backstage

The Backstage areas of the theatre are very significant in terms of production, construction and the set-up of the stage as the audience views it.

The Scenery Dock where the sets are stored and in some situations constructed, is connected to the Loading Bay where trucks and other vehicles can back up and unload sets and the materials for the construction of sets. These two places are usually found to the back of the stage, or somewhere accessible from the street.

Unloading the set and placing it in the theatre is known as a bump in. Conversely, loading the set from the theatre to a truck is a bump out. In the music business, roadies call this load in and load out. In different countries around the world these terms are interchangeable.

In the Green Room the actor can listen for their Calls. These calls are given from the hour until the actor is required on stage, down to the last five minutes before they are due on stage. Then the Beginner's Call which indicates that they have to go on stage any minute is given and they must be up in the wings ready to go on.

All theatres have Dressing Rooms. This is where the actors go and get ready by putting on costumes and make-up for the performance.

Some theatres have a Wardrobe room. This is where the costumes are stored but it can also be used to clean and mend the costumes after each performance.