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Backstage Theatrical Devices Trivia Quiz

Been to the theater lately? A lot of the magic is in the planning and preparation of the technical delivery as well as the actors' performances. What do you know about the backstage?

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

Author
njbruce

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
193,183

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
2442

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. A coarse gauze which when left unpainted is used to diffuse the scene behind it when that scene is lit from behind the fabric. When painted and lit from the front it is opaque and forms the "back wall" of the scene in front of it. What is it called? Hint

breather

sieve

mesh

scrim

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Question 2 of 10

2. Used by actors on the set to find their "mark" (place where they start their scene in a play on the set) in total darkness. What is this aid? Hint

sonar

small flashlights

phosphorescent tape

retractable cords

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Question 3 of 10

3. A curved curtain, usually at the back of the stage and often used as the sky backing of a theatrical piece. What is this standard theatrical hanging known as? Hint

cyclorama

the fourth wall

bender

etherene

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Question 4 of 10

4. A wooden framed panel of canvas that, together as units, make up the backing walls of a set. It is referred to as a what? Hint

panel

post

side

flat

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Question 5 of 10

5. This is used to deliver a safe theatrical pyrotechnical puff of smoke and fire onstage. What in blazes am I talking about? Hint

cauldron

devil's nest

flash pot

roman furnace

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Question 6 of 10

6. A play where the audience surrounds the stage and there is no curtain is said to be performed in the ________. (Fill in the blank)

Answer: (think "circle" or "ball" or another "serving of drinks from the bar")

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Question 7 of 10

7. One of the oldest and most effective theatrical devices originated during the Italian Renaissance. Which was it? Hint

lighting

mirrors

perspective

smoke

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Question 8 of 10

8. What are used to give different colors to stage lights, sometimes in combination on just one light? Hint

cels

gels

photels

patels

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Question 9 of 10

9. This apparatus could be used to aid in the theatrical "device", Deus Ex Machina. Which one is it? Hint

trap door

dressing room door

stage door

revolving door

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Question 10 of 10

10. Most plays have them. Stories have them. Subversives have them. Cemeteries have them. Farmers also have their share. So do the sound and lighting directors of the theater. What word am I looking for?

Answer: (One Word)

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

Answer: scrim

Often used to stage a scene in front of the scrim and then transition to the following scene by change of lighting or lifting the scrim.

2. Used by actors on the set to find their "mark" (place where they start their scene in a play on the set) in total darkness. What is this aid?

Answer: phosphorescent tape

Usually stapled to the set flooring, it also lets the actors know where rises and falls occur on the set as they enter the stage between scenes.

3. A curved curtain, usually at the back of the stage and often used as the sky backing of a theatrical piece. What is this standard theatrical hanging known as?

Answer: cyclorama

From Greek Cyclos (circle) and Horama (view or vision).

4. A wooden framed panel of canvas that, together as units, make up the backing walls of a set. It is referred to as a what?

Answer: flat

After they are constructed, they can be held in stock and re-painted for future presentations.

5. This is used to deliver a safe theatrical pyrotechnical puff of smoke and fire onstage. What in blazes am I talking about?

Answer: flash pot

Great for effective entrances of fantasy creatures a la Shakespeare! Misplaced in a presentation such as "Death of A Salesman".

6. A play where the audience surrounds the stage and there is no curtain is said to be performed in the ________. (Fill in the blank)

Answer: round

The director of such a production must take special care to see that set pieces such as a chair or a lamp on the set do not block the view of the audience.

7. One of the oldest and most effective theatrical devices originated during the Italian Renaissance. Which was it?

Answer: perspective

This is creating the illusion of space and distance (theatrically, by painting) on a flat surface.

8. What are used to give different colors to stage lights, sometimes in combination on just one light?

Answer: gels

These are placed at the lens of the lantern to get the desired color effect onstage.

9. This apparatus could be used to aid in the theatrical "device", Deus Ex Machina. Which one is it?

Answer: trap door

Deus Ex Machina loosely translates to "God out of a machine" and refers to an event in a play that is totally unexpected and alters the outcome of the story beyond what has been presented before. What a great concept and spoiler for logical thinkers! As Gomer Pyle would say, "Surprise, Surprise, Surprise."

Answer: plot

These are the "scripts" that the technical artists go by to bring up or fade lights or sounds and effects, in time, just as an actor has his script for the play. This is the working term as in "lighting plot" or "sound plot". Plot can also refer to a diagram of where the lights, speakers and/or microphones are located around the set.

Source: Author njbruce

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