Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A rock musical is a form of musical theatre that incorporates the rhythms, instrumentation, and energy of rock-and-roll into its score. Emerging in the late 1960s with shows like Hair, rock musicals often bring a contemporary, rebellious edge to the stage. They blend theatrical storytelling with the raw power of popular music to attract younger and more diverse audiences.
A musical work with rock music that tells a dramatic story, often sung-through and adapted for stage or screen.
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 showstopper is a theatrical number so powerful, impressive, or emotionally charged that it provokes extended audience applause, temporarily halting the performance. These moments often highlight peak vocal, dance, or dramatic abilities and become signature highlights of a production. Showstoppers are carefully crafted to create excitement, release tension, or leave a lasting impression on the audience.
A series of songs that are thematically or narratively connected, often forming the structure of a sung-through musical.
Spectacle refers to the visual elements of a production that create wonder and excitement through design, movement, or scale. This might include elaborate costumes, dazzling choreography, special effects, or impressive sets. Spectacle often heightens the theatrical experience by leaving audiences with vivid visual impressions alongside the story and music.
A musical format where all dialogue is sung, creating continuous musical storytelling without spoken scenes.
A through-sung musical is one where the story is told almost entirely through continuous music instead of spoken dialogue. Songs and recurring melodies connect seamlessly to carry the narrative, giving the show a heightened and operatic feel. This structure makes the emotions of the characters more immediate and helps the audience stay immersed in the musical world.
A collection of New York City music publishers and songwriters who shaped American popular music and early musicals.