Troupe Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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troupe

[truหp ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

performing arts

A group of actors, dancers, or other performers who work together.

Synonyms

cast, company, ensemble.

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Word Description / Examples
troupe

Generally used to refer to a group of actors, dancers, or other performers who work together, often traveling to perform in different venues.

  • The theater troupe will be performing in various cities across the country.
  • A troupe of dancers entertained the audience with their energetic moves.
company

This term can be used to describe a group of actors, dancers, or musicians who perform together, often professionally. It can also refer to a business organization, so the context is important.

  • She joined a dance company right after finishing college.
  • The theater company is preparing for its next big production.
ensemble

Often used to denote a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together, emphasizing the collective performance rather than individual stars.

  • The ensemble played beautifully, each musician contributing to the harmonious sound.
  • The quality of the play was elevated by the strong performances of the entire ensemble.
cast

Typically refers to the group of actors who perform in a play, movie, or television show.

  • The cast of the new movie includes several well-known actors.
  • After the auditions, the director finalized the cast for the school play.

Examples of usage

  • The troupe of actors received a standing ovation for their performance.
  • Our dance troupe is rehearsing for the upcoming show.
  • She joined a traveling troupe of circus performers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Theatrical Context

  • In theatre history, troupes were vital in traveling performances, going from town to town to entertain audiences before local theaters became common.
  • Famous ensembles, like the 'Comรฉdie-Franรงaise,' have become cultural icons, helping to define national identities through collective performances.
  • Today, troupes can vary widely, from small community groups to large established companies, showcasing diverse art forms like drama, dance, and musical theatre.

Cultural Importance

  • Troupes often celebrate cultural heritage through storytelling, introducing audiences to folklore, traditions, and social issues.
  • They play a significant role in shaping contemporary art movements by pushing boundaries and experimenting with new forms of expression.
  • In many cultures, troupes serve as a means for community building and social cohesion, offering shared experiences through performance.

Pop Culture

  • Numerous famous theatrical troupes, such as 'Monty Python' and 'The Royal Shakespeare Company,' have significantly influenced comedy and drama.
  • In film and television, terms like 'ensemble cast' are often used to refer to groups of actors who come together to create a story, echoing the concept of a troupe.
  • Reality TV shows often utilize 'troupe' dynamics, where contestants form teams and work together, reflecting the collaborative spirit of theatre.

Education

  • Many educational institutions have student troupes, allowing young performers to gain experience and build confidence in front of an audience.
  • The study of troupes can enhance understanding of team dynamics in performance arts, emphasizing collaboration, trust, and creativity.
  • Drama therapy troupes utilize performance as a medium for healing and communication, showcasing the therapeutic power of collective storytelling.

Origin of 'troupe'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French 'troupe' meaning 'group' or 'company,' which reflects its collective nature.
  • Dating back to the 16th century, the term originally described theatrical groups and later expanded to include dance and music ensembles.
  • In English, the usage of 'troupe' gained popularity in the 19th century with the rise of professional theatre.

The word 'troupe' originated in the mid-18th century from French, meaning a company or group of performers. It has been used in the context of performing arts to refer to a group of actors, dancers, or other performers who work together to entertain audiences. Troupes have been an integral part of theater, dance, and circus performances, showcasing the talent and collaboration of the individuals within the group.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,874, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.