Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
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.
Puppetry is the art of bringing inanimate figures to life through movement, voice, and expression. A puppeteer controls the puppet, often with rods, strings, or direct hand manipulation, to create a believable character for the audience. In theatre, puppetry can be used for children’s stories, fantasy worlds, or even adult-themed productions.
A sloped stage design where the back is elevated higher than the front, improving sightlines and creating visual depth.
A detailed artistic drawing of a costume, set, or lighting design. Renderings are used to present concepts and guide the construction process.
Crew members who manage the hanging and movement of scenery, lights, and other equipment from above the stage. Riggers ensure safety and functionality in complex productions.
A red or pink cosmetic applied to the cheeks, used in theatrical makeup to enhance facial expressions and visibility under stage lighting.
The backstage team responsible for executing scene changes, props, and technical cues during performances. The running crew ensures seamless operation from behind the scenes.
Blueprints of scenic or lighting designs rendered to proportion. Scale drawings guide the construction of sets and ensure spatial accuracy.
A small figure used in scenic models to indicate human proportions. Scale men help designers visualize space and performer interaction.
A three-dimensional miniature representation of the stage and set design, used for planning and presentation before full construction.
The workshop where theatrical sets and props are constructed and painted. Scene shops support technical theatre through carpentry, metalwork, and scenic artistry.