Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
An adult musical is a form of musical theatre designed specifically for mature audiences. These shows often include strong language, sexual themes, or satirical takes on social issues not suited for children. Unlike family-friendly musicals, adult musicals address the complexities of modern life with humor, honesty, or provocation.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
In musical theatre, the script or spoken text of the show, not including the music or lyrics.
A musical with a well-structured narrative that integrates songs, dialogue, and dance to advance plot and character development.
Camp is a performance style that celebrates exaggeration, theatricality, and deliberate bad taste for comic or satirical effect. Often marked by irony, flamboyance, and over-the-top characterizations, camp turns the absurd into entertainment. In theatre, it invites audiences to laugh both at and with the performance’s outrageousness.
A chamber musical is a small-scale stage production with a limited cast and orchestra, often designed for intimate venues. The emphasis is typically on character, dialogue, and relationships rather than spectacle or large ensemble numbers. Its reduced scale allows for flexibility in staging and lower production demands.
An album where all songs are unified by a theme or story, sometimes adapted into concept musicals.
A concept musical is a type of musical structured around a central idea, theme, or message rather than a straightforward linear plot. Songs, characters, and scenes are often arranged to explore this unifying concept from different perspectives. This style allows for greater experimentation and can blend satire, social commentary, or abstract storytelling.
A “Conditional Love Song” is a duet where two characters sing about love in a hypothetical or playful way, often before they admit their true feelings. Commonly using phrases like “if we were in love,” this song type allows romance to blossom while maintaining dramatic tension. It has become a staple of musical theatre storytelling, blending charm, humor, and foreshadowing.
Counterpoint is a musical technique where two or more independent melodies are combined and performed simultaneously. Each line maintains its own rhythm and contour, yet together they create harmonic richness and complexity. This interplay adds texture, depth, and dynamic contrast to a piece of music.
A cult classic is a play, film, or musical that develops a devoted and passionate following despite (or because of) its unconventional, offbeat, or low-budget qualities. These works often gain popularity through word-of-mouth and fan enthusiasm rather than mainstream success. In drama, cult classics are celebrated for their uniqueness, eccentricity, and enduring subcultural appeal.
A dance narrative is a form of storytelling that relies on movement rather than spoken dialogue or written text. Choreography conveys character, emotion, and plot, allowing audiences to understand the story through physical expression. This technique is common in dance-focused theatre, ballets, and movement-based productions.