Stage Building Terms

Acoustical Reflector Panel

• Acoustical reflector panels are also known as "clouds." These panels are usually decorated in accordance with the set, and hang above the audience. Acoustical reflector panels direct sounds from the stage into specific zones.

Batten

• Steel pipe bars are known as battens. Battens typically hang lights, scenery and curtains.

Drop Curtain

• A drop curtain is a background curtain painted in a manner that makes it part of the set. It can be painted or constructed to fit the theme or environment of the performance.

Green Room

• The green room is a location or area for technicians and performers to retreat between acts and set changes.

Obie Light

• Obie lights are small, compact lights positioned in such a way that the actor appears to have a "gleam" in his eye. These lights also rid the face of any imperfections like wrinkles.

Overheads

• Overheads are microphones positioned carefully either over a drum area to pick up the sound of the symbol, or over the stage to pick up and record the sounds and music from the stage.

Parcan

• A parcan is a cylindrical metal container used for producing a bright beam of light. The effect is used mostly for special effects or to "punch" through stronger colors onstage.

Pepper's Ghost

• A piece of glass is hung over the front part of the stage to make a person standing in the orchestra pit appear to be "floating" on the stage. The ghostly illusion is called Pepper's Ghost.

Periaktoi

• Periaktoi is a Greek word used to describe a flat, three-sided, rotating base used to change backings quickly.