performing
Doing before audiences
Performing is doing something in front of an audience—acting, singing, dancing, or playing music.
The word extends to any execution of a task: The car is performing well.
A performing arts school teaches theater, music, and dance.
To describe someone as performing suggests they may be putting on an act rather than being genuine: She's always performing for attention.
Raised performance platform
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
- venuePlace of occurrence
- concertLive musical performance
- gigShort-term paid work
festival · encore · applause · setlist · soundcheck · microphone · spotlight · backstage
Pre-performance practice session
- auditionTrial performance for selection
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- characterizationDescribing distinctive qualities
script · scene · improvisation · method · understudy · blocking · cue · soliloquy
Solo musical performance
- soloistUnaccompanied performer
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- orchestraLarge instrumental ensemble
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
conductor · composition · improvisation · symphony · sonata · concerto · quartet · tempo
Designing performance movement sequences
- balletClassical dance on pointe
- contemporaryOf the present age
- folkRegular common people
- hip-hopRhythmic spoken-word music
salsa · tango · flamenco · ballroom · tap · waltz · samba · rumba
Stylish natural aptitude
- charismaMagnetic personal appeal
- panacheFlamboyant confidence of manner
- spectacleVisually striking event
- pizzazzLively, attention-grabbing quality
dazzle · presence · finesse · polish · style · bravado · swagger · dynamism
Formal event marking occasions
- ritesFormal ceremonial acts
- chantingRhythmic repetitive vocalization
- incantationSpoken magical formula
- shamanIndigenous spiritual healer
priest · offering · sacrifice · worship · altar · purification · divination · tradition
stage
Raised performance platform
gig · festival · encore · applause · setlist · soundcheck · microphone · spotlight · backstage · tour
rehearsal
Pre-performance practice session
- auditionTrial performance for selection
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
characterization · script · scene · improvisation · method · understudy · blocking · cue · soliloquy · backstory
recital
Solo musical performance
- soloistUnaccompanied performer
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- orchestraLarge instrumental ensemble
ensemble · conductor · composition · improvisation · symphony · sonata · concerto · quartet · tempo · dynamics
choreography
Designing performance movement sequences
- balletClassical dance on pointe
- contemporaryOf the present age
- folkRegular common people
hip-hop · salsa · tango · flamenco · ballroom · tap · waltz · samba · rumba · b-boying
flair
Stylish natural aptitude
- charismaMagnetic personal appeal
- panacheFlamboyant confidence of manner
- spectacleVisually striking event
pizzazz · dazzle · presence · finesse · polish · style · bravado · swagger · dynamism · entertainment
ceremony
Formal event marking occasions
- ritesFormal ceremonial acts
- chantingRhythmic repetitive vocalization
- incantationSpoken magical formula
shaman · priest · offering · sacrifice · worship · altar · purification · divination · tradition · ancestors
- gerundswalking, running, talking, eating, sleeping
- musicianshipsinging, playing, practicing, harmonizing, composing
- expressionexpress, convey, communicate, verbal, nonverbal
- actingacting, act, playacting, actor, actress
- qualitiesgood, bad, better, best, useful
- operationaloperational, functioning, working, running, active
performingstopping
Ceasing to continue
ceasing · halting · neglecting · abstaining · refraining
performingrehearsing
Preparing by repeated practice
practicing · preparing · drilling · running through · training
performingnonperforming
Failing to yield returns
malfunctioning · failing · underperforming · broken · dysfunctional
- performing artsLive creative presentation disciplines
- performing arts centerFacility for live shows
- performing artistsPeople who present live shows