lead performer
Show's main act
The lead performer is the principal actor, singer, or musician in a production—the one who carries the main role or gets top billing.
In a play, it's whoever plays the protagonist.
In a band, it's usually the frontperson: She was the lead performer for ten years before going solo.
The term distinguishes the central figure from supporting cast or backup musicians.
- starLuminous astronomical object
- big nameFamous, influential person
- headlinerTop-billed performer
- top billingPremiere credit position
- protagonistStory's central figure
diva · frontman · soloist · prima donna · spotlight · front and center · encore · ovation · charisma · marquee · billing · cast · opening night · stage · steal the show · curtain call · take a bow · showstopper
- Concert Termsheadliner, opening act, headline act, main act, encore
- headlinersheadliner, headline act, main act, main attraction, top billing
- performersactor, dancer, actress, singer, musician
- spotlightspotlight, center stage, limelight, main attraction, star attraction
lead performerextra
Additional, beyond necessary
background actor · bit player · supporting actor · walk-on · spear carrier
lead performerunderstudy
Backup actor, ready nightly
standby · swing · alternate · cover · replacement
lead, performer, leads, leading, leader, leaders, leadership, mislead, misleading