Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
The circumstances that form the setting for a play, and the world in which it can be fully understood.
The ability to utilize different parts of the body in unison with great control. Within an ensemble, each individual must coordinate their movements with the rest of the group.
Gradually increasing in volume.
“from the head”; an aria in which the first part is repeated, the singer being expected to add ornamentation in the repeated section.
Gradually decreasing in volume.
The sound created when two discordant notes are played in unison and there is a lack of harmony.
A word or phrase open to two interpretations, one of which may or may not be suggestive or risqué.
Usually a fuller and darker sound.
A genre of opera common in the mid-18th century which describes the opera's libretto (text). The genre was developed in the Neapolitan opera tradition, mainly through the work of the playwright Carlo Goldoni
A note that has an eighth of the time value of a whole note. This is represented by a filled in circle with a hooked stem.
A role where the character’s gender does not usually match the performer’s gender.
A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together.