Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A large format publication of plays, including the First Folio of Shakespeare, significant to theatre history.
A comedic character type, especially in English Renaissance plays, characterized by excessive concern with fashion and manners.
A medieval and Renaissance symbol representing the unpredictable nature of fate. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
The iconic London theatre associated with Shakespeare, where many of his plays premiered in the late 1500s and early 1600s.
An old oath meaning 'God's little body'; used in Shakespearean plays for emphasis or comic effect. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
A period of artistic flourishing, often referring to 1940s-60s Broadway or English Renaissance theatre. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
An archaic command meaning 'listen'; frequently used in English Renaissance drama. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
An old English form of 'have'; used in Shakespearean dialogue. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
An archaic or poetic word meaning 'from here' or 'as a result'; common in English Renaissance texts. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
An old-fashioned word meaning 'from this point forward,' used in dramatic texts. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
A pair of rhymed lines in iambic pentameter often used in classical drama for emphasis or conclusion.
An archaic term meaning 'hurry,' often used in Shakespearean and Renaissance drama. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.