Intermission

Definition

An intermission is a break in the performance of a play, film, or concert, allowing the audience to rest and reflect on what they've just experienced. This pause plays a crucial role in the overall structure and pacing of dramatic works, offering both the audience and performers a moment to recharge before continuing with the narrative. It can also serve as an opportunity for audiences to discuss themes and characters that have emerged up to that point.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intermissions usually occur after a significant act or scene, allowing for natural breaks in the storytelling.
2. They can vary in length, often lasting between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the production's pacing and structure.
3. During an intermission, audience members can discuss their thoughts on the performance so far, enhancing their overall experience.
4. Intermissions are also important for performers to rest and prepare for the next segment of the show, helping maintain their energy levels.
5. Some modern performances may choose to eliminate intermissions altogether for a more continuous storytelling experience.

Review Questions

• How does an intermission enhance the audience's experience during a performance?
  • An intermission enhances the audience's experience by providing them with a much-needed break to digest what they have seen and heard. This pause allows for discussions about characters, themes, and plot developments, creating a more interactive experience. Furthermore, it gives audiences time to reflect on the emotional impact of the performance thus far, which can deepen their engagement with the story.
• In what ways can the placement of an intermission affect the dramatic structure of a play?
  • The placement of an intermission can significantly impact the dramatic structure by influencing pacing and tension. Strategically placing an intermission after a critical scene or act can heighten suspense and allow audiences to anticipate what happens next. Additionally, it gives playwrights an opportunity to divide acts effectively, ensuring that each section of the play maintains its momentum while providing necessary breaks for both performers and viewers.
• Evaluate the role of intermissions in both traditional and modern theatrical performances, considering audience engagement and narrative flow.
  • Intermissions have traditionally played a vital role in theatrical performances by providing necessary breaks that enhance audience engagement and narrative flow. In modern theater, however, some productions choose to forego intermissions to create a seamless storytelling experience. This shift prompts a reevaluation of how audiences engage with narratives; while continuous performances can enhance immersion, intermissions allow for reflection and discussion that may enrich understanding of complex themes. Thus, both approaches have their merits depending on the goals of the production.

Related terms

Act: A division within a play or performance that typically contains multiple scenes and follows a specific arc in the narrative.

Scene: A smaller subdivision of an act, where specific events occur in a particular location and time.

Climax:

The point in the narrative where the tension reaches its highest point, often resulting in a turning point for the characters.