Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A spoken rhythmic vocal style incorporated into modern musicals and theatre to convey energy, storytelling, or protest.
A standardized British accent often taught in actor training for clarity, neutrality, and upper-class character types.
A musical or dramatic work honoring the dead, often evoking mourning or closure in operatic and theatrical contexts.
An actor’s ability to hold emotional or physical energy in performance, contributing to tension, pacing, or character depth.
The amplification and richness of vocal tone achieved through optimal breath support and vocal placement.
A pattern of rhyming sounds in poetry or lyrics, commonly used in verse drama, musicals, and Shakespearean plays.
The patterned flow of sound or movement in speech, music, or choreography that shapes the energy and pacing of a performance.
Rock and roll is a musical genre that originated in the United States in the 1950s, combining rhythm and blues with country and gospel influences. Characterized by strong beats, electric guitars, and youthful energy, it quickly became a symbol of rebellion and change. In theatre, rock and roll often represents social upheaval, generational conflict, and the rise of new cultural voices.
Role reversal occurs when two characters or individuals exchange their usual positions of authority, power, or perspective, often highlighting contrasts in status or identity. This dramatic device can expose hidden dynamics, challenge assumptions, and create tension or humor as expectations are subverted. It is frequently used to explore themes of power, empathy, and transformation in theatre and storytelling.
A romantic comedy is a dramatic genre that combines elements of romance and humor, centering on two characters whose journey toward love is filled with obstacles, misunderstandings, and witty exchanges. The tone is lighthearted and optimistic, with conflicts resolved in ways that affirm love’s triumph. This genre has been a mainstay of theatre for centuries, from Shakespeare to modern musical theatre.
A training technique helping actors tune into their five senses, enhancing presence, emotional connection, and truthfulness.
A musical performance typically expressing love or admiration, used in both opera and musical theatre.