Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
The variation of pitch, tone, pace, and volume to convey character emotions and intention in speech.
A low, creaky vibration in the voice sometimes used stylistically or as a vocal exercise in training.
The skills and methods used to produce healthy, expressive vocal sound in singing or speaking.
The sung elements of a performance, encompassing melody, harmony, tone, and interpretation.
A performer’s use of sound to convey meaning, emotion, and character through speech or singing.
A classification of a singer’s vocal range, weight, and timbre, such as soprano, tenor, or bass.
In Noh theatre, the supporting character who sets up the story and interacts with the shite, often representing a traveler or priest.
A performer with a very brief, usually non-speaking role, used to populate the world of the play realistically.
The 1929 financial collapse that significantly influenced American theatre, leading to politically charged and escapist works.
A character’s objective or desire in a scene, guiding their actions and emotional choices.
A district or division, sometimes referring to the care or guardianship of another, used in early modern plays to suggest duty or protection.
The collection and organization of costumes for a production, managed by wardrobe crew responsible for maintenance and changes.