A ghost light keeps vigil on the stage of the Capital Theatre, Madison, WI. Photo by Paul G Sanow, ASTC.

Technical theatre slang can evoke images from a Harry Potter novel. While the terms “teasers” and “tormentors” might conjure up J.K. Rowling’s centaurs and dementors, the words are founded in deep theatrical lore. Cycs and Ghost Lights as well. Teasers and tormentors are the first set of masking curtains immediately upstage of the proscenium opening. The teaser is the horizontal “border” curtain and the left and right tormentors are the vertical “leg” curtains. In some cases, the teaser and tormentors are framed “flats” rather than soft curtains.

The Ghost Light is a lighting device mounted on a portable stand that is positioned temporarily near the center of the proscenium opening and is often the only light that is left “on” when everyone has left the stage at the end of the day. The Ghost Light provides sufficient illumination for theatre staff to enter the otherwise dark stage area and enough light to see the stage edge or an open orchestra pit.

The term “cyc” is an abbreviation of the word “cyclorama”. The cyc is typically a large fabric curtain suspended at the rear of the stage. Cycs are made of seamless muslin fabric and colored either white or light blue. Used in conjunction with a “scrim curtain” or “bounce drop” and special purpose lighting units, the cyc can provide a neutral background and a sense of depth behind a conventional setting for dance, drama or musical productions.

These evocative terms endure in theatre slang and provide a richness to the theatrical legacy and vocabulary.

By Robert Long, FASTC

Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the American Society of Theatre Consultants, nor the author’s employer. This article is for general information only and should not be substituted for specific advice from a Theatre Consultant, Code Consultant, or Design Professional, and may not be suitable for all situations nor in all locations.