theatrical
relating to theater or stage
About plays, acting, or shows that people watch in a theater.
a/the theatrical [performance/production/release]
- She has worked in theatrical production for more than twenty years.
- The film will have a limited theatrical release before it appears on streaming platforms.
- He started his career in the theatrical world, acting in small off-Broadway plays.
- The museum is hosting a festival of experimental theatrical performances.
- The company is known for its lavish theatrical sets and costumes.
- He loves the theatrical world and wants to be an actor.
- The movie had a big theatrical release in the United States.
- They watched a live theatrical performance in London.
- She studied theatrical design at university.
- The city has a strong theatrical tradition.
overly dramatic and showy
Acting or speaking in a big, very dramatic way that looks like a performance, not natural life.
[someone] is/acts very theatrical
- His apology felt so theatrical that nobody believed it was sincere.
- She made a theatrical gesture of shock and covered her mouth with both hands.
- The speech was powerful but a little too theatrical for some listeners.
- Critics complained that the acting was stiff and theatrical rather than natural.
- He has a theatrical way of telling even simple stories.
- Her reaction was very theatrical and did not feel real.
- He spoke in a loud, theatrical voice.
- Some people think his style is too theatrical.
- The movie was beautiful but also very theatrical.
- She made a theatrical bow after her short speech.
plays or dramatic performances
Plays and acting, especially as a hobby and not as a full-time job; usually said as *theatricals*.
[someone] puts on [theatricals]
- As a teenager he took part in amateur theatricals at the village hall.
- The school’s end-of-year theatricals are famous in the community.
- During the holidays they put on light-hearted theatricals for family and friends.
- She enjoys local theatricals in her town.
- He first did amateur theatricals at university.
- The club puts on small theatricals every summer.
- Many students join school theatricals for fun.
- They met while working on community theatricals.
- Base: theatrical
the theatrical world
1community of theater professionals
The group of people and places that are part of theater, such as actors, directors, and theaters.
- She grew up in the theatrical world, as both her parents were actors.
- Networking is essential if you want to succeed in the theatrical world.
theatrical performance
1live performance of a play
One live show of a play or other act in a theater.
- The festival opens with a theatrical performance in the main square.
- Tickets for tonight’s theatrical performance are almost sold out.
theatrical production
1staged play or live show
A planned and organized play or show that is performed live in a theater.
- She is working on a new theatrical production of Shakespeare’s *Hamlet*.
- The city funds at least one major theatrical production every year.
theatrical release
1first cinema showing of a film
When a movie is first shown to the public in cinemas, not on TV or online.
- The film is scheduled for theatrical release next spring.
- After its theatrical release, the movie quickly became available on streaming services.
theatrical trailer
1film preview for cinemas
A short video that shows parts of a movie and is played in cinemas before the movie comes out.
- The studio released a new theatrical trailer ahead of the summer blockbuster.
- Fans analyzed every shot of the theatrical trailer for clues about the plot.