Green Room - an Interpretation

GREEN ROOM

According to an old professor of mine (who was still teaching although old enough that I think he knew Shakespeare personally), "The term 'green room' is one of the most used and least understood words in theatre. The word actually is in reference to the makeup worn by the actors. When first applied, old style makeups were prone to cracking until fully cured. During the period immediately after makeup was applied, it was 'green' or uncured. The Green Room was a quiet place for the actors to sit and relax while the makeup was 'green' and to allow it to cure properly."