What is it called when actors return to the stage after a performance to bow?

The term used when actors return to the stage after a performance to bow is "curtain call." This moment serves as a way for actors to acknowledge the audience's applause and appreciation for their work. During a curtain call, performers often come out individually or as a group to take their bows, allowing the audience to express their gratitude for the performance they just witnessed. It is a traditional practice in theater, signifying both the end of the show and the performers' acknowledgment of the audience's support.

The other terms refer to different aspects of a theatrical performance. The finale denotes the concluding part of the performance itself, typically involving the last musical number or dramatic scene. Intermission refers to the break taken during a performance, allowing the audience and performers to rest before the show continues. An encore is an additional performance called for by the audience after the official show has ended, often consisting of one or more pieces that were not included in the main program.