Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A gradual decrease in volume, commonly used in vocal or instrumental music to create emotional subtlety or finality in performance.
An electrical device used to control the intensity of stage lighting.
An Ancient Greek festival in honor of Dionysus where dramatic competitions laid the foundation for Western theatre traditions.
The Greek god of wine and theatre, often invoked in plays and festivals as a symbol of chaos, passion, and creativity.
A three-dimensional miniature scene used in set design to visualize staging.
A character representing national interests, used in theatre to highlight negotiation, politics, and cultural tension.
A performance technique where an actor speaks directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall for dramatic or comedic effect.
The artistic leadership provided by a theatre director to shape a production's interpretation, staging, pacing, and performances.
The creative leader of a theatrical production, responsible for interpreting the script and guiding the cast and crew.
A rhythmic genre popular in the 1970s, often used in musical theatre to evoke era, culture, and high-energy scenes.
A genre focused on social or philosophical dialogue rather than action, intended to stimulate critical thinking.
To conceal one's true motives or feelings, a frequent tactic in English Renaissance drama.