main stage
Where headliners perform
Main stage is the primary performance area at a venue, festival, or event—where the headliners play and the largest crowds gather.
By extension, it describes anything that has moved from the margins to prominence: Climate policy is now a main stage issue.
To be on the main stage is to have arrived at the center of attention.
Top-billed performer
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- crowdLarge public gathering
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
encore · setlist · lights · sound · amplifiers · speakers · microphone · live
Decorative table focal point
- highlightMost notable part
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- limelightCenter of public notice
- focal pointCenter of interest
star · feature · attraction · drawcard · pinnacle · climax · apex · anchor
Theater's architectural frame
- auditoriumRoom for spectators
- curtainFabric hung for privacy
- backdropRear stage scenery
- sceneryVisible natural surroundings
playbill · rehearsal · director · troupe · costume · orchestra pit · intermission · matinee
headliner
Top-billed performer
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- crowdLarge public gathering
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
applause · encore · setlist · lights · sound · amplifiers · speakers · microphone · live · roadies
centerpiece
Decorative table focal point
focal point · star · feature · attraction · drawcard · pinnacle · climax · apex · anchor · keynote
proscenium
Theater's architectural frame
- auditoriumRoom for spectators
- curtainFabric hung for privacy
- backdropRear stage scenery
scenery · playbill · rehearsal · director · troupe · costume · orchestra pit · intermission · matinee · dramaturgy
- festival featuresfood stalls, live bands, carnival rides, fireworks, beer garden
- Festival Stagesmainstage, dance tent, festival tent
- Concert Termsheadliner, opening act, headline act, encore, setlist
- conferencesconference, symposium, conferences, keynote, forums
- event setupstent, booth, pavilion, bandstand, food tent
- music festivalsWoodstock, Tanglewood, headliner, festival grounds, blues fest
main stageunderground
Below ground or countercultural
behind the scenes · backstage · off-Broadway · back room · open mic
main, stage, mains, mainly, stages, staged, staging, stager, upstage