Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
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.
A vow of silence is a religious commitment practiced in certain monastic traditions to cultivate quiet contemplation, discipline, and devotion to God. Nuns and monks who take this vow restrict their spoken speech to specific times or abstain from unnecessary conversation entirely.
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.
The 1929 financial collapse that significantly influenced American theatre, leading to politically charged and escapist works.
Waltz time refers to musical meters based on three beats per measure, most commonly three-four time.
A character’s objective or desire in a scene, guiding their actions and emotional choices.
A district or division, sometimes referring to the care or guardianship of another, used in early modern plays to suggest duty or protection.
The collection and organization of costumes for a production, managed by wardrobe crew responsible for maintenance and changes.
The care and upkeep of costumes during a production, including laundering, mending, and organization.