Definition

1. Noun:
   • A flat situated in the wings: A "wing flat" is a theatrical term for a flat (a lightweight, portable piece of scenery) that is positioned in the wings, the offstage areas to the left and right of a stage. It is used to mask the backstage area from the audience's view and can serve as part of the scenic background.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The stagehand moved the wing flat to create a deeper stage picture.
  • A painted wing flat represented the exterior of the castle.
  • During the scene change, they quickly brought in a new wing flat from stage left.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Theatrical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in technical theatre, stagecraft, and set design discussions.
  • The designer specified that the wing flats should be painted with a matte finish to avoid glare from the stage lights.

Variants and Related Words

• Flat (n.): The general term for a piece of theatrical scenery consisting of a wooden frame covered with fabric or board.
• Backdrop (n.): A painted cloth or set piece hung at the back of a stage.
• Leg (n.): A tall, narrow flat or curtain placed in the wings to mask the sides of the stage.

Synonyms

• Stage flat
• Wing piece (less common)
• Side flat

Related Phrases

• In the wings: A phrase meaning ready to go on stage or ready to take action, derived from the physical wing areas of a theatre.
  • The actors waited in the wings for their cue.

Noun

1. a flat situated in the wings