Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
A revival is a new production of a play or musical after its original run has ended, often reimagined for a new generation of audiences. Revivals may stay faithful to the original staging or update elements like design, casting, or interpretation. They are a cornerstone of theatre tradition, keeping classic works alive and relevant.
A form of theatre with a series of short sketches, songs, and dances, often satirical and lacking a unified narrative.
The art of persuasive speaking or writing, often used by playwrights and characters to influence others or convey arguments.
A pattern of rhyming sounds in poetry or lyrics, commonly used in verse drama, musicals, and Shakespearean plays.
The patterned flow of sound or movement in speech, music, or choreography that shapes the energy and pacing of a performance.
Crew members who manage the hanging and movement of scenery, lights, and other equipment from above the stage. Riggers ensure safety and functionality in complex productions.
The series of events in a dramatic plot that build tension and complications, leading toward the climax of the story.
A type of theater popularized on paddle steamers in 19th-century America, known for musical entertainment and melodrama.
An ancient Indian epic narrating Rama’s quest to rescue Sita, foundational in Hindu literature and theatrical adaptations.
Rock and roll is a musical genre that originated in the United States in the 1950s, combining rhythm and blues with country and gospel influences. Characterized by strong beats, electric guitars, and youthful energy, it quickly became a symbol of rebellion and change. In theatre, rock and roll often represents social upheaval, generational conflict, and the rise of new cultural voices.
A rock musical is a form of musical theatre that incorporates the rhythms, instrumentation, and energy of rock-and-roll into its score. Emerging in the late 1960s with shows like Hair, rock musicals often bring a contemporary, rebellious edge to the stage. They blend theatrical storytelling with the raw power of popular music to attract younger and more diverse audiences.
A musical work with rock music that tells a dramatic story, often sung-through and adapted for stage or screen.