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Technical Theatre Trivia Quiz

Many theatre-goers are familiar with the actor's experience, but how much do you know about what goes on behind the scenes, and the terminology used by technicians?

A multiple-choice quiz by JimiGirl. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
JimiGirl

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
224,277

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
2005

Last 3 plays: Guest 174 (1/10), Guest 199 (8/10), Guest 150 (9/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Who is responsible for making sure all light, sound, and stage cues are executed at the proper time? Hint

master electrician

director

stage manager

designer

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. If a technician is in the "grid," where are they? Hint

above the stage near the ceiling

under the stage using the trap doors

under the stage in the orchestra pit

above the stage hanging a light

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. When technicians are "loading in", what are they doing? Hint

taking a break

taking the set down

fixing problems with the set

installing the set onstage

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. Who is most likely to be working in the "catwalk"? Hint

stage manager

master electrician

carpenter

props master

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. What does a dresser do? Hint

changes the scenery during scene breaks

designs and sews the costumes

assists the actor with quick costume changes

paints the scenery

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Question 6 of 10

6. Gathering small items of furniture is often the responsibility of which of these departments? Hint

stage management

lights

props

director

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. What is another name for the "pipes" above the stage that can hold flying scenery, lights, or other stage props? Hint

battens

leads

bars

lines

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Question 8 of 10

8. There are days during the week that there are no shows performing. These days are called _______ days. Hint

dark

off

black

easy

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Question 9 of 10

9. Scenery is sometimes a series of walls. What is the theatre term for these "walls?" Hint

flats

ties

faces

partials

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. What is a "changeover?" Hint

changing performance times

changing from one show to a different show

changing from one costume to another

changing theatre staff members

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 17 2024 : Guest 174: 1/10
Apr 15 2024 : Guest 199: 8/10
Apr 09 2024 : Guest 150: 9/10
Apr 08 2024 : Guest 82: 7/10
Mar 24 2024 : Guest 108: 1/10
Mar 21 2024 : Guest 172: 3/10
Mar 21 2024 : Guest 31: 5/10
Mar 14 2024 : Guest 136: 10/10
Mar 09 2024 : looney_tunes: 9/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Who is responsible for making sure all light, sound, and stage cues are executed at the proper time?

Answer: stage manager

This is called "calling a show." The stage manager has every cue written in his/her script and it is his/her job to "call" all of them. Then the corresponding technician executes the task, but only after the stage manager gives the "go."

2. If a technician is in the "grid," where are they?

Answer: above the stage near the ceiling

The grid is a support system lining the ceiling. It is not to be confused with fly-lines, which are lower than the grid, or with the electrics, which is where lights are hung, which is also beneath the grid.

3. When technicians are "loading in", what are they doing?

Answer: installing the set onstage

Many theatres use the concept of "load in" and "load out." Load ins are when not only the set goes up, but the lights are finalized, the sound is reconfigured, and props are finished. Another common term for load out is "strike", which is taking away all elements of that particular show.

4. Who is most likely to be working in the "catwalk"?

Answer: master electrician

The catwalk is an elevated space usually above the house (or audience) that is used for lighting positions.

5. What does a dresser do?

Answer: assists the actor with quick costume changes

Dressers are very important to the timing of a play or musical. It is the duty of the dresser to change an actor's costumes in a very short amount of time.

6. Gathering small items of furniture is often the responsibility of which of these departments?

Answer: props

Movable items of furniture, such as small tables and lamps, are frequently the duty of the props master. Larger items, such as sofas or beds, are generally looked after by the scenery department.

7. What is another name for the "pipes" above the stage that can hold flying scenery, lights, or other stage props?

Answer: battens

The batten is the the "pipe" that is used to hang scenery from. It is easily confused with the term fly lines. The fly line is the pully system used to fly the scenery.

8. There are days during the week that there are no shows performing. These days are called _______ days.

Answer: dark

Another phrase is "the theatre is dark today," either way it means there are no performances that day.

9. Scenery is sometimes a series of walls. What is the theatre term for these "walls?"

Answer: flats

A "wall" in the theatre world is called a flat. Commonly made out of 1x4 lumber. A thin flat sheet of lumber called lauan covers the flat. Flats can also be covered with a material called muslin. Both are sufaces that are easy to paint.

10. What is a "changeover?"

Answer: changing from one show to a different show

Changeover is a term heard more often in repertory theatres. For example, Wednesday's evening show is "The Odd Couple" but Thursday's Matinee is "Oklahoma!"; the crew will need to changeover from "The Odd Couple" to "Oklahoma!".

Source: Author JimiGirl

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