drop scene

noun

, Theater.

1. a drop curtain, often of painted or dyed canvas, located downstage and used as the backdrop for a scene played while the set upstage is being changed.
2. a scene or act played with less intensity than the preceding one.
3. the last scene of an act or play.

Word History and Origins

Origin of drop scene¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

Some decorations have been added since last year, and an allegorical drop-scene has been painted.

From Project Gutenberg

Through the centre of the rear drop scene is seen a small chamber in which is a suit of armor standing upright.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a black curtain, like a drop-scene; and I knew that, as soon as that lifted, I should be dead and on the other side.

From Project Gutenberg

A composition like this on the drop-scene of a theatre would scarcely surprise us, but here we rub our eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

At night the façade behaves very oddly, for it becomes then as flat as a drop scene.

From Project Gutenberg