SKIP TO CONTENT

mise en scene

/mise ɛn sin/
IPA guide

In the theater world, mise en scene is the way props and scenery are designed and arranged. The mise en scene for a "Hansel and Gretel" play might include dim lighting, a forest backdrop, and a cottage covered with candy.

You can use the phrase mise en scene to talk about the stage or production design of a play or a film. On a movie set, the production designer or art director is responsible for much of the mise en scene, arranging props and designing rooms to fit the mood and theme of the film. In French, mise en scène means "setting on the stage," from mise, "a placing," and the Latin root scena, "stage of a theater."

Definitions of mise en scene
  1. noun
    arrangement of scenery and properties to represent the place where a play or movie is enacted
    synonyms: setting, stage setting
    see moresee less
    type of:
    stage
    a large platform on which people can stand and can be seen by an audience
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘mise en scene'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family