Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
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.
An aria is a solo vocal piece in an opera or oratorio that showcases the singer’s range and emotional expression. It is typically performed with orchestral accompaniment and often marks a moment of reflection or emotional climax.
Dramatic rules from Aristotle’s *Poetics* prescribing unity of time, place, and action in classical tragedy.
Arms' is an old-fashioned theatrical term referring to weapons used on stage, such as swords, spears, or shields. These props are often associated with historical or battle scenes in classical or Renaissance plays.
An intensifier meaning “complete” or “utter,” often used in older theatrical texts (e.g., “arrant knave”).