Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A traditional comedic female character in British pantomime, typically played by a man in exaggerated costume and makeup.
A term for female roles in traditional Chinese opera, historically performed by male actors with stylized movements and singing.
A dance narrative is a form of storytelling that relies on movement rather than spoken dialogue or written text. Choreography conveys character, emotion, and plot, allowing audiences to understand the story through physical expression. This technique is common in dance-focused theatre, ballets, and movement-based productions.
A flamboyantly dressed male character obsessed with fashion and refinement, often used for satire in English Renaissance drama.
A genre that combines elements of humor and morbidity, exploring serious themes through satire or irony.
Digital Audio Workstation, software used for recording, editing, and producing audio.
A character trait reflecting suave, charming, and courteous demeanor, often seen in comedic or romantic leads.
An actor's first performance or appearance in a professional setting.
A unit of measurement for sound intensity, commonly used in theatre audio engineering.
The stage floor or any flat surface area used for performance.
Declamation is a style of vocal or dramatic delivery that closely follows the rhythms of natural speech while heightening its emotional power. Instead of long melodic lines, performers use strong rhythm, emphasis, and articulation to make the words dramatic and clear. This technique is common in theatre, oratory, and certain types of opera.
A cultural region of the United States often explored in theatre for its historical legacies of race, class, and tradition.