Theater vs Theatre: What’s the Difference?

Theater and theatre generally mean the same thing. Theater is the standard spelling in American English, while theatre is preferred in British English and many other varieties of English. In the United States, however, many performing-arts organizations and venues intentionally use theatre in their official names.

So which should you use? For ordinary American writing, theater is usually the safest choice. When referring to a specific venue or organization, use the spelling in its official name. And publications that cover live performance may choose theatre as an editorial style and use it consistently.

Theater vs. Theatre in American and British English

The principal modern difference is regional spelling, not meaning. American English generally favors theater, while British English generally favors theatre. Both words can refer to the building where performances take place and to the dramatic arts more broadly.

You may sometimes encounter a proposed distinction in which theater means the physical building and theatre means the art form. Individual writers, schools or organizations can adopt that convention, but it is a stylistic preference rather than a universal rule of English.

Theater vs. Theatre at a Glance

American English: Usually theater.
British English: Usually theatre.
Official venue or organization: Use the spelling in its proper name.
Live-performance editorial style: Either can be used if the publication applies its choice consistently.

Why Do American Theatres Sometimes Use “Theatre”?

Although theater is the conventional American spelling, theatre has a long tradition in the performing arts. Many American companies and venues choose the -re spelling as part of their identity.

Chicago provides plenty of examples, including the Chicago Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, CIBC Theatre and Goodman Theatre. Their spelling does not mean American English requires theatre; it means that is the spelling each organization uses in its name.

If you are planning a visit to the city’s major venues, our Chicago Theatre District Guide covers the principal downtown theatres, addresses, tickets and visitor information.

Always Preserve a Theatre’s Official Name

Proper names override general spelling conventions. The landmark on State Street is the Chicago Theatre, so writing “Chicago Theater” would incorrectly change its official name. The same principle applies to theatre companies, schools, festivals and other organizations.

Movie Theater or Movie Theatre?

In American English, movie theater is the standard generic phrase. In British English, people are much more likely to say they are going to the cinema. If a particular movie venue includes Theatre in its official name, however, retain that spelling when naming the business.

Where Do the Two Spellings Come From?

The word ultimately traces back to Greek theatron, meaning a place for viewing or seeing. English spelling evolved over centuries, and the modern theater/theatre difference eventually became associated largely with American versus British usage. That history is interesting, but it does not create a meaningful modern distinction between the two words.

Which Spelling Does Chicago Critic Use?

For a publication focused on live performance, using theatre editorially is a reasonable style choice, particularly in a city where many major performing-arts institutions use that spelling. The important point is consistency. Chicago Critic should also preserve the exact spelling of every venue, company and production it names.

If you are attending a performance rather than writing about one, see our guide to what to wear to the theatre in Chicago.

Theater vs. Theatre FAQ

Is “theatre” spelled wrong in America?

No. Theater is the standard American spelling, but theatre is widely used by American performing-arts organizations and is perfectly appropriate when it is part of a proper name or an established editorial style.

Is theater or theatre correct?

Both are correct. The best choice usually depends on the variety of English you are using. American English favors theater; British English favors theatre.

Why do Americans use “theatre”?

Many American venues, companies and arts organizations have adopted theatre as part of their official names or house style. It is especially common in the live performing arts.

Is it movie theater or movie theatre?

In general American usage, movie theater is the conventional spelling. British speakers generally use cinema.

Should theater or theatre be capitalized?

Not when the word is being used generically. Capitalize it when it is part of a proper name, such as Chicago Theatre or Goodman Theatre.