Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
Stage right refers to the area of the stage that is to an actor’s right when they are facing the audience. This directional term is used in blocking, choreography, and technical cues to guide movement and positioning. It is always given from the performer’s perspective, which means it is the opposite of the audience’s right.
A crew member responsible for moving scenery, props, and equipment during rehearsals and performances.
A rough run-through of an entire act or show, used to check pacing and transitions without requiring polished performance.
The perceived consequences of a character’s actions in a scene, driving urgency and emotional investment.
A character’s physical posture, conveying intention, confidence, or status, often used in character development.
A musical number that functions independently from the plot, often highlighting a character’s internal state or showcasing a performer's skill.
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.