scenarium

Scenarium is a noun used in several Romance-language contexts to denote a written outline, plan, or script for a staged production or event. In theatre, cinema, and live programs, a scenarium typically describes the sequence of scenes or segments, including approximate timing and technical cues, but it may not contain full dialogue. The exact scope of a scenarium varies by language and organization; in some contexts it functions as a provisional or planning document, while in others it is used interchangeably with scenario or script.

Etymology: The word is cognate with the Latin scenarium and related forms in Romance languages that express the idea of a scene, scenario, or plan. In many languages the corresponding term is closer to scenario (French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese), with scenarium appearing as a Latinized or localized variant in certain regions or institutions.

Usage notes: Because meanings differ, it is best interpreted from context. A festival program or theater season may publish a scenarium listing acts, venues, and times rather than full scripts. In professional production, a scenarium may be used early in development to outline structure before the script is written.

See also: Scenario, Script, Screenplay, Playbill.