The study of loanwords and how they make it into the English language is one of my favorite hobbies. This quirky little dark horse match in the University league involves what could be called loantools, borrowed from other professions.
Our home team is the rarely celebrated but much appreciated blue gel. Originally for lighting instruments, it has become the color that tinges our entire backstage world. Covering clip lights, flashlights and booth lights, it prevents us from working in pitch darkness while minimizing spill onto the stage. The entire convention of a vista scene shifts in blue light would be totally upended if blue gel were to suddenly boycott its duties.
Visiting is the architect's scale rule, used by stage managers for one purpose only - reading the ground plan. There is no doubt that the taping of the scenery in the rehearsal hall is a critical part of the job, even if we've neglected it somewhat here on SMNetwork due to the amorphous nature of the task. Even if you're lucky enough to be rehearsing in your performance space, chances are that a tape-out will be needed for the first several weeks of rehearsal. Knowing how to use a scale rule properly, especially in the era of CAD rendering, may be one of the lesser-acknowledged hallmarks of a true professional stage manager.
I really have no guess as to which side will win this one, but I know that the winning team will be up against the three ring binder in the sweet sixteen. Blue Gel, Scale rule, you have until Tuesday at noon CST to prove yourselves. May the odds be ever in your favor!