curtain-raiser
Show before show
A curtain-raiser is a short performance before the main event, originally a brief play staged while latecomers found their seats.
By extension, any preliminary event that sets the stage for something larger: The scrimmage served as a curtain-raiser for the season opener.
The term implies the main attraction is still to come.
prelude
Introductory piece or event
- overtureIntroductory orchestral piece
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- openerWhat begins something
warm-up · appetizer · lead-in · precursor · forerunner · preview · teaser · preamble · preface · introduction
- preludesprelude, overture, chorale prelude, introduction, intro
- Victorian TheatreHenrik Ibsen, proscenium, Oscar Wilde, footlights, backstage
- beginningsbegin, beginning, start, first, opening
- debutsdebut, first show, debut performance, first appearance, premiere
- exhibitionsexhibitions, exhibits, exhibit, exhibition, expo
- opening speechesopening remarks, inaugural address, keynote address, welcome speech, commencement speech
curtain-raisermain event
Featured performance or contest
headline act · headliner · main attraction · star attraction · centerpiece
curtain-raiserfinale
Concluding part of performance
curtain call · afterpiece · closing act · denouement · encore
raise, raised, curtain, raising, curtains, raises, raiser, raisers, uncurtained