Difference Between Theater & Theatre

The key distinction between theater and theatre lies in their usage: theater is the American spelling, while theatre is the British spelling. Both terms share the same meaning, referring to a building or area where plays, films, or musical or non-musical performances take place. Furthermore, it can also refer to the activity or profession of acting, writing, and directing plays. However, theatre is the most common spelling of the two. There is no other difference between theater and theatre besides their spelling usage.

Key Takeaways

• Theater is the American spelling, while theatre is the British spelling.
• Both terms have the same meaning, referring to a building or area for performances and the activity or profession of acting, writing, and directing plays.
• Theatre is the most common spelling of the two.

What is a Theater?

As explained above, theater is the American English spelling of the word. So you should use this spelling when you are writing for an American audience. Moreover, this spelling is comparatively modern compared to its British English counterpart. To be specific, this is a late-20th-century development. Thus, some people show a reluctance to accept this spelling. Some others make a distinction between theater and theatre by assuming that a theatre is an art form whereas theater is a building where theatre is performed. However, these distinctions are not really accurate and are not in usage. The only real difference between theater is their usage.

What is a Theatre?

Theatre is British English spelling. Most people use this spelling form and prefer this spelling to its American counterpart. Thus, this is the most common spelling form. Theatre refers to plays, buildings as well as the art form. It can also refer to the profession of acting, playwriting or other related work.

Some examples of sentences that contain these two words are as follows:
It was the oldest theater in the New York state.
She’d rather go to the theater than watching a video.
My parents first took me to the theatre when I was just a little girl.
I managed to get seats for the front row of the theatre.
He made his career in the theatre.

What are the Similarities Between Theater and Theatre?

Both refer to a building or an area in which plays and other dramatic performances are given.
They can also refer to the art form or professions related to plays or other dramatic performances.

What is the Difference Between Theater and Theatre?

The main difference between theater and theatre is their usage; theater is the American spelling of the word whereas theatre is the British spelling. Moreover, theatre is the most common spelling as it is much older than theater.

Summary – Theater vs Theatre

 The key difference between theater and theatre is their usage, i.e., theater is the American spelling and theatre being the British spelling. They have the same meaning, and there is no other difference between theater and theatre except their spelling usage.