touring company: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Arts/Media
Quick answer
What does “touring company” mean?
A professional theatre, opera, ballet, or musical group that travels to different venues to perform.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A professional theatre, opera, ballet, or musical group that travels to different venues to perform.
Any professional performing arts organization whose primary business model involves traveling to present shows in multiple locations, rather than being based in a single theatre. Can also be used metaphorically for any group that travels extensively to provide a service or product.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Touring company' is the standard term in both varieties. In the UK, 'touring theatre company' is a common, slightly more specific variant.
Connotations
In both, it carries connotations of prestige and professionalism in the arts sector, but can also imply a less stable, more itinerant lifestyle for the performers.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to the strong tradition of regional theatre touring, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “touring company” in a Sentence
[Touring company] + [performs/show/presents] + [production/show/play] + [in/at/across] + [locations/venues/countries]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “touring company” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The National Theatre will tour its production nationally.
- The company has been touring that play for two seasons.
American English
- The Broadway show will tour the country next year.
- They tour extensively throughout the Midwest.
adverb
British English
- The cast lived touringly for most of the year, out of suitcases.
- They performed touringly across three continents.
American English
- [Note: 'Touringly' is extremely rare and non-standard in both varieties. Use phrases like 'while on tour' instead.]
adjective
British English
- She secured a touring contract for six months.
- The touring production received excellent reviews.
American English
- He has a touring schedule that keeps him on the road.
- The touring version of the musical is slightly scaled down.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in arts administration, funding applications, and contracts to describe the operational model of the organization.
Academic
Used in theatre studies, cultural policy, and arts management literature.
Everyday
Used in news articles, reviews, and general conversation about the arts.
Technical
A specific classification in the performing arts industry, affecting funding, union agreements, and logistical planning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “touring company”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “touring company”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “touring company”
- Using 'touring' as a verb in this context (e.g., 'The company is touring' is correct, but 'It is a touring company' uses 'touring' as a participle adjective). Confusing it with a 'travel company' or 'tour operator'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Conceptually similar, but 'touring company' is the standard term for theatre, opera, dance, and classical music ensembles. Popular music groups are typically called 'bands' or 'artists on tour'.
Yes, many touring companies are based in a specific city or theatre but earn their primary income and fulfil their artistic mission by traveling to other venues.
'Road company' is a synonym, but it's slightly older and can imply a commercial, often Broadway or West End, production that is reproduced to tour. 'Touring company' is a broader, more neutral term.
Not necessarily. Pay varies widely. Major national touring companies can offer excellent contracts, while small independent troupes may offer minimal pay. The key differentiator is the itinerant lifestyle, not automatically the salary.
A professional theatre, opera, ballet, or musical group that travels to different venues to perform.
Touring company is usually formal, arts/media in register.
Touring company: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʊərɪŋ ˌkʌmpəni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʊrɪŋ ˌkʌmpəni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this compound noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMPANY of actors that is always TOURING the country, like a band on tour.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOURING COMPANY IS A TRAVELLING ENTITY / A TOURING COMPANY IS A MOBILE CULTURAL AMBASSADOR.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a 'touring company'?