Intermission Information
An intermission is an American English term for a break between parts of performances or sessions, in events such as a theatrical play, opera or musical concert. The term interval is used instead in British English. Sometimes there is also an intermission (break) in the showing of a film, in particular if it is a long film.
Originally intended with breaks for the actors or speakers in mind, intermissions have become an opportunity for the audience to socialize, purchase and consume refreshments, or use the restrooms. They are also often an opportunity for the audience to buy merchandise related to the show such as CDs, programs, art/photography prints and other paraphernalia. As a result, intermissions can have an important financial function for some venues. Some halls allow patrons to return to their seats with purchased refreshments.
Intermissions usually last between fifteen to thirty minutes, and there are different methods to signal to the audience to return to their seats. The traditional method at an opera or symphonic concert is to flash the house lights several times, or to have a person with a handheld glockenspiel walk about the crowd, playing a four note chime. In more modern theatres, a brief chime through the public address system is used.
An intermission is also often billed as an entr'acte, derived from the French meaning "between the acts".
The intermission during several team sports games such American football is called halftime. During regular games, the cheerleaders of the different teams usually perform for their side of the stadium. During the Super Bowl, elaborate halftime shows are also performed. Intermissions in ice hockey are breaks between the three periods of play. Both intermissions in hockey and halftimes in other sports allow spectators to get up and walk around without missing any game action.
See also
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