Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
Anthropomorphism is when animals, objects, or natural forces are given human qualities, such as the ability to speak, think, or act like people. In drama, this technique allows playwrights to express human emotions and conflicts through non-human characters, often highlighting instincts, desires, or struggles in symbolic ways. By watching animals or objects behave like people, audiences can explore human issues from a fresh, imaginative perspective.
Prejudice against Jewish people, explored in dramatic works to reveal social injustices and historical persecution.
An anti-hero is a central character who lacks traditional heroic qualities such as morality, bravery, or idealism. Often flawed and complex, anti-heroes appear frequently in modern drama and literature.
An object of historical value, used on stage to signify memory, status, or passage of time in realistic and symbolic plays.
The response section of an ancient Greek choral ode, following the strophe and preceding the epode.
A cultural region in the eastern U.S. known for its folklore and music, often represented in theatre to convey authenticity and resilience.
A loyal member of a communist bureaucracy, often portrayed as a symbol of systemic conformity in political theatre.
An application fee is a charge collected by colleges, universities, or theatre programs during the admissions process. It is part of the administrative cost of reviewing applications and is common in professional and educational settings.
An apprentice is someone who learns a craft or trade through hands-on experience, typically under the guidance of a skilled professional. In theatre, apprenticeships often involve training in technical, performance, or administrative roles.
The apron is the section of the stage that extends in front of the proscenium arch toward the audience. It allows actors to perform closer to the audience and is especially useful for monologues or intimate scenes.
A recurring character type or symbol representing universal patterns in storytelling, often used in classical and contemporary theatre.
An arena stage, also called 'theatre-in-the-round,' is a performance space where the audience surrounds the stage on all sides. It encourages a high level of intimacy and requires creative staging and movement.