Why is Theatre and Theater sometimes spelled differently?

Question:I have seen it spelled both may times
just wondering what the diffrence was

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have seen it spelled both may times
just wondering what the diffrence was

Historically, the spelling in American English, "theater" differed from the spelling in British English, "theatre", but many Americans prefer the British spelling and you'll see many American theaters use the British spelling in their names. Some feel that the British spelling gives the word an extra air of authority. Still others use the British spelling for the concept of "theatre" but use the American spelling to refer to a "theater" building.

So, although there might be a slight difference in connotation between the two spellings in American usage, the two spellings of the word have virtually identical meanings.

One is used more in the UK, the other in the US.

It's like flavour vs. flavor. Just regional differences.

In the world of acting and stage plays the difference is this...

Theater is a Noun to describe the building. "I'm going down to the theater."

Theatre is the act of taking part in a play and things associated with it. "I'm going to school to study Theatre."

You've already been given correct answers. Just in case you really want to go into the very details, read (or listen to the audio-book) Bill Bryson's "The Mother Tongue".
Bye, Andreas

beats me????

Theatre is the art form, theater is the building.

I'm pretty sure one of the uses is from a different country, but Americans say it theater.

Aside from the country of origin, there is no difference whatsoever. Some go to the theatre (building); others, the theater. But choose one and at least be consistent in your use of it.

Theater is the accepted spelling of the word in the style guides for newspaper and printing. Theatre is the traditional spelling of the word. It becomes a matter of personal preference in the USA to use one or the other. Theatre is always the use in the UK.