summer stock
Definition
Noun: 1. Theatrical productions performed by a repertory company during the summer season: This refers to a system or series of plays, musicals, or other stage performances presented by a resident theatre company (a stock company) typically in a resort or seasonal location during the summer months. These productions often feature a rotating cast of actors in different roles across multiple shows.
Usage
The term "summer stock" describes both the seasonal theatrical industry and the specific productions themselves. It is often associated with classic plays, comedies, and musicals performed for vacationing audiences.
Examples
- Noun:
- Many famous actors began their careers performing in summer stock.
- The old playhouse is known for its excellent summer stock productions of Shakespeare.
- She spent three seasons working in summer stock to gain professional experience.
Advanced Usage
- "to do summer stock": To work as a performer or crew member for a summer stock theatre company.
- After graduating, he plans to do summer stock before moving to the city.
Variants and Related Words
- Stock company (n): A permanent acting company that performs a repertoire of plays in rotation.
- Repertory theatre / Rep theatre (n): A theatre system in which a company presents multiple plays in alternation, similar to but not exclusively a summer activity.
Synonyms
- Summer theatre: A nearly identical term focusing on the seasonal nature of the performances.
- Seasonal repertory: A more formal term emphasizing the rotating repertoire of plays.
Related Phrases
- Equity waiver theatre / 99-seat theatre: These are often contrasting terms referring to small, year-round theatres with different union rules, unlike many professional summer stock venues.
- Dinner theatre: A format where a play is performed during or after a meal, sometimes operating as summer stock.
Noun
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theatrical productions performed by a stock company during the summer
