INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA / VOCABULARY LIST 1 / DEFINITIONS

1. ACTOR

An actor is a person who performs in plays, movies, or television shows. They take on different
roles, portraying characters by expressing emotions and delivering lines. Actors use their voice,
body, and facial expressions to bring stories to life and engage the audience.

2. BEGINNING

The beginning is the first part of a play or story where the audience is introduced to the
characters, setting, and initial conflict. It sets the tone, and gives viewers an idea of what to
expect. A strong beginning grabs attention, and makes people want to see what happens next.

3. BLOCKING

Blocking refers to the planned movements and positions of actors on stage during a performance.
It helps to create a visually interesting scene, and ensures that actors are in the right place to be
seen and heard by the audience. Proper blocking is essential for effective storytelling in theatre.

4. BODY LANGUAGE

Body language is the way people communicate feelings and thoughts without using words. In
Drama, actors use their posture, gestures, and facial expressions to convey emotions and
reactions. It adds depth to their performances, and helps the audience understand the
character's feelings.

5. CHARACTER

A character is a person, animal, or even an object in a story or play. Each character has specific
traits, backgrounds, and motivations that drive their actions. Understanding a character helps
the audience connect with the story and its themes.

6. COMEDY

Comedy is a genre of Drama that aims to entertain and amuse the audience through humor. It
often involves funny situations, witty dialogue, and exaggerated characters. Comedies can range
from light-hearted stories to satirical plays that make people think while they laugh.

7. DIALOGUE

Dialogue is the spoken conversation between characters in a play, movie, or story. It reveals
important information about the characters and their relationships. Good dialogue helps to move
the plot forward, and keeps the audience engaged.

1
 INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA / VOCABULARY LIST 1 / DEFINITIONS

8. DIRECTOR

The director is the person responsible for overseeing the entire production of a play or film. They
make creative decisions about how the story will be told, guide the actors’ performances, and
work with the technical team to bring the vision to life. A director’s leadership is crucial for a
successful performance.

9. END

The end is the final part of a play or story where the conflicts are resolved and the characters
reach their conclusions. It provides closure to the audience, and can leave them with a lasting
impression, whether it’s happiness, sadness, or something to think about.

10. ENUNCIATION

Enunciation is the clear and precise pronunciation of words while speaking. In Drama, good
enunciation is important for actors to ensure that the audience understands the dialogue. It helps
convey the meaning and emotions behind the words.

11. EXPRESSION

Expression refers to the way actors show feelings and emotions through their voice, face, and
body. Strong expression helps to communicate a character’s thoughts and mood, making the
performance more relatable and engaging for the audience.

12. EYE CONTACT

Eye contact is when actors look directly at one another during a performance. It creates a
connection between characters, and helps to convey emotions. Good eye contact makes scenes
feel more authentic, and allows the audience to feel more involved in the story.

13. FOURTH WALL

The fourth wall is an imaginary barrier between the actors on stage and the audience. When
actors speak directly to the audience or acknowledge their presence, it "breaks" the fourth wall.
This can create a unique connection and add an interesting twist to a performance.

14. GESTURE

Gesture refers to the movements of the hands, arms, or body that express ideas or emotions. In
drama, gestures are important for conveying a character's feelings and intentions without using
words. They enhance the performance and help the audience understand what is happening.

2
 INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA / VOCABULARY LIST 1 / DEFINITIONS

15. NARRATIVE

A narrative is the story being told in a play or film. It includes the sequence of events, characters,
and themes that make up the plot. A well-structured narrative helps the audience follow along,
and connect with the characters’ journeys.

16. PLAYWRIGHT

A playwright is a person who writes plays. They create the characters, dialogue, and plot, shaping
the story that will be performed. A good playwright uses their creativity to craft engaging and
thought-provoking works that entertain audiences.

17. PLOT

The plot is the sequence of events that make up a story. It includes the main conflict, rising action,
climax, and resolution. The plot keeps the audience engaged as they follow the characters’
struggles and triumphs throughout the performance.

18. PROJECTION

Projection refers to how well an actor uses their voice to be heard by the audience. Good
projection ensures that every line is clear and loud enough to reach the back of the theatre. It is
essential for keeping the audience engaged, and understanding the performance.

19. PROXEMICS

Proxemics is the use of space between actors on stage. It can convey relationships and emotions,
such as intimacy or conflict. Understanding proxemics helps actors create believable interactions,
and enhance the storytelling experience for the audience.

20. MIDDLE

The middle is the central part of a play or story where the main conflict develops and intensifies.
It includes key events that build tension, and lead to the climax. A strong middle keeps the
audience invested in the characters and their journeys.

21. MONOLOGUE

A monologue is a long speech delivered by one character in a play. It reveals the character's
thoughts, feelings, or background, and can provide insight into their motivations. Monologues
allow actors to showcase their skills, and connect with the audience on a deeper level.

3
 INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA / VOCABULARY LIST 1 / DEFINITIONS

22. MOOD

Mood refers to the overall feeling or atmosphere of a play. It can be happy, sad, tense, or
humorous, influencing how the audience experiences the story. The mood is created through the
characters’ emotions, dialogue, and staging, helping to evoke specific responses from the
audience.

23. STAGE

The stage is the area where the performance takes place. It is where actors act out the story and
interact with one another. The design of the stage, including sets and props, helps to create the
world of the play, and enhance the audience's experience.

24. STAGE DIRECTIONS

Stage directions are instructions in a script that tell actors where to move, how to deliver lines,
and how to interact with the set. They guide the overall performance, and help actors understand
their roles and the flow of the play. Following stage directions is crucial for a cohesive
performance.

25. THEME

The theme is the underlying message or central idea of a play or story. It often explores important
topics such as love, friendship, or conflict. Understanding the theme helps the audience connect
with the narrative and reflect on its relevance to their own lives.