The small room backstage where performers and their entourage hang out before, during and after shows was renovated last year and now can be molded to fit each act accordingly.

Depending on who will be gracing the stage that night, the room can serve as dressing room, lounge area, practice space, office or even a place to watch TV.

According to Ryan McAlister, technical director at the Peace Center, the term comes from Greek Theater days when theaters were outside. The spot of grass or wooded area next to or behind the stage where actors hung out in between scenes became known as the green room because, as McAlister says, it was actually green. However, the Green Room at the Peace Center is unique in that it is actually green.

"My touring experience is about 15 to 20 years old," McAlister says. "I have been in quite a few green rooms and it's very rare that you actually find one that is really green."

At the Peace Center, the purpose of the green room all boils down to making the performers happy. Along those lines, the staff works hard to ensure comfort and an enjoyable experience.

"We have a very long list of rules, regulations and policies," McAlister says. "But it really boils down to one or two sentences: "Welcome to the Peace Center. Don't leave any permanent marks and just make yourself at home and enjoy."

Furniture

The furniture that used to be in the room was donated from individual patrons. Much of it was very old expensive antiques, "which always made me nervous," McAlister says.

Wireless

Many times, performers need to keep up with their work while on the road. Charter Communications provides wireless Internet access and Cable TV as part of their sponsorship of The Peace Center. Many times, the Green Room is turned into office space, complete with makeshift cubicles. Of course, the wireless access also allows for cable television, which Kim Cochran- Price, media relations manager, says is important to actors too. "Bill Cosby, for example, always likes to watch sports when he's here," she says. "So we have to have cable access in the star's dressing room."

Catering

Above all else, the Green Room is a place for all people involved with a show to relax. Part of this is, of course, food. Local restaurants will often cater meals for touring companies and other performers, setting up a spread backstage. For Broadway shows, generally there will be catered food. Some of the smaller shows will be catered in house.

Walls

The Green Room actually is green, though now it is more of an off shot of the original color. It underwent a renovation last summer, and is now a posh gray-green, which is neutral enough to match and create an atmosphere of calm.