Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
To take off, especially clothing or hats; used in older theatrical texts to indicate respect or transition.
Asserting opinions rigidly; often used to describe characters with inflexible worldviews.
A vocal music style with tight harmonies that appears in musical theatre portraying 1950s and 60s American pop culture.
An archaic form of 'do,' used in English Renaissance plays.
An archaic form of 'does,' commonly seen in Shakespearean and other Renaissance-era texts.
Phrases with dual meanings, often one risqué, used in scripts to add humor or subtext without overt expression.
The part of the stage closest to the audience.
A dull or faded costume color used to reflect low status or mood.
A performance style where a performer adopts exaggerated gender expression, often for satire, art, or celebration.
Relating to theatre or intense emotion; in performance, dramatic elements drive conflict, transformation, and audience engagement.
A concise summary of a play’s central action and character conflict, used in analysis and rehearsal.
Occurs when the audience knows more than the characters on stage, creating tension, humor, or poignancy.