Definition

Noun: A piece of scenery used in theater to block the audience's view of parts of the stage, backstage areas, or technical equipment that should not be visible during a performance.

Usage

A "masking piece" is a standard technical term in theater and stagecraft. It refers to a flat, curtain, or other scenic element positioned at the sides (wings) or top of the stage opening (proscenium) to conceal lights, ropes, unused scenery, and backstage activity from the audience's sight lines.

Examples

• The stagehand quickly adjusted the masking piece before the curtain rose.
• A black velvet masking piece was used to hide the lighting rig from the upper balcony.
• The set designer specified that the masking piece should match the color of the cyclorama.

Advanced Usage

• "To mask": The verb form from which this noun is derived. It means to use scenery or lighting to conceal something on stage.
  • The tall flats were used to mask the stage machinery.

Variants and Related Words

• Masking (n): The general technique or materials used for concealment on stage.
  • Effective masking is essential for a professional production.
• Tormentor (n): A specific type of masking piece, often a tall, narrow flat or curtain positioned just offstage left and right to mask the wings.
• Border (n): A horizontal masking piece hung above the stage to mask overhead lighting and the fly system.

Synonyms

• Stage flat
• Scenic blind
• Masking flat

Related Terms (Stagecraft Context)

• Sight lines: The lines of vision from the audience to the stage; masking pieces are placed to protect critical sight lines.
• Proscenium arch: The architectural frame of the stage; masking pieces often align with its edges.
• Wings: The offstage areas to the sides; these are typically masked from view.

Noun

1. scenery used to block the audience's view of parts of the stage that should not be seen