Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
The genocide of Jews and others by Nazi Germany, portrayed in theatre to memorialize victims and examine human cruelty.
Prejudice or discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, sometimes explored as a theme in dramatic works. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
The area of the theatre where the audience sits. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
A diagram showing the layout of the theatre’s seating and technical systems. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
A 20th-century government body whose influence on censorship and blacklisting shaped theatre’s political landscape.
A term in classical medicine and drama referring to bodily fluids that affect temperament; also used to mean comedy. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
A revered figure in Islamic history, dramatized in Shi’a ritual theatre, particularly in Ta’zieh performances.
A space used for commemorative performances in Shi’a Islamic traditions, including religious passion plays and Ta’zieh.
A staple of musical theatre where the protagonist expresses a deep personal desire, setting the emotional tone for the narrative.
A poetic meter consisting of five iambs per line, widely used in English Renaissance drama by playwrights like Shakespeare.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the union representing backstage workers. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.