curtain-raiser
noun
cur·tain-rais·er ˈkər-tᵊn-ˌrā-zər 
1
: a short play usually of one scene that is presented before the main full-length drama
2
: a usually short preliminary to a main event
Synonyms
- overture
- preamble
- preliminary
- prelude
- prologue
- prolog
- warm-up
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Word History
First Known Use
1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1
curtain-raiser
noun
as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event the opening of the performing arts center proved to be a curtain-raiser for the rebirth of the city's downtown Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- prelude
- overture
- prologue
- preliminary
- warm-up
- preamble
- prolog
- kickoff
- countdown
- lead-in
- start
- run-up
