Vahepause

Vahepause is a term used in performing arts and media to denote a deliberate interval within a sequence of performance or broadcast. Derived from the Estonian word vahe meaning "between" or "interval" and the English word pause, the term is used in some contexts to refer to an intermission between acts, scenes, or chapters. The concept is not universal, but when employed, it signals a controlled break intended for transitions, reflection, or logistical purposes.

Definition and scope

A vahepause is a planned break within a performance or program. It provides time for scenery changes, audience rest, refreshments, or technical adjustments. It is usually signaled by cues such as lighting changes, music, or announcements, and it may vary in length according to the production’s needs. In some contexts, the term emphasizes the transitional aspect rather than a recreational break.

Contexts of use

The term can apply to live theatre, film screenings, radio and television broadcasts, and streaming or video productions that segment content into acts or chapters. In some Estonian-language contexts, vahepause may be used to refer specifically to intermissions in traditional theatre, while in broader usage it can describe any structured break within a program.

Duration and signaling

Typical durations range from a few minutes to around twenty minutes in longer stage productions, with shorter intervals common in contemporary cinema or broadcasts. Signaling methods include announcements, lighting cues, music, or visual projections to prepare the audience and staff for the return.

See also

Intermission, interval, pause, break, pacing in media.