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Automation Glossary

Passerelle

A walkway leading beyond the proscenium arch around the audience side of the orchestra pit. Enables actors to get very close to the audience, and often used in musical theatre or cabaret performances.

Pinion

A small cogwheel that engages or is engaged by a larger cogwheel or a rack (see also ‘Rack and Pinion’).

Pit

The sunken area in front of the stage, which houses the orchestra in a traditional theatre. Some orchestra pits modern theatres have lifts which can be raised to convert the pit area into standing room for live events or to increase the seating in the auditorium.

PLASA

Professional Lighting and Sound Association

Pneumatic

Of, involving, moved by, or operated by compressed air.

Point hoist

A simple winch that provides a single suspension point that can be deployed at any position in a grid.

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)

A control device designed specifically for industrial machines that perform logical operations but now utilised commonly in stage automation systems.

Proscenium

The area of a modern theatre that is located between the curtain and the orchestra. The proscenium arch is the opening in the wall which stands between stage and the auditorium. A proscenium theatre has the traditional 'picture frame'-style stage area common in older venues.

PUWER1

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998