CultureAugust 23, 2026

gobo

GOH-boh

Definition

A physical stencil or patterned plate placed inside a lighting fixture to project a specific shape, logo, or texture onto a stage or surface.

Etymology

The origin is uncertain, but it is likely an acronym for 'go-between' or 'go-between optics,' referring to the object placed between the light source and the lens to manipulate the beam.

In the news

In this article, gobos are mentioned as a feature of 'spot' moving heads, allowing lighting designers to project patterns or textures like rain to add visual depth to a performance.

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