Terminology: “Top of Show”

In theater, top of show and at rise refer to the condition of the stage at the moment the curtain rises and/or the lights go up at the beginning of the play: specifically, the position of props and set pieces.

In television, top of show refers to the highest rate a day player can receive for an appearance on the series. If a casting notice says "cannot break top of show," the producers do not want to negotiate a hire rate.