dress rehearsal
Pre-opening complete runthrough
A dress rehearsal is a final practice session before a performance, conducted exactly as the real event will unfold—full costumes, lighting, and no interruptions.
The term extends beyond theater to any thorough run-through before something important: The launch simulation served as a dress rehearsal for the actual mission.
Full practice of something
- blockingImpeding forward progress
- techDigital sector, abbreviated
- soundcheckPre-performance audio calibration
- lightingArt of illuminating spaces
props · choreography · timing · notes · adjustments · warm-up · staging · walkthrough
Raised performance platform
- castPerformers, throw, or splint
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
- directorOne who leads
- understudyBackup actor, ready nightly
dialogue · monologue · soliloquy · dramaturgy · scene · act · curtain · spotlight
Garment storage furniture
- fittingSuitable or proper
- garmentsArticles of clothing
- attirePersonal garments collectively
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
fabric · seamstress · tailor · accessories · makeup · prosthetics · wigs · headpiece
Post-show audience acknowledgment
- bowRespectful forward inclination
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
- standing ovationApplause while risen
- encoreAudience-demanded extra performance
last act · final scene · climax · denouement · resolution · wrap-up · culmination · closing
Advance showing sample
- nervesTense apprehension
- jittersNervous agitation
- butterfliesFluttering insects or nervousness
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
expectation · readiness · countdown · opening night · last chance · anxiety · eagerness · suspense
run-through
Full practice of something
- blockingImpeding forward progress
- techDigital sector, abbreviated
- soundcheckPre-performance audio calibration
lighting · props · choreography · timing · notes · adjustments · warm-up · staging · walkthrough · dry run
stage
Raised performance platform
understudy · dialogue · monologue · soliloquy · dramaturgy · scene · act · curtain · spotlight · audience
wardrobe
Garment storage furniture
ensemble · fabric · seamstress · tailor · accessories · makeup · prosthetics · wigs · headpiece · footwear
curtain call
Post-show audience acknowledgment
- bowRespectful forward inclination
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
- standing ovationApplause while risen
encore · last act · final scene · climax · denouement · resolution · wrap-up · culmination · closing · conclusion
preview
Advance showing sample
- nervesTense apprehension
- jittersNervous agitation
- butterfliesFluttering insects or nervousness
excitement · expectation · readiness · countdown · opening night · last chance · anxiety · eagerness · suspense · tension
- preliminarieswarmup, warm-up, qualifying exam, intro, preface
- rehearsal typesrun-through, blocking, staging, scene work, ensemble work
- Broadwaymusicals, musical, Tony Award, musical theatre, theaters
- theaterplays, stage, play, onstage, acting
- theater termsplay, actors, stage play, limelight, directing
- choiralto, soprano, tenor, bass section, baritone
dress rehearsalopening night
First staged performance
premiere · live performance · the real thing · public performance · first night
dress rehearsaltable read
Initial cast script recitation
cold reading · rough draft · audition · first draft · script reading
dress rehearsalgame day
Scheduled sporting event
showtime · moment of truth · crunch time · trial by fire · baptism by fire
dress, dressing, dressed, undress, dresser, rehearsal, rehearse, redress, undressed