Ghost light
A single bare lamp on a stand left burning center stage whenever a theater is dark and empty.
A portable fixture with an exposed lamp, often in a wire cage, placed on stage at the end of each day so that anyone entering an empty, dark theater can see the edge of the stage and orchestra pit. The safety purpose is practical; the theater tradition adds that it keeps the resident ghosts company. Setting the ghost light is one of the last duties of the closing crew.
Last one out sets the ghost light and checks the pit net, the trap's open downstage right.
Also heard as
- equity light
Not to be confused with
- Ghosting: Ghosting is an electrical fault making LEDs glow when off; a ghost light is a deliberate safety lamp.
Related terms
Ghosting
A faint glow from LED fixtures that are switched off, caused by small leakage currents in the wiring or controls.
Practical
A working light fixture that appears in the scene itself, such as a table lamp, sconce or neon sign.
Board op
The person who runs the lighting console during performances, executing cues on the stage manager's call.