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opening performance; opening act; curtain raiser
minor performer; minor storyteller; subordinate part
前座の芸人がよく笑わせた。
The opening act comedian got a lot of laughs.
有名な師匠の前座を務めた。
I served as the opening act for a famous master.
前座から舞台に立っている。
I've been on stage since my days as a warm-up act.