Entracte is a French loanword that refers to an intermission or break between two acts of a play or performance. Its spelling can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription as /ɑ̃.tʁakt/, where the nasalized vowel /ɑ̃/ is pronounced like the "on" sound in "long", followed by a trilled /ʁ/ sound, and ending with the French silent final consonant "t". Its spelling and pronunciation may vary slightly depending on the dialect and accent of the speaker.
The term "entracte" refers to a specific segment or intermission that occurs between two acts or parts of a theatrical performance. Derived from the French language, "entracte" literally translates to "between acts." It denotes a brief interval during a play, opera, ballet, or any live performance where the action is paused, and the curtain is lowered to allow the audience to relax, switch scenes, or take a break.
Typically, an entracte serves as a means to reset the stage for the next act or provide an opportunity for performers to prepare for their upcoming roles. During this time, the audience may also make use of the intermission to stretch their legs, visit the restroom, grab refreshments, or engage in discussions about the performance.
Entractes can range in duration, depending on the context or the artistic intentions of the production. While some entractes may be relatively short, lasting only a few minutes, others can be longer and feature additional entertainment such as live music, dances, or short performances. These added elements aim to engage and entertain the audience during the pause and maintain their interest before the next act begins.
Overall, an entracte functions as a pivotal part of a theatrical performance, allowing for a momentary suspension of the main action while facilitating necessary transitions between acts and providing an opportunity for both the audience and performers to regroup before continuing the show.
The word "entracte" originated in the mid-18th century in French. It is formed from the combination of two French words: "entre" (meaning "between") and "acte" (meaning "act"). The term was initially used to refer to the interval between acts in a theatrical performance, which was traditionally used for changing scenery and preparing the next act. Over time, "entracte" expanded beyond theater and came to be used to describe the interval between any two parts of a performance, such as musical pieces or ballet sequences. The word gradually entered the English language and is now used to denote the intermission or interval in a performance.