Ladder of success in the theatre (3)
I believe the answer is:
run
This could be a double definition.
'ladder' is the first definition.
(both can mean a tear in tights)
'success in the theatre' is the second definition.
'run' can be an answer for 'success' (run is a kind of success). I am not sure about the 'in the theatre' bit.
'of' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for run that I've seen before include "Path made by animals" , "Control" , "Unit of score in cricket" , "Trot" , "string of performances" .)