elevator stage

In theatre, an elevator stage, also known as a lift, is a piece of stage machinery used to move platforms, actors, scenery, and other production elements above or below the stage floor. Unlike a hoist, which is supported by the overstage structure, a lift is supported and guided by the stage floor or the cellar floor beneath it.1

There are two main types of lifts:
* Architecturally integrated lifts: These are built into the theatre's structure and must comply with local building-safety codes. They can be hydraulically driven (direct-plunger lift) or electrically or hydraulically driven using a screw mechanism (screw-actuated lift).1
* Temporary production apparatus: These are brought in for specific productions.1

Lifts are crucial for creating dramatic effects, such as the sudden appearance or disappearance of characters or objects, often working in conjunction with traps.2