Stage and Theatre Equipment Guide

If you’re working in theatre—whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience—it’s important to stay familiar with the tools of the trade. This stage equipment glossary covers everything from fundamental theatre system tools to modern upgrades in lighting and sound. You’ll find clear definitions of things at the theatre, essential gear from any theatre equipment list, and the full range of stage lights and audio systems you’re likely to encounter.

1. Lighting Equipment

This section covers the most common theatre lights used on stage. These are key items in any theatre equipment list and form the core of the range of stage lights used in live performance.

15 Amp Cable

Used to power high-draw theatre lights.
Safer alternative to standard 13 amp plugs in stage lighting.

Barndoors

Metal flaps fixed to the front of theatre lights.
Shape and restrict unwanted spill from a light beam.

Colour Frame

Metal holder for coloured gels, attached to front of a fixture.

Colour Scroller

Motorised frame that scrolls through multiple gels.
Allows rapid colour changes during scenes.

Dimmer

Controls how much power reaches each light.
Adjusts brightness in real time.

Flood Light

Provides broad, even light coverage.
No lens or beam focus—good for general wash.

Followspot (Spotlight)

Intense, focused beam of light.
Typically follows a lead performer around the stage.

Fresnel

Soft-edged beam using a Fresnel lens.
Good for creating general washes or lighting small areas.

Gel (Colour Filter)

Transparent plastic sheet placed in front of a light.
Used to change the colour of the beam for mood or effect.

Gobo

A metal or glass stencil placed in a profile light.
Projects patterns or shapes onto the stage or backdrop.

Halogen Lamp

Older, bright lamp with high heat output.
Found in legacy stage lights.

Hazers

Fill the air with fine mist to make light beams visible.
Used for atmosphere and enhancing light effects.

House Lights

General lighting for the audience area.
Controlled separately from stage lighting.

HMI Lamps

High-output lamps used in large venues.
More efficient than standard incandescent bulbs.

Intelligent Lights (Moving Lights)

Motorised, programmable lights that pan, tilt and change colour.
Useful for fast changes in lighting during complex shows.

Iris

Adjustable aperture that controls the size of a light beam.

LED Lights

Low-energy, high-output alternative to traditional theatre lights.
Often used in schools, touring shows, and modern theatres.

Lens

Directs or focuses light output.
Used in profile, PC, Fresnel, and flood fixtures.

Lighting Desk

The control centre for all stage lighting.
Often digital, allowing pre-programmed scenes and live adjustment.

Moving Head Light

A type of intelligent light fixture.
Rotates to point light anywhere on stage, controlled remotely.

Parcan (Parlights)

Basic, durable fixture with a bright beam.
Common in concert and school theatre setups.

PC (Pebble Convex)

Combines qualities of profile and Fresnel lights.
Less spill than Fresnel, more flexibility than profiles.

Profile Light

Produces a hard-edged beam.
Can project gobos and be used for sharp spotlighting.

Scoop (Ellipsoidal Reflector Floodlight)

Large, curved floodlight with no lens.
Covers wide areas of the stage with soft light.

Striplight

A row of lights used to wash a set or backdrop with colour.
Common in school and church theatres.

2. Audio & Sound Systems

These are the fundamental theatre system tools for managing and projecting sound during a performance. They cover everything from voice amplification to full live music setups—key items on any professional theatre equipment list.

Church Sound Systems

Designed to suit the acoustics and aesthetics of church venues.
May include fill-in speakers, automatic mixers, and subtle PA components.

Communications Systems (COMMS)

Wired or wireless systems for backstage crew communication.
Includes belt packs, headsets, and multi-channel systems.

Induction Loop (Hearing Loop)

A cable loop that transmits sound via magnetic field to hearing aids.
Improves clarity for audience members with hearing impairments.

Lecture Theatre Sound Systems

Tailored to reduce echo and improve speech clarity in large rooms.
May include podium mics, ceiling speakers, and automated mixing.

Live Music Club Sound Systems

Built to maintain consistent sound in irregular venue shapes.
Often includes subwoofers, monitors, large amps, and climate control.

Mixing Console (Sound Board)

Controls audio input and output levels.
Used in all venue sizes, from lecture halls to live music stages.

PA System

Basic sound reinforcement system for speech and music.
Typically includes amps, speakers, mixers, and mics.

Power Amplifiers

Boost audio signals to drive speakers.
Often include limiters to protect equipment from overload.

Signal Processors

Adjust and shape audio before it’s amplified.
Used to correct errors, balance levels, and manage frequencies.

Sound Reinforcement Systems

Full audio setups designed for large audience spaces.
May include microphones, processors, speakers, and amps.

Theatre Sound Systems

Combination of PA systems, amps, mics, and control desks.
Managed live by sound engineers for clarity and timing.

3. Visual & Projection Equipment

This group includes things at the theatre often used for displaying images, videos, or digital scenery. These tools are part of a modern theatre equipment list, especially for multimedia productions or lecture-style presentations.

Projection Screen

Used to display video, slides, or static images to the audience.
Can be fixed, portable, or retractable, depending on venue needs.

Video Projector

Projects images or video onto a screen or surface.
Commonly used for backdrops, digital scenery, or live feeds.

Recording Studio

A controlled space designed for high-quality audio recording or voiceovers.
Often used in performance prep or venue production.

4. Rigging, Scenery & Stage Hardware

These items make up the core physical infrastructure of many things at a theatre. From stage curtains to fly systems, they’re essential items in any theatre equipment list and support the visual and structural needs of a live performance.

Flats (Scenery)

Flat panels painted or dressed to simulate backgrounds or buildings.
Standard height is around 3.6 metres, but this varies.

Sightlines

The angles from each seat to the stage.
Good sightlines are a priority in theatre layout design.

Stage Drapes (Stage Curtains)

Heavy fabric panels used to block off or divide stage space.
Part of fundamental theatre system tools for managing visibility.

Theatre Rigging (Fly Systems)

Ropes, pulleys, and counterweights used to raise/lower lights, drapes, and scenery.
Needs professional installation for safety and precision.

5. Control & Connectivity

These tools are the backbone of how theatre lights, sound, and effects are managed. They’re part of the fundamental theatre system tools used to keep everything running smoothly during live shows.

Control Cable (DMX512)

Digital link between lighting desk and dimmers.
Standard for controlling theatre lights and intelligent fixtures.

Lighting Desk

Central console for managing the range of stage lights.
Stores lighting scenes and enables live control of cues.

Multicore Cable (Lectroflex)

A single cable housing six 15 amp lines.
Reduces clutter and simplifies rigging for stage equipment.

6. General Theatre Terms

These entries cover general things at the theatre that support the performance environment. They’re not fixtures or fittings, but they’re still essential.

Filament

Thin wire inside traditional lamps that glows when heated.
Found in older theatre lights like halogen lamps.

Reflector

A shaped surface that redirects light inside a fixture.
Common in most types of theatre lighting.

Summary

This guide gives you a solid overview of the stage equipment used in theatre today. Whether you’re working through a fundamental theater system tools checklist, fitting out a venue, or learning to identify things at a theatre, this glossary covers the essentials. From a full range of stage lights to the most important audio tools and rigging gear, it’s a practical reference for anyone building or working with a theatre equipment list.