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Automation Glossary


We’ve compiled a glossary of commonly used vocabulary in stage engineering and technical theatre, to help amateurs and professionals alike. If you have any definitions you’d like to contribute, please email us and we’ll credit your name at the bottom of the glossary.
ABTT

Association of British Theatre Technicians

AC

Alternating Current

Acceptance Testing Procedure (ATP)

The process of verification after commissioning during which time the system is proven to meet the specified requirements.

ACN

The ESTA Architecture for Control Networks is more formally known as ANSI/ESTA E1.17, Entertainment Technology - Multipurpose Network Control Protocol Suite.

Actuator

A motor or transducer that converts electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy to affect motion.

Anti-rake

To create or modify a platform to level the rake or slope.

Apron

In a traditional theatre, the part of the stage which projects in front of the curtain; depending on the structure and layout of the theatre, this can often be extended by building out over the pit.

Armature

A revolving structure in an electric motor or generator, wound with the coils that carry the current.

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)

Used to describe high-capacity data transmission, usually in relation to an Internet connection.   

Automation

The technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically by mechanical or electronic devices, replacing human labour.

Axis (pl. axes)

Each individual moving element (e.g. a scenery bar, a stage lift, or a flying performer) is defined, in automation terms, as an ‘axis’ (or ‘axes’ in the plural). An axis is controlled with a motor and drive unit. The terms ‘single-axis’ and ‘multi-axis’ are used when referring to one or more of these moving elements.