The words behind the work.
Stage, rigging, drape, automation and compliance terms in plain English. If you have met one of these in a quote, a report or a conversation with a technician and nodded along, this is the page to come back to.
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Rigging
36 terms
Arbor
The steel cradle that carries the counterweights and travels up and down the fly tower as the bar moves.
Read more →Batten
A horizontal steel or aluminium pipe that lighting, scenery or soft goods are attached to and flown from. A lighting bar is a batten fitted out for lighting.
Read more →Bow shackle
A rounded U-shaped steel connector closed by a removable pin, used to join rigging components; rated by working load in tonnes.
Read more →Box truss
A four-chord lightweight aluminium truss, square or rectangular in section, used to span and carry rigging loads.
Read more →Chain hoist
A motorised chain block that raises and lowers loads such as truss, scenery or drapes under powered control.
Read more →Chord
One of the main load-bearing rails running the length of a truss; a truss is named by how many it has (2, 3, 4 or 5).
Read more →Counterweight
A stack of steel weights that balances the load on a flown bar so one operator can move it by hand.
Read more →Coupler
A clamp that joins tube to tube or bar to bar in a rig, in fixed, swivel, half and self-locking forms with different rated limits.
Read more →Dead-hung
A bar, grid or fixture fixed in position that does not move, rigged once at a set height, as opposed to motorised.
Read more →Deflection
How much a bar or truss bends under load; a little is normal, but pronounced sag means the span or weight is outside safe limits.
Read more →Dropper
A short steel wire rope with end fittings that suspends a bar, grid or fixture from the structure above at a fixed point.
Read more →EXE Rise
The electric chain hoist range TSA stocks, services and supports nationally, rated from 350 kg to 2500 kg.
Read more →Fly bar
The horizontal pipe that stage drapes and scenery hang from, flown in and out from above the stage.
Read more →Hauling line
The operating rope pulled to drive a counterweight set, running from the arbor up over the head block and back down.
Read more →Head block
The multi-groove block at the top of the fly tower that gathers all the lift lines of one set and turns them down to the arbor.
Read more →Hoist array
A group of powered hoists rigged and controlled together as one system to fly a large or multi-point load.
Read more →Hoist duty class
A rating (such as D8, D8+ or C1) that sets whether an electric chain hoist may lift over people, suspend over people, or neither.
Read more →Lift line
The wire ropes running from the batten up to the loft blocks and across to the head block, carrying the flown load.
Read more →LITEC
The Italian truss manufacturer whose box, triangular and ladder ranges TSA supplies and rigs.
Read more →Loft block
A sheave block on the grid that turns each lift line from vertical to horizontal on its run across to the head block.
Read more →MBL
Minimum Breaking Load: the weight at which a part is expected to fail; the rated safe limit is a fraction of this figure.
Read more →Pipe grid
A fixed framework of pipes hung over a space so lighting, audio, scenery and curtains can be rigged anywhere across it.
Read more →Point load
A load concentrated at a single point on a bar or truss, rather than spread along its length.
Read more →Rope lock
The floor-level clamp that grips the hauling line and holds a balanced line set where the operator leaves it.
Read more →Round sling
A continuous loop of synthetic fibre inside a protective sleeve, light to handle and colour-coded by rated capacity.
Read more →Safety factor
The margin between an item’s rated working load and the load at which it is expected to fail, set by the standard the equipment is built to.
Read more →Shackle
A steel connector closed by a removable pin that joins rigging components, rated by working load.
Read more →Sheave
A grooved wheel that guides a wire rope and changes its direction. Head and loft sheaves carry the lift lines across the top of a fly system.
Read more →Sling
A flexible lifting component, synthetic or steel, that wraps a load or structure and connects it to the rigging above. Its rated limit changes with the hitch and angle.
Read more →SWL
Safe Working Load: an older term for the rated safe load of equipment, now generally replaced by WLL (Working Load Limit).
Read more →SWR
Steel Wire Rope: multi-strand steel cable used for suspension and flying, rated by its minimum breaking load.
Read more →Truss
An aluminium frame of chords and diagonal bracing that spans distance and carries lighting, audio or scenic load, named for its number of chords.
Read more →UDL
Uniformly Distributed Load: a load spread evenly along a bar or truss, rather than concentrated at a single point.
Read more →Winch
A drum-and-cable drive that opens, closes or flies a curtain under powered or hand control.
Read more →WLL
Working Load Limit: the maximum load a hoist, sling, shackle or bar is rated to carry in normal use, with the manufacturer's safety factor already applied.
Read more →Soft goods
25 terms
Austrian festoon
A drape that rises vertically into deep horizontal pleats, traditionally velvet, used for musicals and gala staging.
Read more →Borders
Short horizontal drapes hung overhead to mask lighting bars, rigging and flown scenery. Often paired with legs to frame the stage picture.
Read more →Chain pocket
A sewn channel along the bottom of a drape that holds a chain, adding flexible weight so the fabric falls softly and evenly.
Read more →Curtain track
The rail a drape runs on, driven by hand, by cord or by motor, sized to the weight and span of the curtain it carries.
Read more →Cyclorama
A large, smooth backdrop stretched across the upstage wall that takes an even wash of light, for sky effects, colour washes and projection.
Read more →Flammability Index
A score from the AS 1530.2 burn test rating how a fabric resists flame; Australian stage drapes must score 10 or lower.
Read more →Fullness
The extra fabric width sewn in as pleats, given as a percentage over flat, so a drape looks gathered rather than stretched tight.
Read more →Gauze
An open-weave cloth that reads solid under front light and turns transparent when the light comes from behind.
Read more →Grommet
A reinforced metal eyelet set through the edge of a drape for tying, lacing or hanging.
Read more →Guillotine
A drape that lifts straight up out of sight, so no wing space is needed to store the curtain.
Read more →House curtain
The main curtain at the front of the stage that opens and closes the show, usually the heaviest and most decorative drape in the room.
Read more →Legs
Tall, narrow drapes hung vertically at the sides of the stage to mask the wings, entrances and offstage equipment. Usually hung in pairs.
Read more →Masking
The black drapes, legs, borders and tabs, that hide the wings, backstage and overhead rigging from the audience's sightlines.
Read more →Master carrier
The lead carrier on each side of a centre-split track that pulls the drape open and closed and sets the overlap at centre.
Read more →Pipe pocket
A sewn sleeve along the bottom of a drape that holds a length of pipe to keep wide fabric hanging straight and flat.
Read more →Pleat
A fold sewn into the top of a drape to add volume; knife pleats run in one direction and set how full the curtain hangs.
Read more →Scrim
An open-weave gauze that reads solid when lit from the front and turns transparent when lit from behind, used for reveals and ghost effects.
Read more →Sharkstooth gauze
An open-weave stage fabric that looks solid when lit from the front and turns see-through when lit from behind, used for reveals.
Read more →Smother
A large drape flown in to hide an entire stage or set piece from view, covering it fully between scenes.
Read more →Tableau
A drape that draws up and out to the sides in a diagonal fan, a classical look used in ballet and opera houses.
Read more →Tabs
Narrow drapes hung at the sides of the stage to close off the wings and set how wide the acting area reads.
Read more →Traveller
A curtain that moves horizontally on a track, splitting from the centre or pulling to one side, for transitions or to divide a space.
Read more →Tumbler
A drape that folds away panel by panel in sequence, a cascading reveal driven by automation.
Read more →Valance
A short horizontal drape across the top of the proscenium that conceals the curtain track and lighting bars above the stage.
Read more →Venetian
A drape that rises in independent vertical sections with scalloped edges, often seen in concert halls.
Read more →Compliance
19 terms
AS 1418
The Australian Standard series for the design and safe use of cranes, hoists and winches; the backbone of every rigging inspection.
Read more →AS 2550
The Australian Standard series for the safe use of cranes and hoists in service, applied alongside AS 1418 across an inspection.
Read more →AS/NZS 1891
The Australian/New Zealand Standard for industrial fall-arrest gear, harnesses and lanyards used for working at height.
Read more →Asset register
A running record of every piece of equipment by unique ID, holding its condition history and service dates year on year.
Read more →Competent Inspection Officer
The qualified person who carries out and signs off an inspection; the role named on TSA's inspection certificates.
Read more →Condition grade
The rating given to each inspected item: A, B or C for a pass, or Low, Medium or High for a fail, each with a timeframe to act.
Read more →DFR
Durably fire-retardant. A treatment that survives wash cycles before it needs retreating.
Read more →Discard criteria
Published thresholds of wear or damage at which a piece of gear must be taken out of use, set by the maker or the standard.
Read more →Due Diligence Level
A 1 to 5 rating of how well a venue keeps its equipment maintained, tracked year on year as evidence of care taken.
Read more →IFR
Inherently fire-retardant. The fire resistance is built into the fibre and is permanent, so the rating never lapses.
Read more →Load cert
Load certification: an engineering sign-off that a rigging point or structure can safely carry its rated load.
Read more →Load test
A check where a known weight is applied to a hoist and held, proving it lifts its rated capacity safely; the figures go on the certificate.
Read more →NDFR
Non-durably fire-retardant. A surface treatment that degrades with moisture and needs retreating after wet exposure.
Read more →Personal height safety
Fall-protection gear worn for working at height (harnesses, lanyards, connectors) that must be inspected and tagged, like rigging.
Read more →Service & Inspection Programme
An ongoing contract of scheduled inspections and maintenance visits that builds a documented service history for a venue's stage equipment.
Read more →SWL / WLL
Safe Working Load / Working Load Limit: the maximum weight a hoist, sling or fitting is rated and certified to carry.
Read more →Test & Tag
Electrical safety testing of powered equipment to standard AS/NZS 3760, with a dated tag fitted to show it passed.
Read more →Venue Systems Health Check
A one-off documented inspection of a venue's stage systems (fly lines, rigging, hoists, tracks) reporting their condition and what needs attention.
Read more →Automation
17 terms
Anti-sway
A control feature that stops a suspended load or flown piece from swinging as it starts, stops, or changes speed.
Read more →Automated fly system
A motorised system that flies scenery, lighting bars, or performers in and out of view on cue, in place of manual rope hauling.
Read more →Axis
One degree of freedom in controlled motion - a rotary turntable or a linear deck track. Several axes can be combined into one coordinated multi-axis effect.
Read more →Closed-loop positioning
Position control where the system constantly checks where machinery actually is and corrects it to hit the exact target.
Read more →Deadman switch
A control the operator must keep held for machinery to move; letting go stops it, guarding against a distracted or incapacitated operator.
Read more →E-Stop
Emergency stop: a control that instantly cuts motion across the system to make it safe if something goes wrong.
Read more →Encoder
A sensor that tracks how far and how fast a piece of machinery has moved, giving the control system its exact position.
Read more →Load cell
A sensor that measures the weight hanging on a hoist, so the system can watch the load in real time and flag an overload.
Read more →Motion control
Electronic control of how stage machinery moves, governing its speed, position, and timing during a performance.
Read more →Raynok
A third-party motion control software and hardware platform that TSA integrates into its own automation consoles and drives.
Read more →Revolve
A rotating section of stage floor that turns scenery or performers into view; also called a revolving stage or turntable.
Read more →Self-climbing hoist
A hoist that climbs its own suspension chain to raise itself and its load up to a fixed rigging point.
Read more →Show control
The control layer that runs stage moves to preset cues, so each effect happens the same way, in sync, every performance.
Read more →Timecode
A running clock signal the show follows, so lighting, sound, video, and stage moves all fire at the exact same moments.
Read more →Tracked scenery
Scenery mounted on a floor or overhead track so it moves on and off stage along a fixed path, driven by hand or on cue.
Read more →Trap door
A powered opening in the stage floor, cued to the show, that lets performers or scenery appear and disappear through the deck.
Read more →Variable speed drive
Drive electronics that run a motor or hoist smoothly across a range of speeds, rather than only full-speed on or off.
Read more →Production
17 terms
Automation and control
Cue-driven motion that moves scenery, revolves and performers the same way every night, run from one control system.
Read more →Bump-in
The pre-show install window when the set, rigging and drapes are loaded in and rigged. Also called load-in.
Read more →Bump-in / bump-out
Moving a show's set and equipment into a venue (bump-in) and clearing it all out again after the final performance (bump-out).
Read more →Bump-out
The strike and pack-down of a show at the end of its run. Also called load-out.
Read more →Cue sheet
The ordered list of every technical action in a show (lighting, sound, automation, flying) and the exact moment each one is triggered.
Read more →Double-braked system
A flying hoist fitted with two independent brakes, so a performer stays safely held if one brake ever fails.
Read more →Drawing set
The coordinated package of technical drawings a show is built, rigged and certified from, covering every load-bearing and moving element.
Read more →Flight path
The exact route a flown performer travels through the air during an effect, planned and controlled so it repeats safely every show.
Read more →Kabuki drop
A staging effect where fabric hung above the stage is released to fall away at once, revealing a set or performer behind it.
Read more →Manual brake release
A control that lets crew safely lower a suspended performer by hand if power is lost.
Read more →Performer flying
Rigging and control systems that lift and move performers through the air on stage, engineered to the routine of a specific show.
Read more →Performer harness
A body harness engineered and fitted for a specific performer and flying effect, not adapted from stage, industrial or climbing gear.
Read more →Rigging plot
A scaled drawing showing where every rigging point, hoist and suspended load sits above the stage.
Read more →Safety commissioning
Testing and certifying a system as safe to operate before it is handed over for use in a live show.
Read more →Strike
The dismantle and pack-down of a set, rigging and drapes at the end of a show's run; part of bump-out.
Read more →Technical direction
Owning and running the technical side of a show, from the first production meeting through load-in to the final pack-down.
Read more →Working Load Limit (WLL)
The maximum load a piece of lifting equipment is rated and certified to carry safely.
Read more →Dance
15 terms
AS 1288
The Australian Standard for installing glass safely, which studio wall mirrors are fitted to.
Read more →Ballet barre
The horizontal rail dancers hold for balance during warm-up and technique; wall-mounted, floor-mounted or freestanding.
Read more →Dance vinyl
A roll-out vinyl top surface laid over a floor to give dancers a consistent grip-and-slide for ballet, tap or contemporary.
Read more →EPDM shock-pad
The grid of hard-wearing rubber pads under a sprung floor's panels that gives the floor its spring.
Read more →FIBA
The International Basketball Federation, whose sports-floor standards for shock absorption and ball bounce are used to rate semi-sprung hall floors.
Read more →Force reduction
A measure of how much a floor softens a landing; more force reduction means more shock taken away from the body.
Read more →iQ Granit Acoustic
A cushioned, self-healing vinyl suited to tap, flamenco and stage work, glued down over a firm base.
Read more →Marley
The industry's everyday name for roll-out vinyl dance flooring, used whatever the actual brand.
Read more →Multiflex M
A semi-sprung timber sports floor that floats over the subfloor and lays joint-free to any size, for halls and gyms.
Read more →Self-healing vinyl
Floor vinyl whose surface closes minor scuffs back over, so tap and hard-shoe work leaves no permanent scoring.
Read more →Sprung floor
A dance floor built over a shock-absorbing layer so it flexes underfoot, cutting impact on feet, ankles, knees and hips.
Read more →Studio mirror
A large wall-fixed or portable mirror set into a studio so dancers can check their line and technique.
Read more →Tap Step
A portable sprung tap surface that gives real shock absorption and protects the floor beneath from tap and flamenco wear.
Read more →Tarkett
A global performance-flooring brand whose dance vinyl and semi-sprung sports floor ranges are used in studios and halls.
Read more →Vertical deformation
How far a sprung floor gives, or dips, underfoot when a dancer lands; a controlled amount cushions the joints.
Read more →Scenic
14 terms
DMX
A standard digital control signal used to operate stage lighting, LED and effects from one console.
Read more →Fit-out
The fabrication and on-site installation of interior fixtures, cases and displays that finish an empty space as a gallery or exhibition.
Read more →Flat
A lightweight framed panel of timber and ply or canvas that stands as a wall, backdrop or scenery face on stage.
Read more →Fly system
The rig of lines, pulleys and counterweights or motors that raises and lowers scenery above the stage.
Read more →Hard coating
A tough protective shell applied over carved foam or polystyrene scenery so it resists knocks and handling.
Read more →Load-in
The process of moving scenery and equipment into a venue and setting it up ready for the show.
Read more →Portal
A scenic frame that surrounds the stage opening and masks the wings and overhead space, framing what the audience sees.
Read more →Practical
A prop or fixture on set that actually works, such as a lamp that lights or a machine that runs, rather than a dummy.
Read more →Raked deck
A stage floor or scenery platform built on a slope that tilts up toward the back, improving the audience's sightlines.
Read more →Scenic finish
The painted, textured or coated surface treatment that gives scenery its final look, from bare timber to a realistic material.
Read more →Set electrics
Electrical elements such as lighting, LED and control wiring built directly into a scenic piece rather than added separately.
Read more →Wagon
A wheeled platform that carries a section of scenery so it can roll on and off stage between scenes.
Read more →Wood graining
A hand-painting technique that makes a plain surface look like natural timber grain.
Read more →Theatre
14 terms
Apron
The part of the stage floor in front of the main curtain line, closest to the audience.
Read more →Bio box
The technical control room at the back of the auditorium where lighting and sound are operated.
Read more →Black box
A plain studio theatre with black walls and movable seating, reconfigured for each production.
Read more →Dark week
A week when a venue is closed with no performances, often used for maintenance or install work.
Read more →Dock door
The large loading door a venue uses to move scenery, sets and equipment in and out.
Read more →Fly tower
The tall structure above the stage that scenery, drapes and lighting are lifted up into, out of the audience's view.
Read more →FOH
Front of house: the audience-facing parts of a venue, from the foyer to the auditorium side of the curtain.
Read more →Get-in
The physical access route into a venue for scenery and equipment, from the street or dock through to the stage.
Read more →Orchestra pit
The lowered area between the front of the stage and the audience where musicians play.
Read more →PAC
Performing arts centre: a venue built for staged performance, usually with a proscenium stage and fly system.
Read more →Proscenium
The arch or frame that separates the stage from the audience, the opening the audience watches the show through.
Read more →Proscenium arch
The framed opening between the stage and the audience that the main curtain hangs in.
Read more →Thrust stage
A stage that extends out into the auditorium, with audience seated on three sides of it.
Read more →Wings
The offstage spaces at each side of the stage, out of the audience's sight, where performers and scenery wait.
Read more →Competency
12 terms
Advanced Rigging
The top rigging licence, adding high-risk work like flying performers, aerial acts and span lines to the lower tickets.
Read more →Basic Rigging
A rigging licence covering dogging plus tasks like hanging a single hoist, installing suspension points and setting up flying lines.
Read more →Dogging
Slinging a load and directing the crane or hoist operator; licensed work requiring a Dogging Licence.
Read more →Gantry crane
An overhead crane running on raised rails or a travelling bridge; operating one typically requires a High Risk Work Licence.
Read more →High Risk Work Licence
A formal WHS licence required for higher-risk tasks such as crane operation, dogging or rigging; rules vary by state.
Read more →Intermediate Rigging
A rigging licence above the lower tickets, covering multiple hoist systems and power-assisted hoists in theatre flying systems.
Read more →Operation of machinery
Running installed machinery day to day, like pressing the buttons to fly a bar; gated by training and competency, not a licence.
Read more →Operator competency
Being trained on and capable of running specific installed equipment safely, rather than holding a formal licence.
Read more →Rigging ticket
Industry shorthand for a formal rigging or crane licence, such as a dogging or rigging certificate.
Read more →Rope access
A method of working at height on ropes rather than scaffold or a platform, run under a formal safety system by trained technicians.
Read more →Slinging
Attaching and securing a load to a crane or hoist using slings, shackles and correct load-handling technique.
Read more →Theatrical rigging
Attaching lighting, sound, AV, drapes or scenery to an existing system by standard methods; competency and venue-gated, not licensed rigging.
Read more →Hire
11 terms
Cross-hire
When one hire company rents gear from another to cover an order it cannot fill from its own stock.
Read more →D8+ rated
A hoist certified to the D8 Plus standard, meaning it is approved to lift loads suspended above people.
Read more →Double-braking
A hoist fitted with two independent brakes so that one brake failing cannot drop the load.
Read more →Dry hire
Equipment rented for the customer to collect, install and operate themselves, with no crew supplied by the hire company.
Read more →Hire fleet
The pool of equipment a company keeps stocked, inspected and maintained ready to rent out.
Read more →Hoist controller
The control unit an operator uses to raise and lower chain hoists, from single-motor to multi-motor rigs.
Read more →Load-in / load-out
Bringing equipment into a venue and setting it up (load-in), then dismantling and removing it afterwards (load-out).
Read more →Pre-hire and post-hire inspection
Safety checks carried out on hire equipment both before it goes out and again after it comes back.
Read more →Touring pack
A standardised bundle of equipment put together to support a production for its whole touring run.
Read more →Wet hire
Hire where the supplier delivers, installs and collects the equipment, often with crew, rather than handing it over at a counter.
Read more →Venue
9 terms
Commissioning
The stage where installed equipment is tested, adjusted and proven safe and working before it is handed to the venue.
Read more →Duty cycle
How much and how often a piece of equipment is designed to run, so a permanent install is rated to work reliably over its lifespan.
Read more →Fit-out to commission
The full delivery span from installing a venue's staging equipment through to testing, proving and signing it off ready for use.
Read more →Global E-stop
A single emergency-stop control that halts every powered axis in the system at once for safety.
Read more →Integrated delivery
One organisation designing and installing scenic, rigging, automation and drapes as a single coordinated system rather than separate contractors.
Read more →Live load monitoring
Sensors that read the actual weight on each hoist in real time so the control system can keep a group balanced and safe.
Read more →Load path
The route a load's weight follows through the structure into the building - whether hung from overhead rigging or supported from below, like large platforms, lifts and two-storey scenic pieces - checked so nothing is overloaded.
Read more →Pile hoist
A ceiling-mounted winch that raises and lowers a lighting bar or batten on multiple steel wire ropes, kept level as it moves.
Read more →Skytrack
Ceiling-mounted track that lets a hung fixture or hoist be moved to any position along its length.
Read more →Fabric
6 terms
Blockout
A dense lining or drape that stops light passing through, used for tech blackouts and to back masking.
Read more →Filled cloth
A coated white cloth on a wide roll that takes an even wash of light without hot spots, the standard cyclorama surface.
Read more →GSM
Grams per square metre, the standard measure of fabric weight. Heavier cloth generally blocks more light and hangs fuller.
Read more →Turo molton
A brushed-cotton black on a wide roll, lighter and lower-cost than wool serge, surface-treated for fire retardancy (retreat after moisture).
Read more →Velvet
A deep-pile cloth with rich colour and enough weight to absorb sound, used for house curtains, valances and auditorium dressing.
Read more →Wool serge
A dense, matte wool cloth that soaks up stray light instead of reflecting it, so masking reads as true black. Inherently fire-retardant.
Read more →