An intermission or interval is a break between two performances or sessions, in events such as a theatrical play, opera or musical concert. Sometimes there is also an intermission (break) in the showing of a film, in particular if it is a long film. A play or opera may have several intermissions, depending on its length. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Teatro alla Scala in Milan is one of the worlds most famous opera houses. ... A classical music concert in the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. ... A typical megaplex (AMC Rolling Hills 20 in Rolling Hills Estates, California). ...

Originally intended with breaks for the actors or speakers in mind, intermissions have become an opportunity for the audience to socialise, purchase and consume refreshments, or use the restrooms. They are also often an opportunity for the audience to buy items related to the show such as CDs, high-quality programmes, art/photography prints and other paraphernalia.

Intermissions usually last between 15 to 30 minutes, and there are different methods to signal to the audience to return to their seats. The traditional method at an opera or symphonic concert is to flash the house lights several times, or to have a person with a handheld glockenspiel walk about the crowd, playing a four note chime. In more modern theatres, a brief chime through the PA system is used. Most orchestral glockenspiels are mounted in a case. ... A live sound reproduction system has two main forms: A sound reinforcement system enhances the volume of the initial sound and will be designed so that as much as possible the listener will not realise that an artificial system is being used to make it easier for them to hear...

An intermission is also often billed as an entr'acte, derived from the French meaning "between the acts". Entracte is French for between the acts. It can have the meaning of a pause between two parts of a stage production, synonym to intermission, but is more often used to indicate that part of a theatre production that is performed between acts as an intermezzo or interlude. ...

Intermissions, in ice hockey, are breaks between the three periods of play. Ice hockey, known simply as hockey in areas where it is more common than field hockey, is a team sport played on ice. ...