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DRAMA
TERMINOLOGY
NAME: ……………………………………… CLASS: …………………….
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CONTENTS
1. OVERVIEW OF BOOKLET
2. GENERAL TERMS
3. FORM
4. GENRE
5. STRUCTURE
6. STYLE
7. CONVENTIONS
8. CHARACTERISATION AND REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES
9. VOICE
10.MOVEMENT
11. STAGING AND AREAS OF THE STAGE
12. PRODUCTION AREAS (Acting, Directing, Set, Sound, Lighting,
Costume, Hair/Make Up and Props)
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BOOKLET OVERVIEW
What is this Booklet?
This booklet provides you with a list of Drama terms, which are provided by the
SQA for Higher Drama candidates.
What should I use the Booklet for?
You should use the booklet to help you learn and use Drama terminology in your
work, especially in your exam essays. You will be expected to demonstrate an
understanding of Drama Terminology through the use of your language in all
written exercises.
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GENERAL DRAMA TERMS
Below is a list of General Drama terms, which you should become familiar with
and use to help you to describe and detail points in your essays:
GENERAL TERMS
TERM
WHAT IT MEANS
Acting Style
The style in which you are acting in, for instance;
naturalistic, stylized etc.
Actor-audience relationship
The relationship created between the actor and the
audience.
Atmosphere
The feeling and emotion that is created.
Blocking
The moves of the actors on stage.
Central character/complex
character/improtant character/ main
character/pivotal character
The most important character in the drama or a
character key to the drama.
Minor character
A character who is less important to the plot and
themes.
Characterisation
The investigation and portrayal of a character .
Character behaviour/
interaction/relationship
The way a character acts and responds to others.
Climax
The most dramatic point in the play.
Context: dramatic context/ social
context / political context / cultural
context
The world in which the play is happening in. What
is happening in society and culture the characters
are living in.
Design Concepts
Ideas for the design of the production; for instance,
lighting, costume, set etc.
Dialogue
The spoken word between characters.
Drama Media
Projections, video footage, sound scapes etc.
Drama Process
The steps taken from responding to stimulus or text,
to the performance day.
Dramatic Features
These are key areas in a production, such as, Plot
and plot twists,themes and issues, dramatic
tension, dramatic irony, character motivation,
character relationships, key moments, genre, form,
purpose, setting, period, style, target audience,
mood and atmosphere.
Dramatic tension / points of tension
/ moments of tension
Tense and exciting moments in the play.
TERM
WHAT IT MEANS
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Dramatic Irony
Actions or remarks whose significance is not
realised by all the characters.
Duologues
A conversaiton between two characters.
Eposodic Structure
Series of scenes or stories linking together by a
comon theme, character or setting etc. It does not
need to link to the same storyline.
Focus
Key moment, scene, character, relationship or
event in a drama.
Given Circumstances
Textual information given to an actor about a
character or moment (this cannot be altered). This
will help them to play the character and situation
true to the text.
Ground Plans
A drawing or image that gives a birds eye view of
the set, acting area and audeince position.
Key Scene
One of the most important scenes in the drama.
Key Moment
A moment in the drama which is integral to the plot.
Language
The words used by the characters during the play.
This can determine class, personality, feelings etc.
Message
The overall point to be communicated.
Mood
The feeling or emotion of a moment or peice.
Original production / original
staging / stage configurations
Orignial production - The first performance of
something like Antigone in Greek times. Original
Staging – Unique use of staging. Stage
Configurations – Audience are in relation to action.
Performance Analysis
The analysation and critique on a performance you
have seen.
Performance Concepts
Ideas and techniques you have used as an actor
when developing your character; voice, movement,
bloking etc
Pre-show
A part of the production which adds depth to the
plot like the dancing in the woods in the Cruicible
for instance.
Plot
The Storyline/Scenario
Plot Twists
Sections of he storyline that are unpredictable and
take the plot on a different track.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist: Main character in the drama.
Antagonist: The enemy or the competitor.
Purpose
The point of the drama, what the aim of the
produciton is. This could also link to the purpose of
your character in the piece.
Stage Proxemics
The positioning and distance of characters on stage
to give dramatic impact.
TERM
WHAT IT MEANS
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Rehearsal Activities
Exercises carried out during rehearsals to aid
characterisation and plot development.
Set
Objects, flats and furniture we see on stage to help
create the setting.
Setting
The location the drama takes place, for instance, a
house, a park etc.
Site Specific Theatre
A piece of theatre created about/for a specific
location and is then performed there to add impact.
Special effects
Effects to help create illusions in the theatre; strobe
lighting, glitterballs, smoke machines, pyrotechnics
etc.
Textual evidence
Information drawn from the text to support decisions
or opinions.
Traditional theatre
A piece of theatre that is original from a country or
culture.
Stage Imagery
Visual ideas brought to life on stage which
represent an message/emotion/ idea.
Status
Importance relative to other characters.
Stimulus
A starting point for a Drama (photo, script, word,
prop, setting etc.)
Subtext
The underlying meaning of the spoken word or
movements.
Symbols and imagery
A representation of another meaning.
Target Audience
The audience who are most suited for the
production.
Tension
A build up of excitement.
Textual analysis
Analysing the words of a text to create a meaning.
Theatrical Background
The experience a person has in theatre or the
background/history of a play.
Themes and Issues
The main topics and points of the play.
Time period / passage of time /
shifts in time
When the drama is happening in relation to date.
Positioning
Placement on the stage.
Use of levels
Contrast of height used in positioning, this could be
with actors or set.
Venue
The theatre or place the drama takes place in.
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FORMS
A Drama Form is the mould that you use to help the Drama take shape.
FORM
WHAT IT IS
Dance Drama
A drama story which is told through dance.
Forum Theatre
A drama where the audience suggest changes to the
drama to improve the outcome.
Mime
A non-naturalistic abstract style of drama with minimal
props and no dialogue.
Movement
A drama told through movement.
Musical
A drama which has song and music to help support the
telling of the story.
Pantomime
Usually a Christmas drama which will recreate a famous
fairytale.
A Play Scripted
A drama which has a script.
A Play Improvised
A drama which has been devised/improvised by the
actors and directors.
Physical Theatre
A theatrical drama which is told many through physical
movement.
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GENRE
Genre is the type of Drama you are creating.
GENRE
WHAT IT IS
Agitprop
A play with a strong political message.
Black Comedy
A comedy with dark themes.
Comedy of Manners
A comedy which uses society’s
stereotypes.
Commedia Dell ‘arte
Improvised theatre, which looks at using
stock characters, such as; the slave, the
damsel etc. It also uses a lot of
physicality.
Docudrama
Documentary style drama.
Epic Theatre
Awareness that the audience are
watching a play, usually has a strong
point or message. The Audience should
not empathise with the characters they
should know they are watching a drama.
Farce
A drama which is highly exaggerated.
This is usually comical.
Historical Drama
Drama set in historical period.
Melodrama
Exaggerated plot and characters, often
plays on emotions. This will usually use
stock characters. Music also plays a
part in this type of drama.
Satire
Use of sarcasm and irony to get over a
message or generate shock.
Comedy
A play which is comical and has a
happy ending.
Tragic-comedy
A play which has both comical moments
and an element of tragedy.
Drama
Relies on the action, emotion and
relationships in the plot.
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STRUCTURE
A structure is the way that the Drama is constructed. Structure is important because
it determines how the audience see the story unfold.
Three Structure Options:
1. Linear: Drama runs in time order with no flash-backs or flash-forwards
2. Non-Linear: The Drama jumps about in time with flash-backs/forwards.
3. Episodic: The Drama is linked by an overarching theme/idea.
STYLE
The style is the way in which the drama is performed.
There are two main styles:
Naturalistic – performance which aims to replicate real life
Non-Naturalistic – performance which is experimental
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CONVENTIONS
Conventions are theatrical techniques which can add effect and help to enhance a
drama.
CONVENTION
WHAT IT IS
Flash-Back
The Drama jumps back in time during the
performance.
Flash-Forward
The Drama jumps forward into the future.
Tableau
A still image which gives an overview of a whole
situation.
Freeze Frame
A still image which represents a moment in the
Drama.
Mime
Creates an illusion without speech or props.
Monologue
An character speaks thoughts and emotions out
loud. This can be delivered directly to the
audience.
Movement
Could be a stylized movement piece to represent
a section of the Drama.
Aside
An actor given information to the audience which
other characters on stage don’t know about. This
can also be a commentary of the action.
Slow Motion
A section of the Drama is performed slowly.
Narration
A section of the story is spoken. There may be
some action happening at the same time. This is
usually spoken directly to the audience.
Voice Over
Pre recorded voice explaining the action, the
thoughts of a character or giving the audience
guidance.
Soliloquy
One long speech presented by one character
alone on stage.
Split Stage
The stage is split into two sections, so two
different pieces of action can be seen alongside
each other.
Dialogue
The words exchanged between characters.
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CHARACTERISATION AND REHEARSAL TECHNIQUES
Characterisation and Rehearsal Techniques are games and exercises which are
carried out during the rehearsal process to aid plot and character development.
TECHNIQUE
WHAT IT IS
Character Cards
A document with character information on it.
Giving Witness
Reporting on off stage action.
Hot Seating
An actor is interviewed or asked questions and must
respond in character.
Improvisation
Making up a scene in order to explore a situation or
relationship.
Key Moments
Exploration of an important section or relationship in
the drama.
Mantel of the Expert
The actor becomes an expert of something and
improvises as if they know everything about that
subject.
Role Play
Exploration of the attitudes and beliefs of a certain
role.
Role on the Wall
The role or character is drawn and ideas, thoughts,
given circumstances etc, are written down around
the image.
Role-Reversal
Actors reverse roles in a rehearsal to increase
understanding of a given situation.
Still Image or Talking
through the image
An image created to help capture a key moment or
emotion.
Use of prop
Exploration of a key prop during rehearsals.
Thought Tracking
An aid to characterisation: the character speaks
their thoughts out loud
Thought Tunnel
Characters create a tunnel as one character walks
through it, thoughts on the character or a situation
are spoken aloud.
Voices in the Head
Recall of words said about a character or situation
by an actor in role.
Visualisation Exercises
Use of the imagination to create a picture of a
character or situation in their head.
Writing in Role
An actor writes in role about another character or
situation (email, text, letter, diary entry etc.)
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VOICE
Below are a list of voice terms which are used to help an actor or director describe
how voice is used during a drama to add emotion or effect.
TERM
WHAT IT MEANS
Pitch
How high or low a voice is.
Pace
The speed of speech.
Emphasis
Stress on a word or phrase.
Volume
How loud or quiet a voice is.
Accent
Way of speaking in a country or local area.
Clarity
Clearness of the voice.
Intonation
The rising and falling of the voice.
Pause
A break in speaking; a period of silence.
Tone
The changing of the voice to express emotion.
Articulation
Clear pronunciation of words.
Fluency
Natural, flowing speech.
Projection
Strength and volume in the voice when speaking.
Register
Appropriate speech for the person being spoken to.
Rhythm
Words delivered following a beat or pattern.
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MOVEMENT
Below are a list of movement terms which are used to help an actor or director
describe how movement is used during a drama to add emotion or effect.
Naturalistic Movement: Movement which helps to portray character
Naturalistic Terms
TERM
WHAT IT MEANS
Body Language
Messages given by the position of the body.
Facial Expression
Look on the face to show emotion.
Eye Contact
Where the eyes are looking to portray emotion.
Gesture
A movement of the hand or arm which communicates a
message.
Mannerisms
A common movement used by a character to show
personality.
Posture
How the body is held upright.
Positioning
The placement of the actors on stage.
Proxemics
The positioning and distance of characters on stage to
give dramatic impact.
Use of Space
The way the character moves around the space.
Stylized Movement: Movement which tells a section of the story and is more
abstract.
Stylized Movement Terms
TERM
WHAT IT MEANS
Balance
The distribution of weight.
Mime
A stylized form of movement which creates and illusion
without speech or props.
Positioning
The placement of the actors on stage.
Proxemics
The positioning and distance of characters on stage to
give dramatic impact.
Rhythm
Movements which follow a pattern or beat.
Speed
How fast or slow movements are.
Stance
The attitude of the position the actors body is in.
Timing
Moving or pausing at the right moment.
Use of Levels
Position which are high up, mid-level or low down.
Use of Space
The way actors move around the space.
Use of Direction
The direction of movement of actors on the stage.
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STAGING AND AREAS OF THE STAGE
Staging is the way the audience are positioned in relation to the performance.
TYPES OF STAGING
TYPE
DESCRIPTION
End On
The audience are seated at the end of the acting area.
Theatre in the Round
The audience are seated on all four sides of the acting
area, in the shape of a circle or a square
Thrust
The audience are seated on three sides of the acting area
in a U shape.
Avenue/Traverse
The audience are seated on two sides of the acting area, a
bit like a catwalk.
Promenade
The audience follow the action around a venue.
Proscenium Arch
The action takes place on a raised stage with a prominent
arch around the top of the end on stage.
Areas of the Stage are the nine different stage positions which should be referred to
when describing positions of set, lights, props or actors.
AREAS OF THE STAGE
Remember Areas of the Stage are from the Actors Perspective
USR
Up Stage
Right
CSL
Centre
Stage Left
USC
Up Stage
Centre
CSR
Centre Stage
Right
CS
Centre Stage
USL
Up Stage Left
DSR
Down Stage
Right
DSC
Down Stage
Centre
DSL
Down Stage
Left
AUDIENCE
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PRODUCTION AREAS
ACTING
Acting Terms are useful for helping to describe what an actor does when portraying
a character.
Acting Terms
Definition
Accent
Way of speaking used in a local area or country
Body Language
Messages given by the position or movement of the body
Characterisation
The process of fully developing a character
Dramatic Irony
Actions or remarks whose significance is not realised by all the
characters
Emphasis
The stress on a word or phrase
Facial
expression
Look on face which shows emotion
Fluency
Natural, flowing speech
Focus
Key moment, scene, character, relationship or event in a drama
Hot-seating
Questioning a character in role
Intonation
Rising and falling of voice in speech
Masking
One actor unintentionally preventing another from being seen by the
audience
Monologue
A character speaks their thoughts aloud
Movement
Use of the body as a means of communication
Pace
Speed of speech or movement
Pause
A break in speaking; period of silence
Pitch
How high or low the voice is
Posture
Position of the body – how it is held
Register
Appropriate speech for the person being spoken to, or for the situation
Rhythm
Movements or speech which follow a pattern or beat
Soliloquy
A single lengthy speech, made when no other characters are on stage
Stance
Attitude or position of the body
Status
Importance relative to others
Tension
Build up of excitement
Thought
tracking
An aid to characterisation: the character speaks their thoughts out loud
Timing
Speaking, moving or pausing at exactly the right moment
Tone
Change of voice to express emotion
Voices in the
head
Recall of words said by others about a character or situation
Volume
Loudness or quietness of the voice
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DIRECTING
Directing Terms are useful for helping to describe what a director does when
directing a play.
Directing Terms
Definition
Accent
Way of speaking used in a local area or country
Blocking
The Moves of the actor during a scene.
Body Language
Messages given by the position or movement of the body
Characterisation
The process of fully developing a character
Corpse
When an actor comes out of character, usually by laughing when they
shouldn’t – this ‘kills’ the illusion of the character
Dramatic Irony
Actions or remarks whose significance is not realised by all the characters
Emphasis
The stress on a word or phrase
Facial expression
Look on face which shows emotion
Fluency
Natural, flowing speech
Focus
Key moment, scene, character, relationship or event in a drama
Hot-seating
Questioning a character in role
Intonation
Rising and falling of voice in speech
Masking
One actor unintentionally preventing another from being seen by the audience
Monologue
A character speaks their thoughts aloud
Movement
Use of the body as a means of communication
Pace
Speed of speech or movement
Pause
A break in speaking; period of silence
Pitch
How high or low the voice is
Posture
Position of the body – how it is held
Register
Appropriate speech for the person being spoken to, or for the situation
Rhythm
Movements or speech which follow a pattern or beat
Sightlines
The sightline indicates the audience’s line of vision.
Soliloquy
A single lengthy speech, made when no other characters are on stage
Stance
Attitude or position of the body
Status
Importance relative to others
Subtext
The underlying or less obvious meaning
Tension
Build-up of excitement
Thought tracking
An aid to characterisation: the character speaks their thoughts out loud
Timing
Speaking, moving or pausing at exactly the right moment
Tone
Change of voice to express emotion
Use of levels
Low/mid/high or lie/sit/stand – offers variety; a more interesting picture
Voices in the
head
Recall of words said by others about a character or situation
Volume
Loudness or quietness of the voice
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SET DESIGN TERMS
Set Design Terms are useful for helping to describe how set is constructed.
Set Design
Concepts
Definition
Cyclorama
A white cloth that is used to light
and/or project on to.
Black Box
A simple black studio space.
Backcloth
Canvas cloth which covers the back
of the stage - can be painted.
Box Set
Box sets create the illusion of
reality by connecting flats together.
Flats
Wooden frames, joined together
and covered with canvas, which
can be painted.
Flies
Area above the stage from where
scenery/actors are flown in on
pulleys.
Rake
Slope of stage and/or audience (to
allow actors to be seen).
Staging
End On, Thrust, In The Round,
Traverse, Promenade, Site-
Specific.
Onstage and
Offstage World
What can the audience see? What
should the audience believe is
offstage?
Style of Set
This could be minimal, stylised or
naturalistic.
Visibility and
Viability
This relates to sight lines and
health/safety.
Areas of the
stage
CS, USC, DSC, USR, USL, DSR,
DSL
Trucks
Piece of scenery on wheels for
ease of movement.
Revolving
Stage
Stage which turns in a circle.
Rostra
Blocks or platforms used to create
levels.
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LIGHTING DESIGN TERMS
Lighting Design terms are useful for helping to describe how Lighting is designed.
Lighting
Concepts
Definition
Key Light
An obvious source of light e.g.
sunshine through a window.
Specials
For example - projection, strobe,
UV, glitter ball, smoke machine,
pyrotechnics.
Gobo
Thin metal plate cut out in a pattern
and placed in a lantern to project
pattern or shape into the acting
area.
Gel
Film placed in front of a lantern to
change the colour of the beam.
Fresnel
Lantern giving a soft-edged beam
of light.
Flood
Lantern giving a wide spread of
light.
Profile Spot
Lantern giving a hard-edged beam
of light.
Follow Spot
Powerful profile used to follow
actors around the acting area.
Barn Doors
Adjustable metal flaps attached to
the front of a fresnel for shaping the
beam of light.
Focus
Positioning light to create a desired
effect.
Timing (Snap,
Cross Fade, Slow)
Length of time it takes to light an
acting area and/or black out an
acting area.
Onstage and
Offstage World
What can the audience see? What
should the audience believe is
offstage?
House lights
Practical working lights that are not
theatre lights.
Intensity
The level of light used.
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SOUND DESIGN TERMS
Sound Design Terms are useful for helping to describe how Sound is designed.
Sound Concept
Definition
Live SFX
Sound effects that are made
live.
Pre-recorded SFX
Sound effects that have been
recorded in advance.
Foley SFX
Sound effects that are created.
Live Music
Music that is created live
onstage with musicians.
Pre-recorded Music
Sound that has been created by
music artists.
Voice Over
Recorded speech played during
a drama.
Levels (low,
medium, high)
The volume level.
Timing (Snap,
Cross Fade, Slow)
Length of time it takes to
introduce sound and/or mute
sound.
Onstage and
Offstage World
What can the audience hear?
What should the audience
believe is offstage?
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PROPS DESIGN TERMS
Props Design terms are useful for helping to describe how Props are designed.
Props Concepts
Definition
Set Props
An item placed on
the set, usually part
of it e.g. a lamp,
clock, picture.
Personal Props
Objects that are
carried on by the
actor, can be used to
show status.
Props Table
A place that props
are stored and
organised.
Visibility and Viability
This relates to
whether it can be
seen and
health/safety.
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HAIR and MAKE UP DESIGN TERMS
HAIR and MAKE UP design terms are useful for helping to describe how Hair and
Make Up is designed.
COSTUME DESIGN TERMS
Hair and Make
Up Concepts
Definition
Fake Blood
Powder, liquid or capsules which
create the effect of bleeding.
Foundation
The base coat applied to the face
which is the basic skin colour.
Liners
Sticks of make up in different colours
used to create lines, bruises, shading,
highlighting etc.
Pencils
Soft pencils in different colours which
are easily smudged and blended.
Scarring
Scars created with make up, putty or
scaring material.
Stipple Sponge
Used to create unshaven look or the
appearance of cracked veins.
Tooth Varnish
Used to create the look of a missing
tooth by blacking out the existing one.
Crepe Hair
Plaits of artificial hair which can be cut
and trimmed to form eye brows,
moustache and beards.
Highlighting
Using light colours to make areas of
the face stand out.
Shading
Using colours to make areas of the
face look shrunken.
Spirit Gum
Glue used to attach hair to the face.
Latex
Liquid rubber that can be used to
make a skull cap, moulds or false
noses.
Nose Putty
Type of clay used for altering the
shape of the nose or chin and making
warts and wounds.
Skull Cap
Plastic head shaped covering to give
the appearance of baldness.
Wigs/Hair
Piece/Extension
Fake hair used to create different hair
styles.
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Costume Design terms are useful for helping to describe how Costumes are
designed.
STUDY TIPS
Costume Concepts
Definition
Hats
An item you wear on
your head.
Hair and Face
Accessories
Items used to show
personality/status
e.g. ribbon, glasses,
nose ring etc.
Jewellery
Items used to show
personality/status
e.g. ring, necklace,
bracelet etc.
Clothing
Items that a
character wears e.g.
trousers, skirt, t-shirt
etc.
Shoes
Items worn on the
feet to show
character e.g. boots,
high heels etc.
Specials
For example – fat
suits, pregnancy
bumps, hooped
skirts, shoulder pads
etc.
Tailoring
The shape and fit of
clothing.
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To help you remember the terms here are some ideas of what you could do:
TECHNIQUE
WHAT TO DO
Traffic Light Terms
Highlight the terms in Green, Orange
and Red to indicate how well you know
or understand them to help organise
revision time.
Create a Rhythm or acronym to help
remember the terms
Use the rhythm of a song and replace
the lyrics with your drama terms.
Create a word or Rhyme which uses the
first letters or words of the drama terms
you what to learn.
Record the terms
Pre-record the words on a voice memo
and listen to them over and over again.
Writing out
Write out the terms a few times to help
remember them.
Create Movements
Create movements or a dance routine
to help you actively and visually
remember the terms.
