Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A term for a man whose partner is unfaithful, often used in comedic and tragic theatre to portray shame and jealousy.
A cue is a signal in theatre that prompts an actor, technician, or musician to carry out a specific action. Cues may be verbal, visual, or technical, such as a line of dialogue, a gesture, or a lighting change. Successful cueing ensures smooth transitions and precise timing throughout a performance.
A technical rehearsal where only the parts of the script involving lighting, sound, and scene changes are run.
A cult classic is a play, film, or musical that develops a devoted and passionate following despite (or because of) its unconventional, offbeat, or low-budget qualities. These works often gain popularity through word-of-mouth and fan enthusiasm rather than mainstream success. In drama, cult classics are celebrated for their uniqueness, eccentricity, and enduring subcultural appeal.
A passionate, niche audience devoted to a specific play or performance style, often regardless of mainstream popularity.
The traditions, practices, and expressions of a culture that influence theatre, often preserved through performance.
A spoken or symbolic expression of ill will, often used in drama to introduce supernatural or emotional conflict.
Legal guardianship over a child or dependent, often used in family dramas to depict emotional or moral conflict.
A costume team member responsible for translating designs into patterns and fabric cuts for garment construction.
A large, usually white, curtain that is lit to create setting and masks the back of the stage behind the set.
“from the head”; an aria in which the first part is repeated, the singer being expected to add ornamentation in the repeated section.
An early 20th-century avant-garde movement rejecting logic and embracing absurdity, influencing experimental theatre.