Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A vignette in drama is a short, self-contained scene or playlet that focuses on a single moment, theme, or character interaction. It does not require a full plot or complex structure, but instead provides a snapshot of life that conveys emotion, humor, or insight. Vignettes can stand alone or be grouped together to form a larger work.
A poetic word for 'face,' often used in classical theatre to describe appearance or emotion.
A Hindu god whose avatars are central in traditional Indian theatre and epics like the Ramayana.
A director’s or creator’s conceptual approach to a play, guiding all design, casting, and staging decisions.
The variation of pitch, tone, pace, and volume to convey character emotions and intention in speech.
A low, creaky vibration in the voice sometimes used stylistically or as a vocal exercise in training.
The skills and methods used to produce healthy, expressive vocal sound in singing or speaking.
The sung elements of a performance, encompassing melody, harmony, tone, and interpretation.
A performer’s use of sound to convey meaning, emotion, and character through speech or singing.
A classification of a singer’s vocal range, weight, and timbre, such as soprano, tenor, or bass.
In Noh theatre, the supporting character who sets up the story and interacts with the shite, often representing a traveler or priest.
A performer with a very brief, usually non-speaking role, used to populate the world of the play realistically.