ACETONE
A flammable solvent used in some prop/costume-making processes. Used by make-up artists to remove skin adhesive from the netting of wigs and moustaches by immersing the item in an acetone bath, then removing the softened glue residue with a stiff brush. Also one of the primary components of some nail polish removers.
ACTION PROP
A hand-held practical prop used by an actor for combat or for a specific purpose.
ALGINATE
An organic polymer which is a viscous gum found in the cell walls of brown algae. The commercial variety is extracted from seaweed. Supplied as a powder, when mixed with water it becomes a fast-setting mould-making material which is used to make casts of body parts or delicate prop items. The resulting mould is very detailed and strong. Dental alginate is used to make casts of teeth and gums. Take care to store the powder in an air-tight container as it's very absorbant and will 'go off' very rapidly if left open to the air.
ANACHRONISM
A scenic item, prop or costume which is from a different time period than that being portrayed on stage. Usually, it's a modern item that shouldn't be seen in a period piece.
ANTIQUARIANISM
A movement which insisted on historically-accurate scenery and props on stage. The more stylized sliding wing flats were replaced by more detailed box sets including architectural features, props and furniture appropriate to the time period in whcih the show was taking place. Antiquarianism moved into theatres in the late eighteenth century in Europe.
APPLE BOX
A small strong wooden box used as a temporary step or to lift an item (or actor) up to make it visible. Named after the standard-sized fruit packing crate. Used in the motion picture industry.
More about Apple Boxes
ARMOURY
The Department in a large producing theatre which deals with the maintenance and storage of prop weapons.
ARTIC
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
BAGGAGE MASTER
Redundant term, in use theatrically between approximately 1884 and 1960 in the UK, it originated on the railway system. The Baggage Master is part of a touring theatre company, and is responsible for all personal and company luggage, and has to check all luggage (including props, costumes, scenery etc.) is packed and ready when the show leaves for a new venue.
BISCUIT POTTERY / BISQUE POTTERY
BREAKAWAY
BREAKING DOWN
Treatment given to freshly painted or newly made props, scenery or costume, to make it look either aged, lived-in, or less "new". Ofter involves spattering with paint to add interest and texture to areas lacking it.
Breaking Down Props and Costumes
DRESSING (the set)
DRYBRUSH
Drybrush is a painting technique in which a paint brush that is relatively dry, but still holds paint, is used. The brush is applied to a dry surface (e.g. paper or primed canvas). The resulting brush strokes have a characteristic scratchy look that lacks the smooth appearance that washes or blended paint commonly have.
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.
ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY
ESCAPE ROOM
FIBREGLASS
FIRE MARSHAL
(US) A representative of the local fire department who should be consulted about any questions you have about using fire-retardant materials on stage, anything involving pyrotechnics, and some smoke / haze effects, if you have a smoke detection system. You may also need to consult them about changing seating layouts in a flexible venue, and any unusual use of your venue(s).
FLAMBEAUX
FLAME-RETARDANT
FOIL
GET-IN
The process of moving set, props and other hardware into a theatre prior to the fit-up. (aka LOAD IN (US) and BUMP IN (Aus.) and PACK IN (NZ.))
GREEBLIE / GREEBLE
A small component or kit part added to a prop or model vehicle to make it look more fantastical and/or to make it look less like it originally did. The term was believed to be coined at Industrial Light & Magic as they were building spaceship models for Star Wars (1977), possibly by George Lucas himself, and refers to small model kit parts that were used to add detail to the huge spaceship models. This process (of using model kit parts for non-standard uses) is known as kitbashing.
GREEKING
(Film/TV) Process of disguising a commercially-produced or trademarked product to hide the product name / manufacturer, where usage clearance has not been obtained, without making it look too unlike it was originally. This enables vending machines and bar scenes to take place with multple products, which have labels which have been amended slightly.
HERO PROP
The main, most detailed version of a prop, usually specially made for a film, TV or stage production. The hero will look best on camera, and will be able to carry out most of the specific mechanical functions required of it. There may be other versions of the prop, which could be designed to be thrown around safely, or used to hit an actor (a stunt prop) or may be destroyed as part of the action. There will be multiple versions of the alternate props, but possibly only one hero prop.
IMMERSIVE THEATRE
KILL
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.
PAPERBOARD
PHONE NUMBERS
UK
Area codes added a digit on 'Phoneday' which was easter Sunday 16th April 1995, where area codes that started with '0' started instead with '01' (e.g. Exeter went from 0392 to 01392).US
Phone numbers featured in film / TV projects often use the area code 555, which is reserved for that use, and has no real customers or businesses attached. More to followPOLYSTYRENE
Also known as Beadboard (US) or Styrofoam (brand name), this lightweight synthetic material is ideal for carving rough shapes for use on stage. It should be treated with a fire-proofing product before being used on stage. Products such as Rosco Foamcoat add this fireproofing as well as providing a primed surface which is ready for painting.
PRODUCTION MEETING
A gathering of key production staff during the months leading up to a performance or event. The aim of the meeting is to come to an agreement about any questions raised during rehearsals or the construction phase, to deal with any budget problems, confirm detailed schedules and to keep the process moving forward successfully. Decisions should be written down and circulated to those present and anyone that couldn't make the meeting.
PROP ROOM
Either a room in which the theatres' collection of props is stored, or an offstage room where props for the show are kept, ready for the actors to pick them up.
PROPERTIES MANAGER
PROPERTY MASTER / PROP MASTER
Member of the creative team who has responsibility for all of the PROPS used in the production (US).
PROPPING
PROPS
(Properties) Furnishings, set dressings, and all items large and small which cannot be classified as scenery, electrics or wardrobe. Props handled by actors are known as hand props, props which are kept in an actors costume are known as PERSONAL PROPS.
PROPS TABLE
PUPPET
Information coming soon
RADIO CONTROL
System whereby battery-powered practicals / props on stage can be controllable from offstage with no connecting leads.
RESET
REVERSE RADIO
A sound system that works opposite to a radio microphone - a sound signal is transmitted from the mixing desk to a battery-powered receiver, amplifier and speaker. Used for relaying a fully controllable sound feed to a remote location on stage - often used for an on-stage prop radio or tape player. This system is also used for in-ear monitoring (IEM).
SCONCE
SHOW ELEMENT
Term for an item of scenery or prop required for a production.
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.
SKIP (Costume/Props)
A large wicker basket or box, often wheeled, which stores costumes and/or props for touring.
SPONGING
A scenic artist's technique to apply a textured paint finish to a piece of scenery or a prop, achieved by dipping a natural sponge into paint and then applying it to the scenery.
STAGE CREW
Member of the Stage staff who is responsible for moving props and/or scenery during the show, and for ensuring that items under their responsibility are working correctly and properly maintained. Stage Crew (also known as Stagehands) are often employed on a casual basis for a specific production, and may not be part of the theatre's full-time staff. They also may be touring with a particular production.
STAGE MANAGER
German: Inspizient (also Theatermeister or Bühnenmeister)
STAGECRAFT
Stagecraft refers to any technical aspect of theatre production (and also sometimes refers to film / TV production). It includes working in technical areas such as lighting, sound, scenic construction, costume & prop construction, stage management and makeup. It usually does NOT refer to the creative / design aspects of those technical areas.
STRIKE
VELCRO
Trademark. The concept of hook and loop fasteners was invented in the late 1940s, and the company Velcro was founded in 1952 in Switzerland.
Velcro website
ZINGER
Term used in artistic rendering (illustration) of a theatre set or prop. The zinger is to the brightest part of a highlight, which gives the illusion of a 3d object accurately lit.