curtain-raiser

Noun

curtain-raiser (plural curtain-raisers)

1. (performing arts) In a theater, an initial play, musical performance, etc., which precedes the main performance.
   • [H]e had tried all kinds: comedy, tragedy, prose and verse, the light curtain-raiser, the short sharp drama, the bourgeoisrealistic and the lyrical-romantic.1910, Edith Wharton, “The Bolted Door”, in Tales of Men and Ghosts
   • “Capricious Maneuvers,” the eight-minute romp of a curtain raiser that Mr. Peck made for City Ballet’s 2013 Fall Gala, was fun.2014 February 20, Brian Seibert, “Dance: Next Step for Force in Ballet”, in New York Times, retrieved 24 Aug 2014

   Synonyms:

   warm-up act

2. (broadly, idiomatic) A prelude or introduction to an activity or thing.
   • It is my opinion that your part in the affair is only a curtain-raiser to graver things.1901, Harold MacGrath, chapter 7, in The Puppet Crown
   • But the first foray by Russian strategic bombers into the Western hemisphere since the Cold War is simply the curtain raiser for joint naval maneuvers that will bring Russian warships into Venezuelan waters in November.2008 September 11, Virginia Lopez, “Russia's Venezuela Foray: Tit for Tat”, in Time, retrieved 24 Aug 2014

   Synonyms:

   preamble, prologue