Theatre and Stage Terminology

Theatre and staging have a lot of terminology. Sometimes it’s difficult to know what the best fabric and flooring is for each section of it and what each section does.

To help make this easier to break down for you, J&C Joel has put together this useful image, as well as some recommendations of what fabric you should be using for each section.

Stage and theatre terminology. A stage is broken down with numbers and wording. You can see the full list of terminology on the article that the image is attached to.

Cyclorama

Also known as: cyc. Cyclorama is often used for the projection of backdrops and scenes.

Recommended products: Canvas, Muslin, Filled Cloth

Backdrop

Also known as a scenic curtain. Traditionally, a backdrop was painted but it can also be traditionally printed.

Recommended products: Canvas, Printed Fabrics

Border

Also known as teaser. A border is used to mask lighting, rigging, flying scenery and curtains.

Recommended products: Wool Serge, Velvet, IFR Molton CS

Leg

Legs are used to mask the offstage area, hide scenery and create entrances for the actors.

Recommended products: Wool Serge, Velvet, IFR Molton CS

Traveller

A traveller allows an uninterrupted scene or set change a travelling draoe can be used to divide up and downstage.

Recommended products: Wool Serge, IFR Molton CS

Tabs

Tabs are an alternative to borders and legs. They can be used to create wings at each side of the stage.

Recommended products: Wool Serge, IFR Molton CS

Gauze / Scrim

Gauze / Scrim is commonly used for lighting and transformational stage effects.

Recommended products: Sharkstooth Gauze, Fine Gauze

Teaser

Also known as a portal header. Commonly a teaser is used to create a false proscenium if the theatre does not have a front drape.

Recommended products: Wool Serge, Velvet

Tormentor

Also known as portal legs. A tormentor is the front legs used with a teaser to frame the stage when a solid proscenium is not present.

Recommended products: Wool Serge, Velvet

Valance

Also known as a house border. A valance is a decorative curtain hung above the front curtain to conceal track and rigging hung or mounted on a framework.

Recommended products: Velvet

Front of House

Also known as the house curtain or the grand drape. A front of house curtain is used to open and close the stage during performances.

Recommended products: Velvet

Stage Floor:

Many people choose to cover the surface of a stage to soften the surface and offer grip for the performers.

Recommended products: Joel Acoustic Dance, Walking Canvas

Stage Skirt

A stage skirt is often used for aesthetic purposes. It creates a clean professional look and finish on the front of the stage.

Recommended products: Wool Serge, IFR Molton CS, Velvet

Another term you may hear is Proscenium, often referred to as ‘The frame of the stage’, commonly a solid structure which separates the backstage and front-of-house areas. When a physical proscenium is not present, a false one can be created with a hard Teaser and two Tormentors.