Drama Glossary

A 20th-century artistic movement that sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, often manifesting in dreamlike or illogical theatrical elements.

Non-theatre employment taken by actors and performers to support themselves financially while pursuing artistic careers.

A language and cultural tradition from East Africa that plays a role in the storytelling and performance styles of World Theatre.

A collection of fabric samples used by costume and scenic designers to choose textures and colors for production design.

An object, character, or element used in a play to represent a deeper meaning or theme beyond its literal definition.

A movement and technique using symbolic imagery and metaphors to express abstract ideas and inner experiences.

Coordinated timing between performers or technical elements that heightens impact and clarity of a scene.

A tableau is a staged moment where performers freeze in a visually powerful pose or arrangement, almost like a living picture. Instead of dialogue or movement, the image itself communicates the meaning—whether it’s celebrating triumph, mourning loss, or showing a turning point in the story. In an opera such as Ça Ira, which dramatizes the French Revolution, tableaux are often used to symbolize big events like the storming of the Bastille or the collective spirit of the people.

A silent, motionless stage picture created by actors to represent a scene, mood, or moment, often used to end a scene or act symbolically.

A specific strategy an actor uses to achieve a character’s objective in a scene, forming the basis of truthful, dynamic performance.

A traditional Japanese drumming style used in theatrical performances for rhythm, energy, and dramatic effect, particularly in Kabuki.

A formal coat with a short front and long back tails, often used in period costume design for 19th-century characters or formal roles.