Theater

/ˈθiːətər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A building or outdoor area in which plays and other dramatic performances are given.

We bought tickets to see the new play at the downtown theater.

The art or profession of writing and producing plays.

She studied theater in college and hopes to become a playwright.

A place where movies are shown.

Let's go to the theater to watch the latest blockbuster film.

A venue for performance, such as a concert or a dance show.

The concert will be held in a large theater with a capacity of over a thousand people.

A region of activity or a setting characterized by a particular type of action.

The theater of war was shifting as the conflict escalated.

From Latin 'theatrum', from Greek 'theatron' meaning 'seeing place'.

break a leg

A phrase used to wish performers good luck.

steal the show

To attract the most attention in a performance.

house full

Indicates that all seats in the theater are sold out.

on stage

Refers to performers currently performing in front of the audience.

the show must go on

An expression emphasizing the continuation of a performance despite difficulties.

production

A specific performance created by a group for the theater.

audition

A trial performance to select actors for a theatrical role.

script

The written text of a play or performance.

director

The person who oversees the artistic aspects of a theater production.

stagecraft

The technical aspects of theatrical production.

The biz

He's in the biz, working as a stage manager in the theater scene.

The boards

She's been treading the boards since she was a teenager.