and "curtains" are used to partially or fully cover the stage.
I recommend: Look through a comprehensive glossary of theater scenic design and construction terms provided on
Stagespecs.com or
TheatreCrafts.com.
Know all about costume theater gear
There are countless terms that apply to theatrical costumes and costume history, but there are some that are used often, such as "fitting" which refers to the actor trying on the costume so it can be altered to fit perfectly. Another common costume term is "period costume," which means a representation of what would be worn in a historical period. "Quick change" means changing from one costume to another in a very short period of time.
I recommend: Search through costume history sorted by period at
The Costumer's Manifesto to get a general understanding of the historical periods and regions and the costumes and styles that go along with them. The
University of Houston has a glossary of costume terms sorted by period.
Review lighting theater equipment names
"Color gel," "gobo," "theater scrims" and "animation wheel" are all accessories that fit into a lighting device to create a special visual effect. Some more key terms are "light plot," which is a drawing of the lighting plan, and "cue-to-cue," which is the process of refining the lighting look on actors while in rehearsal.
I recommend: Look up lighting terms provided by
Pegasus Associates Lighting. Find lighting terms listed on
Innovative Show Controls.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- It is always helpful to be knowledgeable about art history and the terms that go along with it when planning a production using equipment for theater.
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