What term describes a large canvas background that can change colors with different lighting?

The term that describes a large canvas background that can change colors with different lighting is "cyc," short for cyclorama. A cyc is a type of backdrop that is typically made of a large piece of fabric or canvas stretched along the back of the stage. Its primary purpose is to create the illusion of an infinite space or a sky effect.

The cyc is particularly unique because it can reflect different colors depending on the lighting used to illuminate it. This versatility allows for varying atmospheres and settings to be easily created in a theatrical production, making it a staple in stage design where mood and environment are essential to storytelling. The cyc can be lit with various gels or LED lights, allowing for dynamic shifts in color that enhance the visual storytelling.

In contrast, a scrim is a translucent fabric that appears opaque when lit from the front but becomes transparent when lit from behind, used for different effects in staging. A traveler refers to a type of curtain that opens and closes horizontally, and a backdrop is more generally any background scenery, but it does not specifically refer to the color-changing capabilities tied to lighting that a cyc boasts.