Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A period of artistic flourishing, often referring to 1940s-60s Broadway or English Renaissance theatre. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
The “Golden Age Musical” refers to Broadway shows written roughly between the 1940s and 1960s, a period known for integrating songs, story, and character development. These musicals often balanced romance, comedy, and social themes with memorable melodies and large ensembles. Classics from this era continue to shape the foundation of modern musical theatre.
A style of Christian music with deep emotional and spiritual roots, featured in theatre to uplift or ground cultural identity.
Idle talk that fuels character dynamics and conflict, particularly in comedies and societal plays.
An acting method acronym standing for Goal, Obstacle, Tactics, and Expectations. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
A literary and dramatic style emphasizing horror, emotion, and the supernatural. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
The front curtain that covers the stage from the audience’s view before and after performances. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
Financial support provided to individuals or organizations for theatrical projects. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
Plural of grant; funds awarded for theatre production, education, or research. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
A sense of seriousness and importance in a character's presence, often demanded in tragic or leadership roles.
A heavy oil-based stage makeup used before the advent of modern foundations. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
A historic economic crisis dramatized in plays to explore poverty, resilience, and social upheaval.