Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
An actor's first performance or appearance in a professional setting.
Declamation is a style of vocal or dramatic delivery that closely follows the rhythms of natural speech while heightening its emotional power. Instead of long melodic lines, performers use strong rhythm, emphasis, and articulation to make the words dramatic and clear. This technique is common in theatre, oratory, and certain types of opera.
A specific form of language tied to a region or group, used to reveal a character’s identity, background, or class.
The clarity and articulation of speech by an actor or singer, critical for conveying emotion and meaning on stage.
A pair of letters representing a single sound, often studied in scripts to assist with accurate pronunciation and articulation.
A rhythmic genre popular in the 1970s, often used in musical theatre to evoke era, culture, and high-energy scenes.
A vocal music style with tight harmonies that appears in musical theatre portraying 1950s and 60s American pop culture.
A performance style where a performer adopts exaggerated gender expression, often for satire, art, or celebration.
Relating to theatre or intense emotion; in performance, dramatic elements drive conflict, transformation, and audience engagement.
A duologue is a scene or short play written for two characters, focusing on their interaction, conflict, or relationship. It emphasizes intimacy, allowing performers to explore dialogue-driven tension and emotional exchange. Duologues are often used in acting classes, auditions, and minimalist theatre pieces.
In acting or movement, refers to the degree of energy, focus, and intensity used to perform physical or emotional action.
A note worth half a beat in common time, often used for quicker rhythms in theatrical songs and dance sequences.