curtain call

Meaning

A curtain call is the appearance of performers at the end of a show to receive applause from the audience. It usually happens after the main performance has finished and the curtains have closed and reopened. While originating in theater, it can also metaphorically refer to a final public appearance or retirement ceremony.

Examples

• The actors returned to the stage for a final curtain call after the standing ovation.

  The actors returned to the stage for a final curtain call after the standing ovation.

• She was so brilliant in the lead role that she got three individual curtain calls.

  She was so brilliant in the lead role that she got three individual curtain calls.

• Don't leave the theater immediately after the last scene, or you'll miss the curtain call.

  Don't leave the theater immediately after the last scene, or you'll miss the curtain call.

• The legendary singer's final tour felt like one long, emotional curtain call.

  The legendary singer's final tour felt like one long, emotional curtain call.

• The cast stood hand-in-hand during the curtain call, bowing to the cheering crowd.

  The cast stood hand-in-hand during the curtain call, bowing to the cheering crowd.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The actors did a curtain call during the middle of the play.

  ✓ The actors did a curtain call at the end of the play.

  A curtain call only happens at the very end of a performance, not during the show.

• ✗ We waited for the curtain call to start the second act.

  ✓ We waited for the curtain call to applaud the actors one last time.

  A curtain call is not an act or scene; it is the post-show bow.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The crowd cheered so loudly that the cast came out for a second ___.

  💡 The bow at the end of the show.

  Show answer

  curtain call

• It's polite to stay in your seat during the ___ to show appreciation for the performers.

  💡 The final bows.

  Show answer

  curtain call