proscenium

[proh-see-nee-uhm, pruh-]

noun

Theater.

plural

proscenia 

1. Also called proscenium arch. the arch that separates a stage from the auditorium. pros.

2. (formerly) the apron or, especially in ancient theater, the stage itself.

proscenium

/ prəˈsiːnɪəm /

noun

1. the arch or opening separating the stage from the auditorium together with the area immediately in front of the arch

2. (in ancient theatres) the stage itself

Word History and Origins

Origin of proscenium¹

1600–10; < Latin proscēnium, proscaenium < Greek proskḗnion entrance to a tent, porch, stage ( Late Greek: stage curtain), equivalent to pro- pro- ² + skēn ( ḗ ) ( scene ) + -ion neuter noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of proscenium¹

C17: via Latin from Greek proskēnion, from pro- before + skēnē scene

Example Sentences

None of the proscenium is actually there, nor are the musicians heard running scales and rehearsing “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.”

From Los Angeles Times

"The story and the music itself was great for the Harris Theater, and honestly might have been dwarfed by this big gold proscenium with 3,500 seats."

From Salon

The Delacorte was, she said, her group’s first proscenium experience in New York.

From New York Times

The surprise is how well the space works for dance despite no proscenium to hang lights from, or wings for the dancers to disappear into.

From New York Times

Norman loved the theater, and because he wanted to bring the theater to the everyday family in their households, his multicam sitcoms were very different: the proscenium, long scenes, pages and pages with no jokes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• facade 
• face 
• façade 
• front line 
• head 
• top