Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A musical genre characterized by syncopation and improvisation, frequently integrated into musical theatre for style and rhythm.
A musical notation indicating the key of a piece, essential for singers and musicians to maintain correct pitch.
The protagonist or primary figure in a dramatic work who drives the plot and undergoes significant transformation. The lead character is central to the audience’s emotional investment and often embodies the theme or conflict of the play.
Short for 'legitimate theatre,' referring to traditional stage drama as opposed to musical or commercial performance. The term is also used to describe a classical vocal tone suitable for operatic or legit musical theatre roles.
A unit of dialogue spoken by an actor in a play, or the specific wording of that dialogue. Memorizing and delivering lines with appropriate emotion and timing is a fundamental skill for stage performance.
The words of a song in a musical or opera, expressing emotion, story, or character perspective through music.
A segment of time in music defined by a set number of beats, important for timing and phrasing in musical performance.
A vocal technique where one syllable is sung across several notes, common in gospel, R&B, and musical theatre.
A sequence of musical notes that form a recognizable tune, often the emotional or thematic centerpiece of a performance.
Meta-theatre refers to drama that draws attention to itself as a play, reminding audiences that they are watching a performance. This may include breaking the fourth wall, plays-within-plays, or showing the mechanics of stagecraft. By highlighting its own theatricality, meta-theatre often creates humor, irony, or deeper reflection.
Short for mezzo-soprano, a female voice type that sits between soprano and contralto, common in opera and musical theatre.
A vocal technique that blends chest and head voice registers to create a powerful, balanced tone for singing.