theater-in-the-round

[ thee-uh-ter-in-thuh-round, theeuh- ]

noun

1. arena theater.
2. a style of theatrical presentation in which the audience is seated on all sides of the performance area.

Word History and Origins

Origin of theater-in-the-round¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

I saw them play, in striped shirts, white suits, colorful velours and out of costume, at the Hollywood Bowl, when the kids still screamed during their shows; at the Melodyland theater-in-the-round across from Disneyland, when they seemingly couldn’t get booked any closer to L.A.; and at the Whisky A Go Go, when “Sunflower” was released.

From Los Angeles Times

That symbolic gateway set the stage for a theater-in-the-round showcase in Paris.

From Seattle Times

Here at @sohoplace, a new theater-in-the-round designed with physical comfort in mind, the “Medea” directed by Dominic Cooke itself affords nothing in the way of solace.

From Washington Post

You still wait in the Seussian lounge with the melting clock until you’re escorted to your seat in a dining room that resembles theater-in-the-round.

From Washington Post

In the intervening time, “King James” was rewritten; the original director, Anna D. Shapiro, departed Steppenwolf; a new director, Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, was brought in; Steppenwolf completed a $54-million expansion that includes a new 400-seat theater-in-the-round; and LeBron picked up his fourth NBA championship ring.

From Los Angeles Times