tread the boards

Related to tread the boards: come in handy, worse for wear

tread the boards

To be a stage actor; to act in a stage play. I've been treading the boards for nearly 30 years, and while I haven't grown rich from it, I've always loved it. He always yearned to tread the boards on Broadway.
See also: board, tread
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

tread the boards

Act on the stage, as in Her main ambition was to tread the boards in a big city. This idiom uses boards in the sense of "a theatrical stage," a usage dating from the mid-1700s. It dates from the mid-1800s but was preceded by the idiom tread the stage, first recorded in 1691.
See also: board, tread
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

tread (or walk) the boards

appear on stage as an actor. informal
See also: board, tread
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

ˌtread the ˈboards

(humorous) be an actor: He has recently been treading the boards in a new play at the National.
The boards refers to the stage of a theatre.
See also: board, tread
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

tread the boards

To act on the stage: "We who tread the boards are not the only players of parts in this world" (John Fowles).
See also: board, tread
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • bit player
  • player
  • have got a leg up on (someone)
  • is it
  • many a time
  • think on
  • think on (someone or something)
  • languish
  • languish in
  • carry a torch for someone
References in periodicals archive
The flooring will form the entrances to the theatre's new auditorium and visitors will be able to "tread the boards" of the original stage where many of the world's greatest actors, including Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Laurence y Sher, Patrick nd David Tennant performed.
Walk in the footsteps of the RSC stars; TheatreNews
# CHOSEN ONE Lara D'Arcy is set to tread the boards at the Youth Theatre of Great Britain in London.
LARA, LARA TALENT; Merthyr teenager wins coveted National Youth Theatre place
Ralf Little - who plays Anthony Royle in the hit TV comedy - is to tread the boards on the London stage next month.
3am: A Royle at Court
He wants to be the first performer to tread the boards and you can't be more first than this."
Doddy top of Pavilion bill!
THEATRE buffs have been issued with a curtain call and are being invited to tread the boards in the direction of a Solihull village.
Solihull News: Invite from the cast; KNOWLE
War veterans are being sought to tread the boards at a popular Tyneside Gang Show.
Veteran appeal
A STAGE-STRUCK dog is wanted to tread the boards in a children's theatre company production of the musical Annie.
Dog needed for lead role
She is the fifth generation of her family to tread the boards.
Everyone's talking about : Hot star..
THE 11TH Hour Theatre Company have sent out an appeal for volunteers of all ages to tread the boards in their festive show later this year.
Theatre company in call for talent
BUDDING thespians are being invited to tread the boards and let their theatrical skills shine.
Get your act together! CASTLE BROMWICH
The opera company has never returned to the venue, now run by Durham City Council, but is set to tread the boards of the Gala again with a production of La Traviata on May 25, 27 and 28.
Opera back
A WEST END star from Liverpool is heading home to tread the boards.
Star goes west
The former Manchester United maestro quit the club four years ago to tread the boards after leading the Reds to FA Cup and title success.
Football: Cantona off stage