Theatre Terminology
Imaginary lines extending from any seat in the auditorium to the edge of the space on stage visible past the proscenium arch. Understating sight lines is key for scenic designers and directors so that we know who will be able too se what on stage (Ideally everyone in the audience can see almost everything.)

 +------------+                                  +------------+
 |            |------------/---------\-----------|            |
 |            |           /           \  dead    |            |
 |            | dead     /             \ space   |            |
 |            | space   /               \        |            |
 |  wing      |        /                 \       |   wing     |
 |            |       /      STAGE        \      |            |
 |            |      /                     \     |            |
 |            |     /                       \    |            |
 |            |    /     playing area        \   |            |
 |            --  /      (ideal)              \  |            |
 +------------+ ---                            \--------------+
          +---+-/-------------------------------\+---+
          +---+/      ---                ----    \---+
              /          ---          ---         \
             /  -------------------------------    \
       sight/                  ----                 \  sight
       line/                ---    ---               \ line
          / ---------------------------------------   \
         /           ---                 ----          \
        /--------------------HOUSE--------------------  \
       /      ---                               ---      \
      /-------------------------------------------------  \
     / ---                                            ---  \
   /--------------------------------------------------------
Sight lines can also refer to the line which, if crossed, someone in the audience will be able to see you (as an actor, or techie). If flats are placed judiciously, then the sightlines offstage will be minimal, meaning that you can walk around backstage without worrying about whether you can be seen by the audience or not. However, due to some set designs, white lines have to be painted or taped on the floor to show actors where they can and can't go when not onstage (of course, the techies know this instinctively - they don't need the lines!)


If you're after any other theatre tech information, then do take a look at 'Everything you ever wanted to know about theatre tech, but were afraid to ask'

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.