Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
Music or a scene presented between the acts of a play or opera.
A German vocal classification system used in opera to categorize voice types and suitable roles.
A musical composition with free form and structure, often incorporating multiple themes or variations.
An operatic embellishment involving fast, ornamental passages sung with agility.
A contrapuntal musical form with interweaving melodic lines, used in complex musical theatre or operatic compositions.
In music, harmony occurs when two or more notes are sung or played at the same time, creating chords that enrich the sound. In musical theatre, harmony is often used in duets, trios, or ensemble numbers to heighten emotion and texture. It can reinforce unity, tension, or contrast between characters.
A high tenor voice type used in French Baroque opera. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
A musical notation indicating the key of a piece, essential for singers and musicians to maintain correct pitch.
A musical term indicating smooth, connected phrasing in vocal or instrumental performance. In theatre, legato singing is essential for creating lyrical flow and emotional continuity in musical passages.
Short for 'legitimate theatre,' referring to traditional stage drama as opposed to musical or commercial performance. The term is also used to describe a classical vocal tone suitable for operatic or legit musical theatre roles.
A recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, idea, or emotion. Frequently used in opera and musical theatre, leitmotifs help reinforce narrative continuity and emotional cues for the audience.
The author of a libretto, responsible for writing the text or script for an opera or musical. Librettists work closely with composers to ensure the dramatic structure and dialogue support the music and storytelling.