Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
Spoken interaction between characters in a play, used to reveal relationships, advance plot, and convey emotion.
A character archetype representing absolute power, frequently featured in political or historical dramas.
The clarity and articulation of speech by an actor or singer, critical for conveying emotion and meaning on stage.
Describes theatre or literature intended to teach or instruct, often conveying moral or political messages to the audience.
A diegetic song is a musical number that exists within the world of the story, where the characters are aware they are singing. It is typically performed as part of the plot, such as at a concert, celebration, or personal expression witnessed by other characters. Unlike non-diegetic songs, it is justified within the narrative and functions as a natural extension of the character’s environment.
A pair of letters representing a single sound, often studied in scripts to assist with accurate pronunciation and articulation.
A gradual decrease in volume, commonly used in vocal or instrumental music to create emotional subtlety or finality in performance.
An electrical device used to control the intensity of stage lighting.
An Ancient Greek festival in honor of Dionysus where dramatic competitions laid the foundation for Western theatre traditions.
The Greek god of wine and theatre, often invoked in plays and festivals as a symbol of chaos, passion, and creativity.
A three-dimensional miniature scene used in set design to visualize staging.
A character representing national interests, used in theatre to highlight negotiation, politics, and cultural tension.