Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A legal time limit to press charges, thematically used in drama to explore justice, memory, and accountability.
Oversimplified character types used in theatre to critique or reinforce societal assumptions and cultural bias.
Stichomythia is a dramatic technique in which two characters exchange short, quick lines of dialogue in rapid succession. This back-and-forth creates tension, speeds up the pace of the scene, and makes conflicts more intense. It is often used in classical tragedies during arguments or confrontations.
A makeup technique that uses dots to create texture or shading, often for aging effects or character realism.
A costume shop worker who sews garments based on designer specifications and patterns.
Recognizable character types used across theatrical traditions, such as the fool, villain, or ingenue.
A philosophical approach emphasizing reason and emotional control, reflected in characters who endure suffering with quiet strength.
A person who tends the furnace on a steamship or steam train.
Makeup used to subtly enhance an actor’s natural features for visibility under stage lighting, without altering character appearance.
A character in comedy who contrasts with an eccentric partner, enhancing humor through understatement and seriousness.
A vocal warm-up using a straw to balance pressure and airflow, improving resonance and vocal health for singers and actors.
A performance style rooted in hip-hop and urban culture, featured in contemporary musical theatre and movement-driven plays.