Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A low female vocal range used in opera and musical theatre, often assigned to mature or dramatic roles.
A musical line that moves in large, disjointed intervals rather than smooth, stepwise motion, creating tension or instability.
An aria is a solo vocal piece in an opera or oratorio that showcases the singer’s range and emotional expression. It is typically performed with orchestral accompaniment and often marks a moment of reflection or emotional climax.
A vocal music composition, usually written for one voice with piano accompaniment, often drawing from poetry and emphasizing expression and interpretation.
A musical term referring to compositions that lack a clear key or tonal center. Often used in avant-garde or experimental works.
A narrative song or poem often used in musical theatre and opera to convey story and emotion through melody.
A genre of English musical theatre using popular tunes with new lyrics, known for satire and social commentary.
A male vocal range between tenor and bass, often used for romantic leads, villains, or father figures in opera and musicals.
A highly ornate and elaborate artistic style prominent in 17th-century European art and theatre.
The lowest male vocal range, typically associated with characters of authority, wisdom, or villainy in opera and musicals.
An operatic singing style emphasizing beautiful tone, phrasing, and technique, typical of 18th and early 19th-century Italian opera.