Drama Glossary
Key theatre terms and definitions including related shows.
Male performers who specialize in playing female roles.
The first night on which a particular production is performed.
A style of comic opera developed in Italy.
A style of comic opera developed in France and characterised by the use of spoken dialogue.
A style of opera developed in Italy on a serious (usually classical or mythological) theme.
A short and usually humorous opera, generally incorporating more spoken dialogue than traditional opera.
A large-scale, usually narrative musical work for orchestra and voices, typically on a sacred theme, performed without costume, scenery, or action.
The space immediately in front of or underneath the stage where the musicians sit.
The arrangement of instrument parts, including piano, percussion, horns, and strings.
Related to obstacle, the person or thing a character struggles against.
A Japanese hip drum.
An orchestral piece at the beginning of a musical or opera, often incorporating melodies from the show.