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Theatre for the Techies! Trivia Quiz

I notice there are many theatre quizzes on this site, but NONE about the technical side! So if you enjoy going to the theatre, take this quiz to see how much you know about what goes on BEHIND the scenes!

A multiple-choice quiz by kristyn2003. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
kristyn2003

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
137,633

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
2210

Last 3 plays: Guest 61 (3/10), Guest 98 (8/10), emmal2000uk (1/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. A light left burning overnight on stage to keep friendly spirits illuminated and unfriendly spirits at bay is called a what?

Answer: (two words: are theatres haunted?)

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Question 2 of 10

2. What is the term commonly used to describe a meeting between the stage manager, director and lighting/sound technicians to organize the cues? Hint

Cue Tech

Actors' Tech

Paper Tech

Stage Tech

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Question 3 of 10

3. What is the name of the structure that frames the stage opening? Hint

prosthesis

it has no name

frame

proscenium arch

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Question 4 of 10

4. In theatre, special effects are often achieved by using a curtain (sometimes made of muslin) which, depending upon the lighting, can either be transparent or opaque. What is this called? Hint

scrim

sheer

skid

skaff

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Question 5 of 10

5. What is the term for an insert, usually made of metal, which you slide into a light to create a special effect in light and shadow? Hint

gobo

gel

grid

gebo

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Question 6 of 10

6. The term for light which can be seen in undesired areas of the stage is what? Hint

bleed

spark

splash

spill

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Question 7 of 10

7. The name for the part of a fresnel which allow you to focus the light is what? Hint

barn doors

focus flaps

stall doors

shutters

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Question 8 of 10

8. The term "bulb" is never used in theatre to describe a lightbulb. What is the preferred term? Hint

globe

lamp

candle

instrument

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Question 9 of 10

9. A piece of unscripted action, often comic in intention, used to establish a character or fill a pause in dialogue is called what? Hint

improv

blocking

business

fill

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Question 10 of 10

10. A journalist who writes reviews for theatre productions is called a what?

Answer: (One Word)

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Most Recent Scores

Mar 24 2024 : Guest 61: 3/10
Mar 08 2024 : Guest 98: 8/10
Mar 02 2024 : emmal2000uk: 1/10
Feb 21 2024 : wellenbrecher: 10/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. A light left burning overnight on stage to keep friendly spirits illuminated and unfriendly spirits at bay is called a what?

Answer: ghost light

It is also said that a ghost light will keep the theatrical muse in the theatre.

2. What is the term commonly used to describe a meeting between the stage manager, director and lighting/sound technicians to organize the cues?

Answer: Paper Tech

I've never actually heard the terms "cue tech" or "stage tech" used. An actors' tech is the rehearsal during which the actors are introduced to the technical elements of the production; a dry tech is a technical run-through without the actors.

3. What is the name of the structure that frames the stage opening?

Answer: proscenium arch

A proscenium arch frames the front of the stage as the audience looks at it.

4. In theatre, special effects are often achieved by using a curtain (sometimes made of muslin) which, depending upon the lighting, can either be transparent or opaque. What is this called?

Answer: scrim

A scrim allows a scene to either be played in front of it or behind it, depending on the desired effect.

5. What is the term for an insert, usually made of metal, which you slide into a light to create a special effect in light and shadow?

Answer: gobo

A gobo is often used to indicate a window frame, or leaves; it casts a picture in shadow to create a mood or setting.

6. The term for light which can be seen in undesired areas of the stage is what?

Answer: spill

Too much spill often occurs in smaller theatres where area lighting is a more difficult proposition.

7. The name for the part of a fresnel which allow you to focus the light is what?

Answer: barn doors

Though similar in function to barn doors on a fresnel, shutters are part of a profile lantern.

8. The term "bulb" is never used in theatre to describe a lightbulb. What is the preferred term?

Answer: lamp

NEVER, EVER call it a lightbulb in the presence of a lighting technician! :-)

9. A piece of unscripted action, often comic in intention, used to establish a character or fill a pause in dialogue is called what?

Answer: business

An author may sometimes simply suggest "business" to indicate the need for action at a certain point in the play.

10. A journalist who writes reviews for theatre productions is called a what?

Answer: critic

A critic is either the most revered or most feared person in theatre!

Source: Author kristyn2003

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ltc717 before going online.
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