|
Definition of Curtain raiser
1. Noun. Any preliminary activity.
2. Noun. A short play presented before the main play.
Lexicographical Neighbors of Curtain Raiser
Literary usage of Curtain raiser
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. The Bookman (1910)
"THE CURTAIN-RAISER The play of the evening usually begins at nine. In London the
best people dine at least an hour later than they do in New York—a custom ..."
2. Mr. George Jean Nathan Presents by George Jean Nathan (1917)
"That is, of course, a one-act play not written to serve its purpose as a
curtain-raiser in the London theatres. For, as every one knows, such a one- act ..."
3. The Art of Playwriting: Being a Practical Treatise on the Elements of by Alfred Hennequin (1890)
"If a three- act play is to be produced alone, that is, not preceded by a " curtain
raiser," the second act should be the longest. ..."
4. A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant: Embracing English, American, and Anglo by Albert Barrère, Charles Godfrey Leland (1889)
"Curtain-raiser (theatrical and journalistic), a short play performed before a more
... Love and Polities " was produced as a curtain-raiser at the Opera ..."
5. Putnam's Monthly (1907)
"Marshall had some sense to put Poddy in the curtain- raiser only. ... "Are—are
you in the curtain- raiser?" Wallace's hysterical giggle found echo in ..."
6. How to Become an Author: A Practical Guide by Arnold Bennett (1903)
"The Curtain-Raiser. It will be well for the aspirant to begin with a simple
one-act play of three or four characters. It should "play" from twenty minutes ..."