Drama Glossary

The process of balancing various parts of a piece of music or soundscape so that each part can be heard clearly by the audience. For recorded sounds, mixing is accomplished during the recording process. For live performances, sound designers and audio engineers mix in response to the action on stage.

Often referred to as a mixer or simply “the board,” mixing boards allow different parts (or channels) of sound to be adjusted independently from one another. Mixing boards can allow for changes of volume, pan, and effects like reverb to be added and removed from a given sound.

Especially important in performances of live singing and music, the monitor is a dedicated speaker that plays signals from the mic or mics so that performers can hear themselves. Monitors are typically set up downstage, facing toward the performers.

The embodiment of intentions through actions; also one of the primary elements of visual design that helps determine how a costume will move with an actor.

A thin, lightweight fabric that is used to create patterns and costume mock-ups.

Items related to sewing, including needles, thread, zippers, buttons, etc.

The space immediately in front of or underneath the stage where the musicians sit.

Assigning a circuit or dimmer to a channel number on the lighting console.

A report created after every performance noting anything of note that happened including run times, mistakes, technical issues, or audience incidents.

Colored makeup in loose powder form; can also be mixed with a binder into a pressed powder form.

Stage elevations made of wood typically in standard dimensions like 4x8.

The area in which the actors perform.