How Do You Spell Theater
Whether you use the spelling theatre or theater will depend on where you hail from. In American English, the spelling is theater; in Britain and the rest of the English-speaking world, theatre is used. The spelling you choose—theater vs. theatre—should align with your audience’s preference.
Why Are There Different Spellings: “Theatre” vs. “Theater”?
Theater has roots in both Greek and Latin and came to English through the Old French word theatre. Theatre and similar words ending in -re were sometimes spelled with the -er until the 1660s, when the French-borrowed -re spellings came to be preferred; before that, both spellings were considered equally correct. Chaucer, for example, spelled it theatre. Shakespeare, on the other hand, spelled it theater. Today, theatre is considered the correct spelling in Britain and in most English-speaking countries other than the United States.
In the eighteenth century, following the American Revolutionary War, Noah Webster sought to create a standard literacy curriculum specifically for his fledgling nation. Not only did he succeed at replacing British textbooks with new American versions, but he also published his own meticulously researched dictionary, notable for its reformed spellings. The separation of British and American spellings, and in some ways, punctuation, had begun. Webster was the man who took the u out of colour and turned musick into music. He preferred spellings that were simpler and closely modeled pronunciation, which was why theatre became theater and similar words, like centre, became center. Most of the newly respelled -er words caught on in the United States, especially in the last century or so.
When to Use “Theatre”
Choose the spelling theatre whenever your audience will likely be predominantly using British English or its local variant. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa, for example, all use the spelling theatre. American English and British English do have remarkable differences, don’t they? There are notable exceptions, however. Take the New York theater scene. We refer to the Broadway Theater District, yet many of the most frequented Broadway theaters actually have theatre spelled out on their marquees. And of course, there is Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., which is famous for being the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Across the pond, things are much simpler.
When to Use “Theater”
If your audience speaks American English, use theater. Theater is also the most predominant spelling on the internet, statistically speaking, if that is your determining factor. Brits and Americans don’t just spell differently; some of the vernacular is different as well. Brits talk about going to the cinema or catching a film. An older British expression for going to see a film is going to the pictures. Americans speak of the movies as a slang abbreviation for motion pictures. While in British English, a building called a theatre is for only plays and musicals, American English also has movie theaters. Canadians have a blended approach to the place where they view blockbusters: they call them (and spell them) movie theatres. Whether you spell it theater or theatre, or you refer to films, movies, or the cinema, it is unlikely that your readers will be confused by whichever word you choose.
Movie Theater or Movie Theatre?
This is a funny one! Its the same idea as with just the one word theater. The idea is, in America one would write movie theater and in Great Britain, we’d say movie theatre. But an interesting fact is that “movie theater” is an American term. In Great Britain, you’re more likely to hear one say, “Going to the Cinema,” or “Going to the pictures.”
Theater vs. Theatre
Theatre and theater are two different spellings of the noun used to refer to the building in which theatrical performances are carried out and to the art or profession of theatrical production. The spelling varies based on whether you’re writing UK or US English. In UK English, “theatre” is standard. In US English, “theater” is more common.
Exception: The names of buildings and production companies
There’s an exception to the rule of distinguishing between theatre and theater based on the version of English. When the name of a building or company (e.g., Manhattan Theatre Club) uses an alternative spelling, it’s a proper noun and can’t be changed.
Movie theatre or theater
Movie theater is used in US English to refer to the building in which movies or films are shown. In UK English, this building is instead called a “cinema.” “Movie theatre” is rarely used.
What is the difference between the words theatre and theater? Is it movie theatre or movie theater?
These two words can confuse writers because they don’t always know which word is suitable for particular contexts. Learn the difference between the two spellings with examples in this guide. Theater vs. Theatre. Both theater and theatre are nouns with the same definition. But sometimes, in the English language, the context will show a preference for theater or theatre. They can be: A building or outdoor area where dramatic performances, plays, and orchestras are given. The profession of acting, producing, or directing plays. A play or presentation considered based on drama. A hall for lectures. The two words also have the same pronunciation, which is thee-eh-ter. The French word theatre came first. Theatre and other words that end in -re shifted to -er in some areas because it was thought to be simpler. Other examples include center and centre and fiber and fibre. The man behind the linguistic change was Noah Webster. He wanted to produce a literacy curriculum for his nation. He replaced British textbooks with American versions through these tiny spelling changes. If you’re a writer, you must know your audience and customize your writing according to them. This Ngram shows the use of theater vs. theatre in American spelling. It reveals that theatre remains more widely used than theater.
When to Use Theater
Use theater if your audience speaks American English. This spelling is also more popular on the internet. For example: I went to the theater with my friends. There are two theaters in our town. Will movie theaters soon be replaced by something else?
When to Use Theatre
Use theatre when your audience uses British English. It’s also the preferred spelling in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, and South Africa. For example: It was David’s first time entering a theatre. This organization is the most famous theatre company in the city. She’s a huge fan of theatre.
Exceptions to the Rule
If the word theater or theatre appears in a proper noun, these rules should not apply. For example, we still say Ford’s Theatre even if it’s located in Washington, DC. We also say Broadway Theater District instead of Broadway Theatre District.
Is It Movie Theatre or Movie Theater?
Both movie theatre and movie theater are correct. Use movie theatre or pictures if your audience is British, Canadian, or Australian. Use movie theater or cinema if your audience is American.
Is It Theater or Theatre in AP Style?
The AP Stylebook both list theater and theatre as the preferred spelling. But theater is more common in the USA.
The Debate Over Theater vs. Theatre
Just ask Eliza Doolittle- the English language can be tricky. Some words consistently confound even the wisest grammar gurus, including one in particular, which fans of Broadway find themselves pondering regularly…Is it theatre or theater…? Both words are nouns and in most contexts, mean the same thing. So what’s the difference? Answering this simple question involves considering two distinct schools of thought on the subject.
1. American English vs. British English. According to Merriam-Webster, the word ‘theater’ came to the English language via Middle French (theatre), with roots in Latin (theatrum) and Greek (theatron). The same debate over the spelling of the word existed in England even centuries ago, as the French spelling (-re) fell in and out of fashion. Francis Hodge wrote more about the word’s evolution in 1968’s ‘Theatre Survey,’ explaining that Noah Webster, American reformer of the English language, tried to phase out the -re spelling, along with other words deemed ‘too British’ in the 1830s. The idea received much pushback even from the American arts community, which at that time, was still largely made up of British artists and craftsmen. Today, Americans generally favor theatER, while those in the UK (and the rest of the English-speaking world) most often use theatRE.
2. The place vs. the art form. Some Americans take the argument a step further, making the spelling a condition of the definition. A theatER is a venue you visit to enjoy entertainment. The theatRE is a performance-driven art form. EX: Patti walked to the theater to watch some really great theatre. The bottom line… Are both rules adhered to consistently? Definitely not. Generally, the words theatre and theater can be used interchangeably, so pick whichever one feels right to you and on with the show!
Conclusion
So, whether you use “theater” or “theatre” depends on your audience and the variant of English they use. Both spellings are correct, and the choice should align with the preference of your readers. Whether you are referring to the building where performances are held or the art form itself, the spelling should be chosen based on the audience’s language variant. Understanding the differences between American and British English can help you communicate more effectively with your readers.
FAQs
1. Is there a difference between theater and theatre?
Both theater and theatre refer to the same thing, but the spelling varies based on whether you are writing in American English or British English. Theater is the preferred spelling in American English, while theatre is the preferred spelling in British English.
2. Can theater and theatre be used interchangeably?
Yes, in most cases, theater and theatre can be used interchangeably. However, the spelling should align with the language variant preferred by your audience.
3. When should I use “movie theater” or “movie theatre”?
If you are writing for an American audience, use “movie theater.” If your audience uses British English, “movie theatre” would be the appropriate spelling.
4. Is there a difference in meaning between theater and theatre?
While some may argue that “theatre” refers to the art form and “theater” refers to the building, this distinction is not commonly accepted and does not reflect actual usage. Both words can be used to refer to the building where theatrical performances are carried out and to the art or profession of theatrical production.
5. What is the origin of the different spellings of theater and theatre?
The different spellings of theater and theatre stem from the historical evolution of the English language, with influences from Middle French, Latin, and Greek. The preference for one spelling over the other is based on the language variant used in different regions, such as American English and British English.