Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A heavy-duty machine used for constructing costumes and theatrical garments, designed to withstand prolonged use and stitch through tough fabrics. These machines are essential in costume shops for efficiency and precision during high-volume production schedules.
A betrayal of romantic commitment, often a catalyst for emotional turmoil and dramatic conflict.
In theatre and film, the ingénue is a stock character representing a young, innocent, and often naïve woman, typically portrayed with charm and vulnerability. She is usually cast as the romantic interest, embodying purity and youthful idealism in contrast to more worldly or complex characters. The role often highlights themes of coming-of-age, first love, and the challenges of navigating adult society.
The young lovers in Commedia dell’arte, typically portrayed as idealistic and melodramatic, without masks.
Live auditions where actors perform in front of casting directors and creative teams at a designated physical location. These auditions allow evaluators to assess presence, vocal projection, and responsiveness to direction in real-time, offering a fuller picture than remote submissions.
A short performance between acts or scenes, often offering comic relief or thematic commentary in dramatic structure.
A scheduled break between acts in a play or musical, giving the audience and performers a pause in the performance. Intermissions allow for set changes, costume adjustments, and audience refreshments, and are also useful for building suspense and anticipation.
A struggle within a character’s mind or emotions that drives dramatic tension and character development.
The distance between two pitches, key to vocal technique and harmony in theatre music and operatic compositions.
A formal or informal meeting used in casting or academic settings to evaluate an artist's experience, goals, or fit for a program or role. Interviews may accompany auditions or applications, providing additional context for decision-makers.
Close emotional or physical relationships in theatre that require sensitivity and, often, choreography for safety.
The accuracy of pitch in speech or singing, crucial for both musical and dramatic performance clarity.