Drama Glossary

An 11 o’clock number is a show-stopping song that appears late in a musical, usually near the climax. It is often performed by the lead character and delivers a surge of emotional or dramatic power. The number reenergizes the audience and sets up the finale.

A cappella refers to vocal music performed without instrumental accompaniment. Singers rely on harmony, rhythm, and tone to create a full sound. It is often used in choirs, vocal ensembles, and musical theatre moments requiring intimacy or vocal precision.

An action verb expresses a physical or mental action that an actor can play onstage, such as “to persuade,” “to threaten,” or “to comfort.” These verbs provide clarity and focus for an actor’s objectives in a scene. They are central to many acting techniques because they translate abstract intentions into playable choices.

An actor is a performer who portrays a character in theatre, film, or television through voice, movement, and emotional expression. Actors interpret scripts, collaborate with directors, and bring stories to life for audiences. The term applies to performers of any gender.

An actor plant is someone intentionally placed in the audience to influence reactions, often by laughing, applauding, or participating at key moments. This technique can heighten the energy of a performance or encourage genuine audience responses. It is sometimes used in marketing or immersive theatre.

The Actors Studio is a renowned New York–based membership organization founded in 1947, dedicated to training professional actors, directors, and playwrights. It is famous for developing and refining “Method Acting” under leaders like Lee Strasberg. Many legendary performers, including Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, trained there.

An ad lib is an unscripted line or action improvised by an actor during performance. It may be used to cover mistakes, respond to unexpected circumstances, or enhance realism. While sometimes encouraged in comedy, it is generally controlled by the director’s vision.

In theatre, addiction may refer both to a character’s struggle with compulsive behavior as a theme and to the real-life issue affecting performers or audiences. Plays about addiction often explore psychological, social, and moral dimensions. It is a recurring motif in modern drama due to its human intensity.

An adjustment is a note or direction given to an actor to modify their performance—such as shifting tone, energy, or physicality. Adjustments may come from a director during rehearsal or from an actor’s own choices to refine interpretation. They are essential tools for shaping a nuanced performance.

An alter ego is a second self or alternate personality that differs from a character’s outward persona. In drama, it can be used as a dramatic device to explore internal conflict or duality.

A low female vocal range used in opera and musical theatre, often assigned to mature or dramatic roles.

In theatre, analysis involves breaking down a script, character, or performance to understand its meaning, structure, and emotional arc. It is a key tool used by actors, directors, and dramaturgs during the rehearsal process.