IATSE Local 15 – Entry Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What are the legs directly upstage of the main curtain called?
• What is 1st Electric in a stage lighting system?
• Which statement best describes a tripod screen setup?
• What component forms the backbone of most arena event rigging systems?
• Regarding Hollywood flats, which statement is true?
• Which cabling standard uses 8 conductors, commonly Cat5e or Cat6, and may include an EtherCon locking connector?
• Who is required by law to provide PPE to workers?
• Which unit measures the total visible light emitted by a lamp?
• Which lighting technology has become ubiquitous due to power savings, heat reduction, and not needing gel?
• Which tool is described as being used to cut irregular shapes in wood or metal and requires eye and ear protection?
• A Pallet (scenery sled) is primarily used for what?
• Which device connects a load to rigging points and features a curved bell and a threaded pin?
• GACflex round-slings differ from normal spansets by substituting what for steel wire?
• When operating a pneumatic tool, which personal protective equipment should you always use?
• What is FOH Truss / FOH Electric?
• Which chain is used for fine adjustment when positioning a chain motor between two rigging points, and is identifiable by a 4 3/4 inch link length and load rating tag?
• What describes a raked stage?
• Which projector feature allows shifting the image without distortion to accommodate placement?
• In a convention, a General Session can be a complex live event featuring what?
• Which tool is described as a standard 9-inch torpedo level, with a metal straight edge being handy?
• DisplayPort is used to carry digital video; the smaller form factor on some devices is commonly associated with which compatibility in adapters?
• What is the difference between Tip-Sleeve and Tip-Ring-Sleeve connectors?
• What is a cheeseboro used for?
• What does the term Brick refer to in theatrical counterweight rigging?
• What is an analog snake in audio setups?
• When loading or unloading a deck cart, which safety practice is important?
• Smaller events at conventions are usually scheduled in breakout rooms. What do Breakout Rooms typically include?
• What term describes the interchangeable lens options used to adjust beam angles on ellipsoidal fixtures?
• Which tool is associated with a set of common bits including #2 Phillips, #2 Robertson/Square, various flat heads, 3/16", 1/4", 5/16" Hex, and Torx sizes T-25 and T-30?
• What best describes the 1st Electric and subsequent electrics?
• What tool allows carrying two bolt-size fittings due to its double-sided design?
• Which aspect ratio is common for widescreen video?
• Always check if an angle grinder is fitted with a cut-off or grinding wheel. Using a cut off wheel for grinding can cause it to explode. Either way, use eye and ear protection.
• Which interface is a general‑purpose data connection commonly used for peripherals?
• How does a thrust theater differ from a proscenium theater?
• Keystone correction is used to:
• Which chain type is used for rough length adjustment in theatrical counterweight fly systems, with Grade 30 Proof-Coil chain approved for use?
• Which PPE is required due to the UV emitted by an open welding arc?
• What is a property of the Bowline knot?
• Which connector carries digital video and audio, with newer revisions offering additional features?
• What best describes a scrim and how lighting affects its visibility?
• What feature do many deck carts have to secure staging pieces as they are lifted into the cart?
• In a business or entertainment convention, what is a General Session?
• Which system is commonly used to control dimmers and multi-parameter intelligent fixtures in theatrical productions?
• Which microphone is described as the industry-standard entry-level dynamic mic shown in the material?
• Which term describes a 3-conductor normal extension cord suitable for up to 15 amps, sometimes referred to as a Parallel Bar Ground?
• Which mask type is NIOSH approved for protection from airborne particles and droplets and must not feature an exhalation valve?
• How many technicians are typically required to erect a fast fold screen?
• Spanset is the trade name for a type of synthetic round-sling used to hang stage truss. Which statement about Spanset is true?
• Use to tin and solder electrical connections. Make sure you have appropriate ventilation in the area you will be working.
• Which 3-conductor connector is typically used to connect stage lighting to dimmers and is known as Grounded Stage Pin?
• Before using the Company Tie-In / Switch, what is the recommended safety practice?
• Which statement correctly distinguishes flip from rotate?
• What is the name of the device you wear to carry all required tools on a job site?
• What is the function of the fire curtain, and where are Smoke Pockets located?
• Why should gondola cases be moved with extreme care?
• Which statement about props is true?
• What is a major drawback of analog mixers?
• Where are LED strips commonly used in theatre lighting?
• What is a Fast Fold screen primarily used for?
• Overhead lifting hoists must contain what safety feature to prevent loads from being dropped?
• Which lighting console is suitable for small setups with a low number of parameters?
• What does a dimmer rack do in a lighting system?
• Which type of cable is used for high-speed data signals like sound, video, or networking?
• Which connector type is used for high amperage power distribution like generator power, and requires explicit permission to connect or disconnect?
• DisplayPort is used for digital video; which option is the common DisplayPort compatibility seen on laptops?
• Besides forked connections, what is another interlocking method for spigoted truss described?
• A hamper (hamster) is used for storing what?
• What is a pickle in rigging?
• Exposure to sounds at or above which level for two hours can cause permanent hearing damage?
• Why is an announcement required before lowering a flat?
• Which 4-conductor twist-lock cable is rated for 30 amps and is commonly used for power distribution on stage and in small generator setups?
• How should bolts be fastened when assembling bolted truss?
• Lumens measure total visible light. Which units are also measurements of light output sometimes used alongside lumens?
• In a multi-truss FOH setup, which truss is closest to the stage?
• Coffin Lock/Key uses which tool?
• Which knot might you be asked to tie when attaching a drop or curtain?
• What best defines a balcony in theater seating?
• When carrying a large Aluminum Truss, what is the recommended method?
• What term refers to any speaker used in a production that isn't used to amplify the show to the audience?
• Which 4-conductor twist-lock connector is rated for 30 amps and is commonly found on generators or larger power distribution?
• The terms House Right and House Left are defined from which perspective?
• Which DVI variant carries analog video signals?
• Used to connect a pneumatic tool to a pressurized air source like a compressor.
• The proscenium is the architectural opening between stage and audience in which theater context?
• In modern staging, coffin locks are:
• What is a cove in stage lighting?
• To carry a flat safely, how should grips hold the flat?
• A short extension cable typically about one foot long, often called a jumper. What is this called?
• What ramp is used when the nose of the trailer is slightly elevated, requiring a ramp similar to a dock plate?
• What is a common use for the Clove Hitch?
• Where are smoke pockets located in relation to the proscenium?
• Used to make accurate cuts in stock metal like angle iron, square tube, and pipe. The metal must be clamped in place before cutting.
• A road box is best described as:
• Where can a teleprompter display text for a presenter?
• Which scenic element is typically placed furthest upstage?
• Which drive types are listed as common bits?
• A scoop light uses which type of lamp?
• Which tool is used to tin and solder electrical connections and requires proper ventilation?
• Which type of glove protects hands from burns and abrasions when handling rough materials and may be preferred fingerless for dexterity?
• Which connector is used for carrying multiple circuits of power, often broken out to lighting instruments?
• What is the term for a sheet of metal used to bridge the gap between a loading dock and a truck?
• What is the term for an arrangement of speakers designed to cover a large area with consistent dispersion?
• Used to attach two pieces of thin material together permanently.
• Which tool fires a fastener into a work piece and requires consideration of fastener length and pressure?
• Describe the recommended process for walking up a flat.
• What does mousing a turnbuckle mean in rigging terminology?
• Which item is considered a prop?
• Which connector is a standard balanced audio cable used for microphones to a mixer?
• A compound miter saw performs a similar function to a radial arm saw, but in a smaller form factor appropriate for use on a jobsite.
• Usually 1 ½ inches in diameter, what is the term for a schedule 40 pipe suspended by a rigging system to hold scenery?
• PAR in lighting stands for what?
• Which connector is used for powering and controlling lighting accessories such as gobo rotators and color scrollers?
• Which statement about a multi-tool is correct?
• What describes a Cyc light's multicell capability and color options?
• Thunderbolt is a high‑data cable standard; which statement is true about Thunderbolt 3 and USB Type-C?
• When cutting gel to size, what is an important step?
• Which tool is used to drive fasteners into materials without screws?
• A radial arm saw is usually found in a scenic shop for making accurate cuts in stock lumber.
• What term describes a scenic element, like a curtain or Broadway flat, that moves across the stage on a suspended track?
• Which hand tool is commonly recommended to be a 12-ounce claw hammer and should not have a steel claw on aluminum pins?
• A C-Clamp is used to attach lighting instruments to what?
• Which piece of personal protective equipment protects from dust, airborne biohazards, fumes, or chemical vapors?
• What is the common name used for an adjustable wrench widely recognized in the trades?
• What does Doe-See-Doe mean?
• Which hearing protection protects against damaging noise?
• Dimmer Beach is typically located closest to which area of the venue, though not always?
• In a spigoted truss forked connection, what secures the pieces together?
• In rigging terminology, what does GAC stand for?
• What is the purpose of a side fill monitor?
• In theaters with a complete rigging system, where can the main curtain be raised?
• Which type of microphone is more sensitive and often preferred for strings and woodwinds?
• Band saws are used for cutting irregular shapes in wood or metal.
• Which connector is used to connect amplifiers to speakers and commonly comes in NL2, NL4, and NL8 variants?
• What is the purpose of a backstage monitor?
• Which connector is used for standard 120V wall power with an Edison plug on one end and an IEC socket on the device, sometimes called a Computer cable or D-Plug?
• A cable caddy is designed to store long cables and has features to run cables out when closed. Which option describes it best?
• Which term describes a table used in breakout sessions to hold presentation equipment?
• Which gloves are designed to shield hands and arms from sparks and hot slag during welding?
• Which interface is typically used for RS-232 communication between automation devices, such as a projector and a lighting control system?
• Which fixture outputs light in an unfocused, wide pattern and is sometimes called an audience blinder?
• Which connector is used for powering and controlling lighting accessories such as gobo rotators and color scrollers?
• What feature is discouraged on a mask intended to prevent the spread of respiratory illness?
• The swiveling "double cheeseburger" connects two pipes together in what orientation?
• A Cyc light is designed to cast what on a cyc?
• Which connector is a heavy-duty option capable of up to 125 amps, used for moving lights or large power distribution, and is sometimes referred to as CEPro?
• When working with high voltage, which type of gloves may be required?
• Which two tools are described as a screw gun or impact driver and a cordless drill with a clutch?
• What standard must PPE such as hard hats meet when provided by an employer?
• What is the dedicated switch box where the production's power distribution connects to the venue's electrical service, typically with high amperage and dangerous to touch?
• To safely lower a flat with permission, which steps must be followed?
• Which hex sizes are listed as common?
• What term is used for the designated area to store empty road cases and spare equipment during a production?
• Dimmer Beach is a side stage area containing lighting and power distribution for a show. Which statement best describes its location relative to the Company Tie-In?
• How many pins does a DMX 5-pin XLR connector have?
• Which Torx sizes are mentioned as common?
• What equipment is typically needed to stay tied off when working at height and performing fall arrest?
• A truss clamp is used for mounting lighting instruments to what?
• What is the term for the main curtain that splits in the middle and opens off stage in both directions, and can raise into the fly tower?
• Before lowering a flat, what condition must the area meet?
• In scenic automation, what links scenery to a dog in the track system?
• Unless otherwise instructed, how should cables be coiled?
• Which connector type offers up to 8 conductors and 125-amp loads, with larger variants used for power distribution and feeder cables?
• What is a gondola case primarily used for?
• Which 3-conductor twist-lock connector is rated for 15 amps, often found on moving lights or small dimmer packs?
• A stage plot shows locations of what?
• What two precautions should be checked on the compressor before use?
• What are the two knots you are required to know?
• What term describes the lightest counterweight brick?
• Video Village is often found offstage and is the hub for video signals sent around a production. What is Video Village primarily used for?
• STAC chain is easily recognizable by its link length. What is the correct length?
• The 1/8-inch headphone plug corresponds to which connector form factor?
• Which tool combination is commonly used for gripping and cutting wire ties and small cables?
• What term describes the vertical masking on the sides of a stage?
• The jump is a platform located about halfway between which two structural elements?
• Which type of microphone is typically preferred for loud vocals and drums due to its ruggedness?
• Which lighting fixture is typically used to wash a stage from below, often producing a wide wash?
• Video Village is often found offstage and is the hub for video signals. Which of the following best describes its purpose?
• Which term best describes the antenna that looks like a sideways shark fin and is commonly used with wireless microphone systems?
• Which DVI variant carries analog video signals?
• How many chain hoists can the pictured yellow control pendant system power and control?
• Which PPE protects eyes from projectiles or dust?
• A wagon is a type of what?
• What hazards do most hard hats protect against?
• The plaster line is defined as what?
• What does the term 'downstage' refer to?
• In a theatre, what is the grid?
• Which connector type is a 2-conductor option used for wireless antennas or HD video transmission, with BNC variants that have non-interchangeable ratings?
• What padding is recommended when storing flats or fragile scenery for transport?
• What is the state of a shackle that has a tiny crack?
• What equipment's regulator must be set to an appropriate pressure and the release valve closed before starting work?
• To quickly move many small loads, stand shoulder to shoulder in a line from the origin to the destination. Pass each item carefully from person to person. Communicate!
• Which feature should a wrench have to help prevent it from falling if dropped?
• How can access to the Jump typically be gained in a theatre?
• Which scenario illustrates the recommended use of condenser mics?
• What might be necessary to make a truss piece fit properly?
• Which connector is used on some chain hoists and automation equipment to supply both control signal and power?
• Which item is a hand truck?
• Which tool uses imperial socket sizes such as 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", and 3/4"?
• Which description reflects folding a Drop or Curtain for storage?
• What is the recommended method for tying on a drop or curtain?
• What is the term for a strip of masking that frames the top of a stage and is sometimes called a teaser?
• If you suspect damage or improper fitting of rigging equipment, who should you report it to?
• Where can a teleprompter text be displayed?
• Where are amplifier racks commonly located?
• Why should you not attempt to catch a falling flat?
• Which speaker is designed to reproduce low frequencies that smaller systems cannot?
• A moving light, or mover, is a fixture that has onboard motors to aim and modify the light. It is considered what kind of instrument?
• Which tool is discouraged when installing aluminum truss pins?
• Which statement about microphone polar patterns is true?
• What is a light plot?
• What term describes ramps used to load trucks when there is no elevated loading dock?
• Which grade of chain is approved for trim chain?
• Which statement best describes LED lighting fixtures in terms of power usage and dimmers?
• What term refers to a colored tape marking on a stage that indicates the exact location for a scenic element, prop, or performer?
• Which tool requires eye and ear protection and proper work-holding techniques to operate safely?
• Video resolution measures what?
• Which type of monitor sits on stage in front of a performer so they can hear themselves and the rest of the musicians?
• Which connector is used to power and distribute to lighting circuits in a rig?
• What should be done with rigging equipment that is damaged or potentially damaged?
• A lighting instrument that uses an ellipsoidal reflector behind the lamp is called what?
• Which tool comes in both metric and SAE sets?
• What is the mid-weight brick commonly called?
• Who is the Head Carpenter?
• What is the primary function of a video switcher?
• Which 2-conductor cable type is used for anything from wireless antennas to HD video transmission, with various BNC ratings not interchangeable?
• Which tool uses hot glue to repair scenery and props, and should not be left on its side while plugged in?
• In pallet automation, what is the function of a knife and dog?
• Which 3-conductor twist-lock connector is suitable for 15-amp service and is sometimes found on moving lights or small dimmer packs?
• Where is the centerline mark typically found on a drop, and what is its purpose?
• What best describes a Dress Kit for a fast fold screen?
• Which 3-conductor connector is used to connect conventional lighting instruments to dimmers and is sometimes called Grounded Stage Pin (GSP)?
• What component inserts tinted plastic to color a beam of light?
• When connecting truss, what configuration should diagonals form at the faceplate?
• When storing a Fast Fold screen, what is important?
• Which adjustable wrench is often considered essential for stagehands and should have a place to attach a safety line?
• When working at a height above 4 feet, what must an employer provide?
• What footwear provides protection with a protective toe and may use steel or composite materials?
• R24 is also known as which color name?
• For concerts and large events, which type of lighting console is commonly used?
• What type of mic stand is most common on stage?
• Which term refers to the matching border that runs along the top of the stage to hide upstage lighting and rigging?
• Which connector configuration is described as Dual Link, offering more pins to carry two video signals?
• What is a key advantage of digital mixers mentioned in the material?
• What is true about C-Clamps?
• Which hand-held tool is ideal for quick, on-site cross-cuts and is widely used in carpentry?
• A downstage monitor (DSM) serves what purpose?
• Why are Broadway flats typically built with thin lumber?
• What term refers to a small, self-contained speaker cabinet that may include a built-in amplifier and is used in smaller venues?
• What term describes a backdrop that hangs from a counterweight rigging line set and often spans the full width of the stage?
• What does a flyperson do?
• Monitor World is a side stage area where the audio monitor engineer and their equipment can be found. Where is it located?
• Backline is the term for the equipment used by a band onstage that isn't part of the main sound system. Which description best matches Backline equipment?
• A Direct Box (DI) is used to
• Which nickname refers to the heaviest counterweight brick?
• Which tool is typically used for attaching textiles into wood and requires correct staples?
• What length of tape measure is described as a good balance between working length and added tool belt weight?
• A DA or splitter is used to:
• Which tool is a compact device with built-in pliers, cutters, and a knife, but not a substitute for a full tool on the tool list?
• Which term describes the venue entrance designated for production staff?
• What is the name of the rope used to move a traveler back and forth from off stage?
• Which connector is widely used for general data transfer between devices and peripherals?
• A Fresnel fixture uses a Fresnel lens and can be equipped with barn doors to shape the beam.
• A cyc is typically the furthest upstage scenic element and is made of white fabric stretched across the stage, colored using cyc lights. What is a cyc?
• What effect does the air pressure generated by a falling flat have as it nears the ground?
• Why must you handle fiber optic cables with care?
• Which projector control is used to focus the image for sharpness on the screen?
• Which type of glove is described as protecting hands from hazards and may be chosen with fingerless designs for dexterity?
• What is the term for the rack that houses amplifiers, often found underneath the stage?
• Groundplan, Section, and Projection are 2D drawings describing different views. Which best describes a Groundplan?