LAMDA Technical & Production Arts 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a 'gobo' in stage lighting?
- To diffuse general wash lighting
- To shape or pattern the light beam (Correct answer)
- To connect two lighting fixtures
- To dim the intensity of a lamp
Correct answer: To shape or pattern the light beam
A gobo is a metal or glass template inserted into an ellipsoidal fixture to project a shaped or patterned light beam onto the stage.
Question 2: In scenic construction, a 'flat' is most accurately described as:
- A raised platform section
- A lightweight framed canvas or hardboard scenic panel (Correct answer)
- A three-dimensional built piece
- A translucent backdrop used for projection
Correct answer: A lightweight framed canvas or hardboard scenic panel
A flat is a lightweight framed unit covered with canvas or hardboard used to create walls and scenic backgrounds.
Question 3: Which microphone polar pattern picks up sound equally from all directions?
- Cardioid
- Hypercardioid
- Figure-eight
- Omnidirectional (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Omnidirectional
An omnidirectional microphone captures sound with equal sensitivity from all 360 degrees around the capsule.
Question 4: What does 'blocking' refer to in a theatrical production context?
- The arrangement of lighting instruments above the stage
- The planned movement and positioning of actors on stage (Correct answer)
- Constructing flats and set pieces
- Scheduling technical rehearsals
Correct answer: The planned movement and positioning of actors on stage
Blocking is the director's planned choreography of actors' movements and positions throughout a scene or production.
Question 5: A 'practical' in set design refers to:
- A prop that is only decorative and non-functional
- A scenic element that actually works as intended on stage (Correct answer)
- A budget-friendly construction technique
- A quick-change costume piece
Correct answer: A scenic element that actually works as intended on stage
A practical is any scenic element, lighting fixture, or prop that genuinely functions during performance, such as a working lamp or faucet.
Question 6: In sound engineering, what does 'gain before feedback' measure?
- The total output wattage of an amplifier
- How much a microphone signal can be amplified before causing a feedback loop (Correct answer)
- The dynamic range of a recording
- The latency between input and output
Correct answer: How much a microphone signal can be amplified before causing a feedback loop
Gain before feedback measures how much amplification a microphone system can achieve before the output is picked up by the microphone and creates a feedback loop.
Question 7: What is a 'sight line' in theatre production?
- A cable run from the lighting board to the dimmer rack
- The visual angle from an audience seat to the stage (Correct answer)
- A marking on the stage floor for actor positioning
- A type of script notation for the director
Correct answer: The visual angle from an audience seat to the stage
A sight line is the angle of visibility from any given audience seat, determining what can and cannot be seen on the stage.
LAMDA Technical & Production Arts 2
What is the primary function of a 'gobo' in stage lighting?