Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
The Stanislavski System is an influential approach to acting that emphasizes psychological realism and truth on stage. It encourages performers to use personal experience, emotional memory, and objective-driven choices to create authentic characters. This method has shaped modern acting and is foundational to many contemporary training programs.
A literary term describing lovers doomed by fate, made famous by Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
The initial equilibrium in a play’s structure before the inciting incident disrupts the status quo.
A non-linear dramatic form depicting a protagonist’s journey through symbolic scenes, often with religious or moral themes.
A legal time limit to press charges, thematically used in drama to explore justice, memory, and accountability.
Oversimplified character types used in theatre to critique or reinforce societal assumptions and cultural bias.
Stichomythia is a dramatic technique in which two characters exchange short, quick lines of dialogue in rapid succession. This back-and-forth creates tension, speeds up the pace of the scene, and makes conflicts more intense. It is often used in classical tragedies during arguments or confrontations.
A makeup technique that uses dots to create texture or shading, often for aging effects or character realism.
A costume shop worker who sews garments based on designer specifications and patterns.
Recognizable character types used across theatrical traditions, such as the fool, villain, or ingenue.
A philosophical approach emphasizing reason and emotional control, reflected in characters who endure suffering with quiet strength.