Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
To assign a lighting or sound signal to a specific control channel. Patching is essential in programming lighting consoles and sound boards.
The colorant used in theatrical makeup or paint. Pigments determine the intensity and tone of color on sets, costumes, and skin.
Raised surfaces on stage used to create varied levels for actors and scenery. Platforms enhance visual dynamics and are integral to stage design.
The area onstage where actors perform, which can be defined by lighting, set, or blocking. Effective use of playing space shapes audience focus and narrative flow.
The technician who inputs and operates lighting or sound cues into computerized systems for live shows. The programmer plays a vital role in executing the design accurately.
A master script maintained by the stage manager, containing all blocking, cues, and notes. It serves as the definitive record for running the show during performances.
A person who assists actors by feeding forgotten lines during rehearsal or performance. Prompters are more common in traditional European theatres than in modern U.S. productions.
Short for 'properties,' these are the physical objects used by actors during a performance. Props help establish time period, character, and action.
The arch or frame that separates the stage from the audience in traditional Western theatre. It defines the visible performance space in proscenium stages.
A theatre configuration where the audience faces one side of the stage, framed by a proscenium arch. This format emphasizes frontal staging and scenic design.
A makeup appliance used to create realistic physical changes to an actor’s appearance, such as wounds, age effects, or fantastical features.
A sloped stage design where the back is elevated higher than the front, improving sightlines and creating visual depth.