Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A distinct audio path used to isolate and control a sound source.
A fictional persona portrayed by an actor, constructed through background, traits, objectives, and transformation throughout the play.
An actor who specializes in portraying distinctive, often supporting roles.
A character arc is the journey of personal growth, change, or transformation that a character undergoes throughout a play or musical. It often involves overcoming internal or external obstacles, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself or others. Strong arcs help audiences connect emotionally with characters and give structure to the overall narrative.
A character foil is one whose traits contrast with another character, thereby highlighting qualities in both. In No, No, Nanette, Sue’s strict propriety serves as a foil to Nanette’s youthful desire for freedom, emphasizing the tension between tradition and independence. The use of foils helps dramatists reveal character differences without lengthy exposition.
A classification of roles based on shared traits, such as hero or villain.
A vocal technique used to reflect a character’s personality, age, or background, differing from the actor’s natural voice.
The development of a character’s personality through performance or writing.
The English monarch who restored the theatre in 1660 after Puritan suppression, supporting the emergence of Restoration drama.
A lively 1920s dance, featured in period musicals to convey the cultural exuberance of the Jazz Age.
A vocal register that resonates in the chest cavity, producing a fuller and lower sound, commonly used in speaking and belting.
The dramatic use of light and dark in design, common in lighting for mood and emphasis.