
Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A fraudulent medical practitioner, used in comedies or period plays to satirize ignorance and exploitation.
To tremble or shake, often used in classical dialogue to express fear or divine awe. It enhances emotional intensity in poetic texts.
A musical note lasting one beat in common time, foundational to the rhythm in musical theatre and opera scores.
A small book format used to publish early plays, particularly during the Elizabethan era.
The British monarch during much of the 19th century whose reign shaped the values and aesthetics of Victorian theatre, including morality, realism, and melodrama.
A genre that centers LGBTQ+ characters and themes, challenging heteronormative narratives and celebrating diverse identities in performance.
To bring to life or intensify, a term found in poetic and dramatic literature. It signifies emotional or physical awakening.
A musical number performed by five singers or characters, common in opera and ensemble moments in musicals.
A genre of popular music that has influenced musical theatre, especially in shows highlighting African-American culture.
The inclusion of racially diverse casts and themes, reflecting social progress and realism in theatre.
A radioactive element dramatized in plays like 'Radium Girls' to explore industrial exploitation and health issues.
A sloped stage design where the back is elevated higher than the front, improving sightlines and creating visual depth.