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Stage Terms
A-F
G-L
M-R
S-Z
Masking – A set of curtains or scenic elements used to define the visual limits of
a performance area.
Motor (Primary) Brake – A brake that is mounted at the motor. It has a low torque capacity and fast response. Used for normal stopping and holding duty on a motorized hoist.
Mouse – To wrap the end of a rope, cable or turnbuckle to prevent it from unwinding.
Mule Block – A pulley that supports and changes the direction or one or more cables traveling between loft blocks and head block.
Mule Winch – See “Capstan Winch.”
Multi-Sheave Block – A block which contains a number of sheaves and sets of bearings so that each rope or cable can operate independently.
Off Stage – The stage floor area that is not part of the acting area and is not visible to the audience.
Olio Curtain – A curtain located between the “Front” or “Act” curtains and the “Rear” curtain that closes off a portion of the acting area for more intimate presentations. It is often colored or decorative.
On Stage – The portion of the stage area visible to the audience, usually defined by masking curtains, scenery, an orchestra shell, or by lighting.
Orchestra – (1) A group of musicians who play instrumental selections. (2) The portion of the auditorium on the main floor that is closest to the musicians and the acting area.
Orchestra Lift – A moving platform that is used to adjust the elevation of the musicians in relation to the stage and auditorium. Usually operates within the confines of an orchestra pit.
Orchestra Pit – A depressed area between the stage and audience seating area where musicians sit, so the audience can hear the music and see the performance over the heads of the musicians.
Orchestra Shell – An enclosure on stage, consisting of walls and a ceiling that reflects sound into the auditorium. Usually decorative in nature.
Over Speed Brake – A mechanical and fully automatic brake that stops a winched load that is moving too fast, indicating an out of control machine. Normally located as close as possible to the lifted load and rated for the full capacity of the load plus a reserve to slow the load to a stop.
Out-of-Balance – A condition that exists when the weight of a batten, fittings, and attached loads do not equal that of counterbalancing equipment, such as counterweight and an arbor. For safe and efficient use, manually operated sets should be balanced to within 50 pounds of neutral.
Outrigger – A barrier device that protects counterweight arbors from scenery, etc. that may be leaned against them. Also often supports index lights.
Pileup Winch – Winch with special drum that piles up cable in a single layer in a slot. Also called a “Yo-Yo” drum winch.
Pinrail – A railing with holes to accept belaying pins. May also act as a safety railing at the edge of a gallery or walkway.
Pipe Clamp – Clamping device that bolts around a pipe for attachment of chain or cable hangers.
Pipe Grid – Horizontal structure hung over a stage or auditorium to support lights and scenery. Made from pipes crossing on right angles at set intervals.
Pitch Diameter – Diameter of a sheave or drum measured from the center line of the cable wrapped around it.
Pivot Block – A pulley designed to adjust to structures at odd angles.
Point Hoist – A single line winch, used singularly or in groups, to hold a load at a specific point over thw stage. They are the motorized equivalent of spot lines, providing the greatest flexibility possible in motorized rigging. (similar to a dimmer per circuit in lighting.)
Portal – A portal consists of a header (border) and tabs (legs) that can be moved to adust the size and shape of the proscenium opening to fit various performance needs. It is usually located just up stage of the front curtain and may have provision for mounting lights.
PowerLift – A J.R. Clancy Product. See “Zero Fleet Angle Winch.”
Purchase Line – See “Hand Line.”
Proscenium – The dividing wall or barrier between the audience and stage.
Proscenium Arch – The opening in the proscenium through which the audience views a performance.
Qualified Person – The ESTA/ANSI series E1 standards definition is a person who by possession of a recognized degree or certificate of professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to subject matter and work.
Raked Stage – A sloped platform that is lower near the audience for better visibility and higher at the rear, providing the illusion of distance. This is the source for the terms “Down Stage” and “Upstage.”
Rated Load – See “Recommended Working Load.”
Recommended Working Load – The Recommended Working Load (RWL) is the maximum load which J.R. Clancy, Inc. recommends be applied to current, listed products which are in “like new” condition and which have been properly installed, maintained and operated.
Reverse Bend – Passing a rope over a series of blocks so the rope is bent in opposing directions.
Rigging – All of the hardware used to lift, lower, and hold performance equipment on or above a stage.
Rope Lock – A cam operated device that clamps the hand line that is attached to an arbor in order to prevent movement. Designed to hold the unbalanced load in an set.
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