Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A form of silent performance that uses body movement and facial expression to convey character and narrative without speech.
A theatrical style that emphasizes simplicity in staging and dialogue to focus attention on core themes and performance.
Historically, a medieval performer of songs and tales; in the U.S., associated with racist 19th-century blackface performance.
Medieval religious dramas that portrayed the lives and miracles of saints, often performed in churches or public squares.
A character or theme reflecting a distrust or dislike of humanity, explored in comedic and philosophical dramas.
All visual elements of a production on stage including setting, costume, and movement to convey mood and theme.
Hatred or prejudice against women, a theme often critiqued in feminist and realist plays to explore gender roles and oppression.
A common plot device in which one character is confused for another, often leading to comedic or dramatic consequences. This trope is widely used in English Renaissance and Commedia dell’arte theatre.
A vocal technique that blends chest and head voice registers to create a powerful, balanced tone for singing.
The process of adjusting and blending audio levels during a performance or recording. Mixing ensures that dialogue, music, and effects are balanced and intelligible.
An electronic device used to control audio inputs and outputs in a live or recorded setting. Mixing boards are central to theatre sound design and live operation.
A term of affection or address found in English Renaissance plays, often used colloquially or humorously. It reflects character relationships and period diction.