The Collaborative International Dictionary
Footlight \Foot"light`\, n. One of a row of lights in the front of the stage in a theater, etc., and on a level therewith.
Before the footlights, upon the stage; -- hence, in the capacity of an actor.
Usage examples of "before the footlights".
On the other hand, the deputies who are popular with this energetic audience, on which they keep and eye, are actors before the footlights: they involuntarily yield to its influence, and exaggerate their ideas as well as their words to be in unison with it.
I was hanging about before the footlights gazing up at the great actors and actresses.
He stood white-faced and rigid before the footlights, as if anticipating a firing squad.
Colonel Joe introduced the antagonists to the audience, standing before the footlights as he did so.
It was a fine finish, the green curtain up and down three times before the footlights again slid up onto the folds and gilt of the swaying curtain.