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D
DOME
Follow spot location usually at rear of the upper gallery. Also referred to
as BIOBOX (shortened version of BIOGRAPH BOX, after it's original function
as a cinema projection box). A Followspot in any location (from the above).
DONUT / DOUGHNUT
A metal plate with a hole in the middle inserted in the color runners of a
lantern to sharpen focus (in the case of a profile) or reduce spill.
DOWNLIGHT
A light from directly above the acting area.
DOWNSTAGE
1) The part of the stage nearest to the audience (the lowest part of a raked
stage).
2) A movement towards the audience (in a proscenium theater).
DOWSER (UK) / DOUSER (US)
A metal flag used in larger followspots and projection equipment to cut off
the light beam without cutting off the electrical supply. Discharge lamps
cannot be dimmed, so this is the only way of stopping light. Discharge lamps
need a period of cooling down when they are turned off before they can be
turned on again, so they should not be switched off if needed again within
about two hours.
DRESS LIGHTING
Providing a low level of lights to an open stage while the audience enter
the house up until the performance starts. Also known as PRESET.
DRESS REHEARSAL
A full rehearsal, with all technical elements brought together. The
performance as it will be "on the night".
DRIFT WIRE
A length of suspension wire of standard length with eyelets at each end
between the counterweight bar and the top of the scenic piece flown from it.
DRY ICE
Frozen solid carbon dioxide (CO2) at a temperature of -87.5° centigrade
which produces clouds of steam-loaded CO2 gas forming a low-lying mist or
fog when dropped into boiling water. Although non-toxic, caution is required
in the storage and handling of dry ice because of its extreme cold. Water is
boiled in a large tank offstage, into which the dry ice is lowered in a
basket. Fans and ducts then direct the gas onto the stage. Dry ice does not
support life, so care should be taken that small animals, and actors are not
below the level of the dry ice for more than a few seconds.
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