Nonshowing

Nonshowing is a term used to describe the state or act of not presenting or appearing as scheduled. It is formed from the prefix non- plus showing, and is generally informal and not standardized in major dictionaries. Spellings vary, including non-showing, and it may be encountered in industry-specific writing as well as everyday language.

In performing arts and live events, nonshowing refers to a scheduled performance or appearance that does not take place. Causes can include cancellations, a performer failing to attend, or an event being withheld from public viewing. In film, television, and distribution, nonshowing can describe a screening that is canceled or that a title is not released in a given market, sometimes due to licensing, contractual, or regulatory reasons.

The term is related to, but distinct from, no-show. A no-show typically denotes a person who fails to attend an obligation (such as a performance, rehearsal, or appointment), whereas nonshowing often refers to the absence of the scheduled content itself, whether due to departure by a participant or a decision by organizers.

Impact and management considerations include refunds, insurance implications, and scheduling logistics. Organizations monitor nonshowings to assess revenue risk, plan contingencies, and inform future commitments, marketing, and licensing decisions. While recognizable in some industry circles, nonshowing remains relatively uncommon in formal usage and is chiefly found in operational or administrative contexts.