Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A detailed evaluation or analysis of a performance or production, offering constructive feedback.
A quick sketch used in costume design to visualize clothing concepts on the human figure.
Casting performers in roles not matching their gender identity, used for artistic effect or inclusivity.
A financial aid application used by some colleges and conservatories to assess student need beyond the FAFSA.
A term for a man whose partner is unfaithful, often used in comedic and tragic theatre to portray shame and jealousy.
A cue is a signal in theatre that prompts an actor, technician, or musician to carry out a specific action. Cues may be verbal, visual, or technical, such as a line of dialogue, a gesture, or a lighting change. Successful cueing ensures smooth transitions and precise timing throughout a performance.
A technical rehearsal where only the parts of the script involving lighting, sound, and scene changes are run.
A cult classic is a play, film, or musical that develops a devoted and passionate following despite (or because of) its unconventional, offbeat, or low-budget qualities. These works often gain popularity through word-of-mouth and fan enthusiasm rather than mainstream success. In drama, cult classics are celebrated for their uniqueness, eccentricity, and enduring subcultural appeal.
A passionate, niche audience devoted to a specific play or performance style, often regardless of mainstream popularity.
The traditions, practices, and expressions of a culture that influence theatre, often preserved through performance.
A spoken or symbolic expression of ill will, often used in drama to introduce supernatural or emotional conflict.
Legal guardianship over a child or dependent, often used in family dramas to depict emotional or moral conflict.