
Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
The patterned flow of sound or movement in speech, music, or choreography that shapes the energy and pacing of a performance.
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.
The series of events in a dramatic plot that build tension and complications, leading toward the climax of the story.
A type of theater popularized on paddle steamers in 19th-century America, known for musical entertainment and melodrama.
An ancient Indian epic narrating Rama’s quest to rescue Sita, foundational in Hindu literature and theatrical adaptations.
A genre that has influenced musical theatre through shows capturing youth culture, rebellion, and pop music.
A stage musical that incorporates rock music styles and themes, often addressing contemporary or countercultural topics.
A musical work with rock music that tells a dramatic story, often sung-through and adapted for stage or screen.
A novel or play in which real people appear with altered names, often critiquing society through veiled representation.
A classical genre featuring stock characters, mistaken identities, and satire, influential in Western dramatic traditions.
A red or pink cosmetic applied to the cheeks, used in theatrical makeup to enhance facial expressions and visibility under stage lighting.
A fee paid to authors or rights holders for the performance of their work. Royalties ensure compensation for creative content in professional and amateur productions.