curtain raisers
Shows before shows
Curtain raisers are short performances staged before the main event—originally brief plays or acts preceding the featured theatrical production.
The term extends to any preliminary event that sets the stage for what follows: The local band served as a curtain raiser for the headliner.
In sports, a curtain raiser is an early match before the main contest.
Gradual accumulation over time
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- expectancyLikelihood of occurrence
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- eagernessIntense willingness to act
countdown · thrill · prelude · prologue · foretaste · promise · imminence · hopefulness
Preliminary concert performer
- warm-up actEntertainment preceding the star
- openerWhat begins something
- preludeIntroductory piece or event
- overtureIntroductory orchestral piece
supporting act · lead-in · icebreaker · undercard · first act · matinee · one-act play · short play
Opening play in football
- launchSet into motion
- debutFirst public appearance
- commencementAct of starting
- inaugurationFormal beginning ceremony
unveiling · opening · genesis · inception · outset · dawn · advent · threshold
Raised performance platform
- prosceniumTheater's architectural frame
- auditoriumRoom for spectators
- footlightsLamps at stage edge
- playbillTheater performance listing
dress rehearsal · green room · house lights · intermission · orchestra pit · spotlight · wings · backstage
buildup
Gradual accumulation over time
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- expectancyLikelihood of occurrence
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
eagerness · countdown · thrill · prelude · prologue · foretaste · promise · imminence · hopefulness · enthusiasm
opening act
Preliminary concert performer
- warm-up actEntertainment preceding the star
- openerWhat begins something
- preludeIntroductory piece or event
overture · supporting act · lead-in · icebreaker · undercard · first act · matinee · one-act play · short play · sketch
kickoff
Opening play in football
- launchSet into motion
- debutFirst public appearance
- commencementAct of starting
inauguration · unveiling · opening · genesis · inception · outset · dawn · advent · threshold · initiation
stage
Raised performance platform
- prosceniumTheater's architectural frame
- auditoriumRoom for spectators
- footlightsLamps at stage edge
playbill · dress rehearsal · green room · house lights · intermission · orchestra pit · spotlight · wings · backstage · prompter
- raisersfundraisers, breeders, farmers, ranchers, growers
- exhibition gamesexhibition games, exhibitions, friendlies, all-star games, invitationals
curtain raisersheadliners
Main acts at shows
finales · star attractions · top billing · star turns · closers
curtain raisersfinales
Concluding portions of performances
conclusions · culminations · grand finales · send-offs · curtain calls
curtain, raiser, curtains, raise, raises, raised, raising, curtained, curtaining