Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A sacred choral composition used in liturgical settings, often performed in operatic or classical concerts. In theatre, Mass may be used to invoke spirituality or underscore religious context.
An English official in charge of licensing plays and supervising court entertainments during the Renaissance.
A powerful female figure who leads a family or social group, often featured in dramatic works as a symbol of strength, tradition, or authority. Matriarchs play pivotal roles in both classical and contemporary theatre as central moral or emotional anchors.
A period in the 1950s marked by anti-communist sentiment in the United States, during which many artists and performers were blacklisted. The McCarthy Era had a profound impact on American theatre and its themes of censorship and political freedom.
A segment of time in music defined by a set number of beats, important for timing and phrasing in musical performance.
A scheduled gathering or appointment in the theatrical world, often referring to production meetings or auditions. Meets ensure collaboration and planning among cast, crew, and creatives throughout the production process.
A large Christian congregation, sometimes satirized or critiqued in theatre for spectacle and commercialization.
A large-scale musical with elaborate staging, global appeal, and strong branding, such as *Les Misérables* or *Phantom*.
A mood or character trait in drama denoting sadness, introspection, or despair, often linked to tragic figures.
A vocal technique where one syllable is sung across several notes, common in gospel, R&B, and musical theatre.
A dramatic genre with exaggerated characters and emotions, often including music to enhance moral and emotional stakes.
A heightened, emotional style of performance or storytelling that exaggerates plot and character traits. Melodrama is often associated with 19th century theatre and explores themes of good versus evil.