Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
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.
Casting without regard to race or ethnicity, often discussed in theatre as a tool for diversity or as a point of critique.
In dance or musical theatre, a sequence of choreographed steps taught and performed as a unit.
A Spanish Golden Age theatrical genre mixing tragedy and comedy, introduced by Lope de Vega, rejecting classical unities.
A Comedy of Manners is a dramatic genre that satirizes the customs, behaviors, and social norms of a particular class or group, often through witty dialogue and clever banter. It typically focuses on relationships, courtship, and social pretensions, exposing human vanity and hypocrisy. This style thrives on sharp humor and quick repartee, making it both entertaining and socially revealing.
Comic opera is a form of opera that blends lighthearted stories with music, emphasizing humor, wit, and playful situations rather than tragedy. It often satirizes social customs or authority figures, using exaggerated characters and lively ensembles. The style contrasts with grand opera by focusing on accessibility, entertainment, and comedic resolution.
Coming of age refers to a story or theme in which a young character transitions into adulthood, often through challenges or self-discovery. This journey typically explores identity, responsibility, and the search for purpose. Many plays and musicals use coming-of-age themes to connect audiences with universal experiences of growth.
An Italian theatrical form featuring masked stock characters, improvisation, and physical comedy, influential in modern comedy and clowning.
Theatre produced with the primary goal of making a profit, typically found in Broadway or West End contexts.
A request or contract for a playwright or composer to create a new work, usually accompanied by payment.
The core of performance, involving verbal and nonverbal methods actors use to convey character, intention, and emotion.