An intermission or interval is a break between two performances or sessions, in events such as a theatrical play, opera or musical concert. Sometimes there is also an intermission (break) in the showing of a film, in particular if it is a long film. A play or opera may have several intermissions, depending on its length.

Originally intended with breaks for the actors or speakers in mind, intermissions have become an opportunity for the audience to socialize, consume refreshments, or use the restrooms. They are also often an opportunity for the audience to buy items related to the show such as CDs, high-quality programmes, art/photography prints and other paraphernelia.

Intermissions usually last between 15 to 30 minutes, and there are different methods to signal to the audience to return to their seats. The traditional method at an opera or symphonic concert is to flash the house lights several times, or to have a person with a handheld glockenspiel walk about the crowd, playing a four note chime.

An intermission is also often billed as an entr'acte, derived from the French meaning "between the acts".

Intermissions, in ice hockey, are breaks between the three periods of play.

See also

• interquel

Theatre

Intermission (Film) | Intermission