Drama Glossary

An action verb expresses a physical or mental action that an actor can play onstage, such as “to persuade,” “to threaten,” or “to comfort.” These verbs provide clarity and focus for an actor’s objectives in a scene. They are central to many acting techniques because they translate abstract intentions into playable choices.

An actor is a performer who portrays a character in theatre, film, or television through voice, movement, and emotional expression. Actors interpret scripts, collaborate with directors, and bring stories to life for audiences. The term applies to performers of any gender.

An actor plant is someone intentionally placed in the audience to influence reactions, often by laughing, applauding, or participating at key moments. This technique can heighten the energy of a performance or encourage genuine audience responses. It is sometimes used in marketing or immersive theatre.

Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) is the U.S. labor union representing professional actors and stage managers in live theatre. Founded in 1913, it negotiates contracts, ensures safe working conditions, and advocates for fair pay. Membership is often considered a milestone for stage professionals.

The Actors Studio is a renowned New York–based membership organization founded in 1947, dedicated to training professional actors, directors, and playwrights. It is famous for developing and refining “Method Acting” under leaders like Lee Strasberg. Many legendary performers, including Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, trained there.

An act is a major division of a play, opera, or musical, typically separated by an intermission or pause. Each act often advances the story with its own rising action, climax, and resolution. Classical plays had five acts, while modern works more often use one, two, or three.

An ad lib is an unscripted line or action improvised by an actor during performance. It may be used to cover mistakes, respond to unexpected circumstances, or enhance realism. While sometimes encouraged in comedy, it is generally controlled by the director’s vision.

An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.

In theatre, addiction may refer both to a character’s struggle with compulsive behavior as a theme and to the real-life issue affecting performers or audiences. Plays about addiction often explore psychological, social, and moral dimensions. It is a recurring motif in modern drama due to its human intensity.

“Adieu” is a French word meaning “farewell,” often used in plays and operas with poetic or dramatic resonance. It can mark a character’s departure or foreshadow loss. Its use in dialogue underscores the emotional weight of saying goodbye.

An adjudicator is a judge or evaluator in a theatrical competition, festival, or educational setting. They provide constructive criticism, scores, or awards based on performance quality, direction, and design. Adjudicators play an important role in nurturing young talent and setting artistic standards.

An adjustment is a note or direction given to an actor to modify their performance—such as shifting tone, energy, or physicality. Adjustments may come from a director during rehearsal or from an actor’s own choices to refine interpretation. They are essential tools for shaping a nuanced performance.