Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A thick white makeup used for clowning and stylized theatrical characters.
A shoemaker; used in comedic roles in English Renaissance theatre, such as in Shakespeare's plays.
The shifting of language or behavior depending on context, portrayed to highlight cultural identity and social dynamics.
An audition technique where actors read a script with little to no rehearsal, showcasing improvisational and interpretive skills.
A period of political tension between the US and USSR, dramatized in theatre to reflect fear, ideology, and espionage.
An Italian term instructing the accompanist to follow the soloist’s tempo closely, common in expressive musical theatre.
A style of operatic soprano singing marked by elaborate ornamentation and agile vocal technique.
A theme explored in postcolonial theatre, addressing oppression, cultural loss, and identity during and after colonization.
The use of specific colors to organize or distinguish items such as props, cues, or costume elements.
The study of how colors influence perception and behavior; used in theatre design to evoke emotion or meaning.
A highly ornamented style of singing that requires vocal agility, common in soprano opera roles.