Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A vow of silence is a religious commitment practiced in certain monastic traditions to cultivate quiet contemplation, discipline, and devotion to God. Nuns and monks who take this vow restrict their spoken speech to specific times or abstain from unnecessary conversation entirely.
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.
The care and upkeep of costumes during a production, including laundering, mending, and organization.
Physical and vocal exercises performed before rehearsals or performances to prepare the body and voice for acting or singing.
An archaic second-person singular form of 'was,' often found in Shakespearean and early English drama to reflect period language.
A term in acting and stagecraft referring to physical or emotional grounding, or to counterweights in stage rigging systems.
The German state before the Nazi rise, depicted in theatre to reflect political instability and artistic innovation.