In a French theatre, les trois coups (the three blows) are hit on the floor of the stage with a stick called brigadier, just before the start of a performance, in order to attract public attention for the rise of the curtain.
In French classical theatre, the dramaturge pounded the ground with twelve quick blows to announce to the machinists the start of the performance.
The theatre brigadier is traditionally made of wood with a piece of theatre pole[definition needed], decorated with red velvet and gold studded nails.
For years the Comédie-Française would hit six blows in order to commemorate the uniting of the two troupes, that of the Hôtel de Bourgogne and Molière's company, previously associated with that of the Théâtre du Marais under Louis XIV, allowing for daily performances.
[3] The brigadier was often wielded by a prominent individual (or pair) in the sport, but also by other public figures and volunteers.