Basic Theatre Terms

Front

disagreement between characters or ideas in a play

Back

conflict

Front

clothing worn onstage to give information about a character, such as where the story takes place, when it takes place, social status, etc.

Back

costumes

Front

The conversation between two or more characters onstage

Back

dialogue

Front

to ad-lib or invent dialogue not in the script

Back

improvisation

Front

cosmetics applied to the actor’s face and body that helps create the image of who the character is

Back

makeup

Front

the act or practice of imitating another person or action

Back

mimicry

Front

a dramatic presentation made by one person, also called a soliloquy

Back

monologue

Front

to act out a story or situation with movement only, without any spoken dialogue

Back

pantomime

Front

the storyline of a play developed through the unfolding of a series of events

Back

plot

Front

all articles, except costumes or scenery, used as part of a dramatic production (e.g., pan, suitcase, stuffed animal)

Back

props