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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
2231

Last 3 plays: Guest 112 (2/10), Guest 50 (9/10), Guest 58 (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

Actors' Tech

Paper Tech

Stage Tech

Cue Tech

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Question 3 of 10

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

prosthesis

proscenium arch

frame

it has no name

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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

grid

gebo

gel

gobo

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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

spill

splash

bleed

spark

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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

shutters

stall doors

barn doors

focus flaps

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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

lamp

candle

globe

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

business

fill

blocking

improv

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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

Oct 31 2024 : Guest 112: 2/10
Oct 30 2024 : Guest 50: 9/10
Oct 30 2024 : Guest 58: 1/10
Oct 22 2024 : Guest 67: 8/10
Oct 11 2024 : Poppet18: 4/10
Oct 07 2024 : Guest 104: 6/10

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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