Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Theatrical performances or productions: "theatricals" refers to performances, plays, or dramatic entertainments, especially those put on by amateurs or for private audiences.
   • Dramatic activities: The word can also denote the overall activity or practice of staging plays or dramatic works, often in an amateur context.

Usage Examples

• (Informal dramatic performances by non-professionals.)
• (Small-scale, domestic dramatic productions.)
• (Regularly scheduled student performances.)

Advanced Usage

• "private theatricals": A specific phrase meaning dramatic performances staged in a private home or for a select, non-public audience, often by amateurs.
  • In the 19th century, private theatricals were a popular form of entertainment among the upper classes. (Home-based amateur plays.)

Variants and Related Words

• Theatrical (adj): relating to acting, the theater, or dramatic performance.
  • Her theatrical gestures made the story more entertaining. (Exaggerated, dramatic movements.)
• Theater (n): a building or space for dramatic performances; also, the art or profession of producing plays.
  • We went to the theater to see a new play. (A venue for performances.)
• Theatricality (n): the quality of being exaggerated or dramatic.
  • The actor's theatricality captivated the audience. (Excessive dramatic style.)

Synonyms

• Performances: public presentations of plays.
• Dramatics: activities related to drama and theater.
• Productions: staged works, especially plays.

Related Idioms

• Make a theatrical production of something: to do something in an overly dramatic or elaborate way.
  • He made a theatrical production of signing the contract, waving it in the air. (He acted excessively dramatically.)