Hollywood Bowl Fireworks

crust n. convex back shell of the bowl dome. rel. upper crust top edge of the reverse dome.

fire fall n. cascade of sparks that tumbles down the crust’s back during show.

foil v. to wrap fireworks in aluminum to prevent P.I.

gerbs n. effects (e.g. burning stars, pinwheels, fountains) mounted on stage arches or G.T.s.

G.T. abbr. Grown Tower. An additional, higher structure built on existing stage towers to mount special pyrotechnic effects or gerbs.

Heaven’s flight n. stairs in the middle of the shell’s back that lead to catwalks above the dome. “Take that box of pancakes up Heaven’s flight to the upper crust.”

match n. fuse.

pancakes n. clusters of individual fireworks.

P.I. abbr. Premature Ignition, when a firework goes off ahead of schedule.

Roman stripping party n. when spent remains are cleared and fireworks restocked for the next show.

shell-shocked adj. being burned or injured while working on a pyrotechnics show. “She wasn’t paying attention while foiling the fuse on the G.T. and ended up shell-shocked.”

squib n. wire that ignites the fuse.

tarp the lot phr. to cover the cars immediately behind the crust to prevent damage from flying sparks. “It’s Jag city out there; better tarp the lot.”