Dry ice is used on a performing stage to produce mist in air. The process involved is an example of

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2). When used on a performing stage, it undergoes a process called sublimation, which is the direct transition of a substance from a solid phase to a gas phase without passing through an intermediate liquid phase [1]. At standard atmospheric pressure, dry ice sublimates at approximately -78.5°C. The visible 'mist' or 'fog' produced is actually a mixture of cold carbon dioxide gas and condensed water vapor from the surrounding humid air [1]. Because it bypasses the liquid state, it leaves no residue, making it ideal for theatrical effects. While the visible mist involves the condensation of water vapor, the primary process involving the dry ice itself to initiate this effect is sublimation [1].

Sources

1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 24: Hydrological Cycle (Water Cycle) > 24.3. Condensation > p. 329