Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A screen or speaker used backstage or in the house to provide visual or audio feedback for performers and crew. Monitors are essential for cueing, timing, and live adjustments.
An extended speech delivered by a single character, either to another character or the audience. Monologues are used for character development and to reveal inner thoughts.
A vocal delivery lacking pitch variation, which can be used intentionally for comedic or dramatic effect.
The emotional atmosphere created by the elements of a performance, influencing how audiences feel and interpret events.
Morality refers to the principles and values that guide a person’s sense of right and wrong behavior. It shapes decisions, actions, and judgments based on cultural, personal, or societal standards. In drama, morality often drives character motivations and conflicts, revealing deeper themes about ethics and human nature.
Allegorical dramas from the Medieval period that taught moral lessons through personified virtues and vices.
Relating to death or disease, often used to describe the tone or themes in dark or tragic plays. Morbid elements in theatre provoke reflection and emotional impact.
A reference to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes featured in theatre as cultural or religious characters. Their representation has appeared in notable works such as satirical musicals and dramas exploring faith and identity.
An archaic term meaning ‘tomorrow’ or ‘the next day,’ often found in English Renaissance texts to signify passage of time or poetic formality.
A recurring element, such as a symbol, image, or phrase, that reinforces a play’s themes. Motifs help unify the structure of a work and deepen its symbolic meaning.
The driving force behind a character’s actions and decisions in a play. Understanding motivation is essential for actors when developing authentic performances.
Motown refers to a style of popular music that emerged in Detroit in the 1960s, blending elements of soul, rhythm and blues, and pop. Known for its polished sound and infectious rhythms, Motown launched the careers of legendary artists such as Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. In theatre and film, Motown often symbolizes cultural pride, crossover success, and the power of Black artistry.