preshow
Before main event
Preshow refers to events, activities, or entertainment occurring before a main performance begins.
A preshow might include advertisements in a movie theater, warm-up acts at a concert, or meet-and-greets before a theatrical production: The preshow started thirty minutes before curtain.
As an adjective, it describes anything happening in that window: preshow cocktails, preshow jitters.
Pre-performance practice session
- soundcheckPre-performance audio calibration
- backstageTheater's hidden area
- mic-checkPre-speech audio verification
- lightingArt of illuminating spaces
blocking · costumes · makeup · wardrobe · props · set-design · rigging · spotlights
Promotional film excerpt
- teaserSomething that piques interest
- behind-the-scenesHidden from public view
- posterDisplayed printed notice
- promoBrief publicity piece
clips · featurette · reveal · announcement
State of eager enthusiasm
- eagernessIntense willingness to act
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
- buildupGradual accumulation over time
curiosity · enthusiasm · impatience · butterflies · countdown · waiting · buzz · hype
Preliminary theatrical performance
- openerWhat begins something
- overtureIntroductory orchestral piece
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
rehearsal
Pre-performance practice session
- soundcheckPre-performance audio calibration
- backstageTheater's hidden area
- mic-checkPre-speech audio verification
lighting · blocking · costumes · makeup · wardrobe · props · set-design · rigging · spotlights · choreography
trailer
Promotional film excerpt
- teaserSomething that piques interest
- behind-the-scenesHidden from public view
- posterDisplayed printed notice
promo · clips · featurette · reveal · announcement
excitement
State of eager enthusiasm
- eagernessIntense willingness to act
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
buildup · curiosity · enthusiasm · impatience · butterflies · countdown · waiting · buzz · hype · thrill
curtain-raiser
Preliminary theatrical performance
- show openersoverture, opening act, curtain raiser, opening number, warm-up act
- preludesprelude, overture, chorale prelude, introduction, intro
- theaterplays, stage, play, onstage, acting
- breaksbreak, crack, pause, fracture, shatter
preshowpostshow
Following a performance
aftershow · after-party · encore · curtain call · finale
preshowmain event
Featured performance or contest
main attraction · headliner · star attraction · main act · centerpiece