[2/3] Touring Terminology 101: Essential Terms Every Roadie Should Know
Welcome back for the second installment in my three-part series on essential touring terminology.
This blog dives into key terms related to stage rigging, lighting, and performance coordination. Whether you're figuring out how to use in-ear monitors or setting up risers and backdrops, this guide will help you get acquainted with the jargon and equipment that are vital to any successful performance.
The James Disclaimer: The usage of these terms can differ across the music, theatre, and film industries.
Rigging: The process of setting up the truss and other support structures for stage equipment.
Spotlight: A powerful light used to highlight performers on stage.
Follow Spot: A spotlight that can be manually directed to follow performers as they move.
Stage Manager: A person responsible for coordinating all aspects of a performance.
In-Ear Monitors (IEMs): Earphones used by performers to hear a custom mix of audio.
Cue: A signal to prompt an action, such as a lighting change or sound effect.
Backdrop: A large piece of fabric or other material used as a background on stage.
Scrim: A fabric that appears opaque when lit from the front but transparent when lit from behind.
Par Can: A type of stage light that uses a parabolic reflector.
Gobo: A stencil placed inside a light to project shapes or patterns.
Barn Doors: Adjustable flaps attached to the front of a light to control the spread of the beam.
Dimmer Pack: A device that controls multiple lights, adjusting their brightness.
Footlights: Lights placed at the front edge of the stage, illuminating performers from below.
Cyclorama (Cyc): A large, curved backdrop used to create the illusion of sky or open space.
Riser: A platform used to elevate performers or equipment on stage.
Flat: A flat piece of scenery used to create walls or other backgrounds on stage.
Drop: A piece of fabric scenery that is lowered from above the stage.
Grid: The network of beams above the stage from which lighting and scenery are hung.
Scrim: A gauze-like fabric used in theatre to create special effects with lighting.
Tab: A curtain used to hide parts of the stage from view.
Fly Rail: A system of ropes, pulleys, and counterweights used to raise and lower scenery and equipment.
Lift: A device used to elevate performers or equipment, such as a scissor lift or cherry picker.
Curtain Call: The appearance of performers on stage at the end of a show to receive applause.
Spike Tape: Coloured tape used to mark positions on stage.
Tech Rehearsal: A rehearsal focused on integrating technical elements with performance.
Dry Run: A practice run of a performance without the audience.
Load: The weight or force exerted by stage equipment on the support structures.
Footprint: The amount of floor space occupied by equipment or scenery.
Rig Point: A specific location where rigging equipment is attached.
Set Piece: An individual element of scenery used on stage.
Thanks for reading!
That wraps up the second part of my three-part series on touring jargon. Be sure to check back next week for the final instalment on this essential terminology.
