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Theater Sound and Lighting Basics
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Amplifier
An electronic device used to increase the power, voltage, or current of a signal. In theatre, amplifiers are key for driving loudspeakers to provide sound for the audience.
Fresnel
A type of soft-edged spotlight that is good for area coverage and can be easily focused from a wide to a narrow beam. Used commonly for general wash in theater lighting.
Gobo
A stencil or template placed inside or in front of a light source to control the shape of the emitted light. In theatre, gobos can project patterns, shapes, and even scenery.
Crossfade
Transitioning smoothly from one lighting or sound cue to another. In theater, crossfades are used to change scenes without abrupt changes in the lighting or sound levels.
Cue
A signal for an action to be carried out at a specific time during a performance. Cues usually apply to both sound and lighting changes.
Dimmer
A device used to lower the intensity of lights. In theater, dimmer racks are used to control the level of light emitted by the fixtures.
Ellipsoidal
A type of spotlight with a strong, well-defined beam, often equipped with shutters and a gobo slot. It is useful for precisely lighting actors or set pieces in theatres.
Gain
The level of amplification applied to an audio signal. In theater sound systems, adjusting the gain properly is crucial to maintain audio clarity and avoid feedback.
Gel
A thin colored plastic sheet placed over a spotlight to change the color of the light emitted. Also known as lighting filters, gels are essential for creating atmospheres on stage.
Lavalier Microphone
A small, discrete microphone that can be clipped onto clothing. Often used in theater to amplify actors' voices without being intrusive.
LED (Light-Emitting Diode)
A light source that is energy-efficient and can produce a variety of colors without gels. LEDs are becoming popular in theater for their versatility and low heat output.
Follow Spot
A powerful, mobile spotlight used to follow actors as they move across the stage. It requires an operator to track the movement.
Condenser Microphone
A type of microphone with a wide frequency response and high sensitivity, ideal for capturing detailed sound, often used in theaters for picking up ambient sounds or unamplified voices.
Subwoofer
A speaker designed specifically to reproduce low-pitched audio frequencies known as bass. Subwoofers enhance the sound experience in theaters, especially for music and sound effects.
Barn Doors
An attachment for a theater light that consists of moveable metal flaps to control where the light beam goes and to prevent it from spilling into areas where it's not wanted.
Go Button
The control on a lighting or sound console that executes the next cue when pressed. In theater, the 'Go Button' is essential for running cue sequences during a performance.
Sound Board
Also known as a mixing console or mixer, this is a device that combines, routes, and changes the level, tone, and dynamics of audio signals. It is the central component in controlling theater sound.
Intelligent Lighting
Advanced lighting fixtures with automated or computer-controlled capabilities, such as moving heads, color changing, and pattern projection, used to add dynamic effects to theater productions.
Parabolic Aluminized Reflector (PAR)
A type of stage light with a parabolic (bowl-shaped) reflector that directs the light in a more focused beam. PAR cans are often used when a broad wash of light is needed.
XLR Connector
A type of electrical connector primarily used in professional audio, video, and stage lighting equipment. XLR connectors are known for their reliability and balanced audio signal capabilities.
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