Green room - Definition and Overview

A common feature of theatres and even later television studios throughout the Anglophone world is the Green room, defined as "a room in a theatre provided for the accommodation of actors and actresses when not required on the stage.

The origin of the term is unknown, though some explanations, that the colour was a response to limelight - early stage lighting, have been suggested.

Richard Southern, in his studies of Medieval Theatre in the Round, states that the acting area was 'The Green'. The central space, often grass covered, was used by the actors, while the surrounding space and circular banks where occupied by the spectators. Since then 'The Green' has been a traditional actor's term for 'the Stage'. Even in proscenium arch theatres there was a tradition that a green stage cloth should be used for a tragedy. 'The Green Room' is the room on the way to the green.