Why is the room actors must wait in before performance commonly called the green room?

elburcher

The origin of the term is unknown, though some explanations, that the colour was a response to limelight – early stage lighting, have been suggested. Green is also thought to be a calming and soothing colour. 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. It has been suggested that the original 'green room' was in a London theatre converted from office buildings. The room behind the stage was previously used to cut deals and was known as the 'agreeing room,' and the phrase has become corrupted over the years. 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." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_room Aug 05 06, 9:55 PM