Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
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.
The crafting and manipulation of metal for use in props, sets, and costumes. This technical skill supports realistic and durable elements on stage, often involving welding or sculpting.
A literary device comparing two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as,' used in theatre to add symbolic meaning. Metaphors enhance subtext and deepen character understanding.