GREEN ROOM

A 'green room' is a room in a theater, studio, or other public venue for the accommodation of performers or speakers when not required on the stage.
The first recorded use of the term was in 1701 but the origin of the term is unknown and is the source of many folk etymologies such as:

★ In some explanations it is said that the colour was a response to limelight – early stage lighting.

★ Green is also thought to be a calming and soothing colour but this is according to 20th century psychological theories so can not be the origin of the term.

★ The most widely accepted origin of the term dates back to Shakespearean theatre. Actors would prepare for their performances in a room filled with plants and shrubs. It was believed that the moisture in the topiary was beneficial to the Actors' voices.

★ 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 were 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 thus the room on the way to the green. Technical Staff at some West End theatres (such as the London Coliseum), still refer to the stage as "the green".

★ It has been suggested that the original 'green room' was in a London theatre converted from office buildings. The room behind the stage had previously been used to cut deals and was known as the 'agreeing room,' and the phrase has become corrupted over the years.

Contents

Expanded meaning

Other meanings

Sources

Expanded meaning

In some theatre companies, the term 'green room' also refers to the director's critique session held after a rehearsal or performance, since it is often held in the "green room."
The "green room" is also another location where patrons or fans may meet and greet the famous musician(s)/performer(s) after a concert. A fee is usually paid to gain access to this area.
Contrary to popular belief, most Green Rooms in theatres are not actually painted green.
According to a professor of theatre history, long before modern makeup was invented the actors had to apply makeup before a show and allow it to set up or cure before performing. Until the makeup was cured, it was "green" and people were advised to sit quietly in the "green room" until such time as the makeup was stable enough for performing. Uncured makeup is gone, but the green room lives on.

Other meanings

In surfing the "green room" is the inside of a barrel that is produced by a wave. This term was coined due to the color of light reflected into the barrel. In the White House the Green Room is one of three state parlors located on the state floor.

Sources

★ wordorigins.org

★ worldwidewords.org

★ Straight Dope