What is referred to when the acting area is not lit?

The term that is referred to when the acting area is not lit is known as a blackout. In theatre, a blackout involves turning off all stage lights, resulting in complete darkness in the performance space. This technique is often used to signify the end of a scene, to create dramatic pauses, or to transition between different parts of a performance. Blackouts are essential for controlling the mood and pacing of a production, allowing the audience to absorb what they have just witnessed or to build anticipation for what is to come next.

The other terms generally pertain to different lighting effects. For instance, a fast fade to usually refers to a gradual decrease in lighting levels, creating a smooth transition rather than an instantaneous cut to darkness. A snap to refers to an abrupt lighting change, but does not imply complete darkness as in a blackout. A slow fade to describes a more gradual reduction in light, which can also be used for transitions but does not achieve the same complete darkness that a blackout does.