What is a Green Room?

A green room is a shared backstage lounge where performers, guests and presenters wait and relax before and after going on stage, in theatres, venues, festivals and TV studios. It sits close to the stage so people can be called on quickly.

How a green room is used

A green room has several jobs on show day:

  1. Waiting area: performers and guests wait here until the stage manager calls them.
  2. Hospitality: drinks and food from the hospitality rider are often served here.
  3. Meeting point: artists meet promoters, press and guests away from the audience.
  4. Briefings: at conferences and TV shows, presenters get final instructions here before going on.

The green room is usually set up from what each act asked for in the advance, which many teams manage through advances in Crescat.

Green room vs dressing room

A green room is shared by several performers or guests. A dressing room is private to one act and used for changing and preparing. Small venues sometimes have only one room that does both jobs. At festivals, the green room is often a shared tent or cabin in the artist area, while dressing rooms are allocated to each act.

What's usually in a green room

  • Comfortable seating
  • Drinks and snacks, sometimes hot food
  • A screen or speaker showing the stage
  • Toilets nearby
  • A copy of the running order or day sheet

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called a green room?

No one knows for certain. Popular theories include rooms in 17th-century theatres that were painted green, and the idea that green was restful for actors' eyes after bright stage lights. The name is now used everywhere, whatever colour the room.

Who is allowed in the green room?

Usually performers, their touring party, invited guests and key staff. Access is controlled by accreditation, and some venues limit guests when the room is busy.

What is a green room on TV?

On TV and radio, the green room is where guests wait before going on air. Researchers brief them there, and they often watch the show on a monitor until it's their turn. Producers keep the room calm so guests can focus before a live broadcast.

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