A collection of terms you may hear in theatre or touring.
You might also be interested in our stage directions post.
A-frame
Very tall step ladder with an additional straight extension ladder sticking out of the top of the “A”. Brand name: Zarges.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Backstage Pass
Usually a colorful printed self adhesive cloth patch that allows certain access and privileges during or after the show. Highly sought after, and has a high trade value. see also groupie.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Bar bands
Bands that primarily play in local bars, lounges and pubs. Sometimes they “open” for a touring band.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Beach
Slang: Refers to where something will stay at. It’s proper position. “That rack goes over to dimmer beach” See also “live”.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Bit
Slang: To get hurt by a piece of equipment. “John got bit by the truss”.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Blocking
The process of determining the placement or location of actors on stage and planning their relative movement in a scene.
Submitted by Rebecca Blood from San Francisco, CA
Blow
Slang: To play an instrument. “Who’s blowing lead?” Taken from old horn player lingo.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Book of lies
Slang: A tour itinerary, which are notorious for being incorrect and out of date.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Bootlegger
Someone illegally taping a show. Roadies are always on the look out for these vermin, bad things can happen when they are discovered.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Border
A piece of masking usually used in conjunction with legs to frame the viewing area and hide equipment and rigging from the view of the audience. These pieces may be able to raise or lower to acheive desired look. Several sets of borders and legs may be in use per typical stage set-up. This system is considered independent from the Teaser-Tormentor system.
Submitted by A.J. Jackson from USA
Brand name act
Headliner act playing large venues, usually with a major record in heavy rotation.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Cattle
Slang: Derogatory term for the audience e.g open the doors, let the cattle in.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Changeover
Time period where removal of an opening act and set up of the next act or the headliner is done.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Club mode
Scaled down version of normal show set-up due to general space and height limitations e.g. in a nightclub.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Curtain
End of the show, or in some cases an actual fabric curtain that drops in front of the stage signifying the end of the show.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Curtain call
Encore, additional song or songs. Usually the first encore is automatic and pre-arranged.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Flash pot
Pyrotechnical device that traditionally used photographic flash powder to produce a blinding explosion.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Forced Perspective
A visual-distortion technique that increases the apparent depth of an object.
Submitted by holly from austin
Gaff
Verb: To gaff or to gaff something. Use of Gaffer’s tape to attach, fix, secure, repair, waterproof, seal, rig, stabilize, stick, mummify, or generally make semi-permanent.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Gaff tape
Abbreviation: same as Gaffer tape.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Gaffer tape
Special kind of colored tape (usually matte black) similar to duct tape, but more expensive due to the non reflective surface and special adhesive that doesn’t leave gummy reside behind. Used for everything from securing mic cables to the floor, to holding speakers in place on the stack. Roadies know that gaffer tape can fix anything.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Gate
Proceeds of ticket sales.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Gig
Slang: Same as show or performance.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
GP
Stands for General Public. “Let in the GP”.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Groupie
A girl that wants to “meet” the band.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Harpo
Slang: Old BBC slang for toolbox.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Headliner
Main performer of the show, usually dictates the sound, lights and staging decisions.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Headset
Headphones with a noise cancelling mic, used as an intercom between crew during the show. Brand names: RTS, Tech Pro and Clear Com.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Hit
Slang: The time the show begins. “Hey man what time do we hit?” Concatenation of “hit the stage”.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
House
Where the audience sits (even at an outdoor show).
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
House lights
Lights in the audience. Usually controlled by the Venue.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
IATSE
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States and Canada, AFL-CIO, CLC (Union).
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Kak
Slang: General equipment or gear. Used in a derogatory way. E.g. “Hurry up, let’s get this ‘kak’ off the truck so we can start setting up”.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Laminate
Permanent plastic laminated stage pass given to road crew and band for an entire tour.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Lammy
Slang: See laminate
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Ligger
People who hang out backstage, act like they are best friends with the band, and eat and drink all the goodies.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Live
refers to where something will stay at. It’s proper position. “Hey Jim, Where does this amp rack live at?” “That rack lives on stage right, over there”.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Load in
Unloading and setting up of all equipment prior to a show.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Load out
Packing up and loading back onto trucks all equipment after the end of a show.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Locals
Crew hired in each town to help unload trucks and set up gear.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Mag-light
Brand name: Aluminum flashlight favored by roadies. Sometimes used alternately as an impromptu weapon (originally designed for police use).
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
O.N.S.
Abbreviation: one night stand.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
One night stand
Single show usually picked up between tours. Several could be stringed together in a mini tour of unrelated bands.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
One Off
Slang: Same as “One night stand”.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Opening act
First band to perform in a show. There could be many opening acts but typically only one headliner.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
P.D.
Short for “Per Diem” or “Power Distro”.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Pass Line
A line of roadies between 2 points in which gear is passed along from one to the next one in line.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Per diem
Latin: Per Day. Allowance paid every day (on the road) to the to band and road crew. It is supposed to pay for food and laundry expenses.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Pig
Slang: Term for a large, heavy roadcase such as one containing cables or mic stands.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Plugs
Slang: Ear plugs. Not commonly used except by truck drivers.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Poser
One who stands among crew at work, without really working. Merely “posing” as a worker (commonly seen at college gigs).
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Production Manager
Person in charge of everything (sound, lights, staging, trucking, effects) except the band.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Promoter
Person or company that is bank rolling the show. They stand to make or lose the most money depending on show attendance and ancillary sales.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Rider
The document details the performer’s requirements regarding food, drink, etc. Also known as the wish list.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Road
Anywhere (except your home) where a show can be promoted.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Road case
Protective case for virtually every piece of equipment carried on a traveling concert tour. It is typically made of plywood covered in a skin of colored plastic called Kydex. They usually have heavy casters for easy movement, and metal corners and edges along with foam lined interiors for added protection.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Road Manager
Responsible for managing the artists while on the road, while attempting to keep them out of “trouble”. Generally handles all the money as well. The man to see to get a supply of backstage passes.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Roadie
Technician that travels with a musician or musical group typically providing sound reinforcement, lighting design, instrument support, staging, special effects, wardrobe, security, production management or all of the above for the artist(s).
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Roadie billfold
Large leather billfold with chain attached to belt (to prevent pick-pockets I guess) Same as a biker billfold or trucker billfold.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Scrim
Thin fabric backdrop, used in conjunction with front or backlighting effects. Could be white or black depending on effect.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Set
Part of a show. If there is an intermission (rare) there is a first set and a second set. More common in “bar bands”.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Sharpie
Brand name: Permanent marking pen. Writes well on gaffer tape.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Skin
Slang: The think vinyl that covers a stage’s roof.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Special guest
Slang: Something left on stage in full view of the punters e.g. jacket on drum riser, someones towel hung out to dry on keyboard stand etc.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Special Guest
Alternate name for the opening act(s).
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Stage crew
Local labour hired to help with load in and load out, and in some cities may perform duties like mixing sound or operating spotlights.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Stage hand
Someone who helps load and unload the truck. Stagehands also work under supervision to help build scenery, rig lighting and sound equipment.
Submitted by Neil Scrivener from Reading
Steel toes
Safety boots with metal reinforced toes, worn by some crew to prevent injury. e.g. Road cases are heavy and tend to crush things if they fall.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Strike
To take down or disassemble e.g. we started to strike the stage.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Struck
To have taken down or disassembled e.g. we struck the stage.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Supplemental sound
Extra sound equipment brought in especially for large shows to provide enough power to cover the venue.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Swag
“Swag” also stands for “Stolen While At Gig”; Can include collectables, T-shirts, tools, underwear, etc.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Swag
A term that comes from the olden days in Australia. A salesman would walk for miles to sell his goods to the aboriginal people and those in distant towns. He would carry his goods in a bag over his shoulder and by the time he got to town, he would have a definite “Swagger” to his step from carrying the weight all day. Hence “Swag” means commercial goods, trinkets, souvenirs, clothing etc.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Swag
Also known as a term used by the local hands as the local crew shirt. Given out to the hands by the tour.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Teaser
Border, usually black, set behind the proscenium and linked with ‘tormentors’ to form an inner frame to the stage, and to mask the upper parts of the fly tower.
Submitted by Lesley from UK
Tech
Slang: Technician.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Technical Hell
It’s when everything that could go wrong, can and does but ONLY with the technical things. Technical Hell is NOT fun.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Tip
To unload i.e. to tip a trailer.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Tour Manager
The tour manager is usually the real boss and he co-ordinates all the road managers as well as the details and logistics of the tour itself. See also Road Manager.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Vendors
People selling ancillary products (T-shirts, programs, food, drink). Could tour with the band or local.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Venue
Place a show takes place. e.g. Theatre, gym, outdoor stage, field etc.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
White gloves
Slang: A person that doesn’t seem to get dirty, or doesn’t seem to really do any work. i.e. He’s strictly White Gloves.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net
Tags: stage left, stage right, stage terms, theatre glossary, theatre terms