Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A segment of time in music defined by a set number of beats, important for timing and phrasing in musical performance.
A scheduled gathering or appointment in the theatrical world, often referring to production meetings or auditions. Meets ensure collaboration and planning among cast, crew, and creatives throughout the production process.
A large Christian congregation, sometimes satirized or critiqued in theatre for spectacle and commercialization.
A large-scale musical with elaborate staging, global appeal, and strong branding, such as *Les Misérables* or *Phantom*.
A mood or character trait in drama denoting sadness, introspection, or despair, often linked to tragic figures.
A vocal technique where one syllable is sung across several notes, common in gospel, R&B, and musical theatre.
A dramatic genre with exaggerated characters and emotions, often including music to enhance moral and emotional stakes.
A heightened, emotional style of performance or storytelling that exaggerates plot and character traits. Melodrama is often associated with 19th century theatre and explores themes of good versus evil.
A sequence of musical notes that form a recognizable tune, often the emotional or thematic centerpiece of a performance.
A dramatic form where a character recalls past events, often blurring reality with subjective perception.
A symbol of Hanukkah and Jewish identity, often used in theatrical settings to signify faith, culture, or ritual.
Meta-theatre refers to drama that draws attention to itself as a play, reminding audiences that they are watching a performance. This may include breaking the fourth wall, plays-within-plays, or showing the mechanics of stagecraft. By highlighting its own theatricality, meta-theatre often creates humor, irony, or deeper reflection.