Drama Terms
Comedy Definition
Light and humorous; usually has a happy ending.
Tragedy Definition
A contrast to comedy; events lead to the downfall of the main character.
Title
The name of the play.
Props, Lighting and Set Notes
Information on items used and the physical setup of the stage.
CS
Centre Stage
Drama Definition
Plays that address serious subjects; often emotional.
Playwright definition
The author of the play.
Blurb/Summary
A short description of what the play is about—its main idea, conflict, and themes.
Voice Directions
Used to show tone or emotion.
SL
Stage Left
Actor Definition
The people who perform the drama; they take the parts of the characters.
Character Definition
An imaginary person who takes part in the action.
Character List
A list of all characters appearing in the play, sometimes with brief descriptions.
Movement And Action
Details showing what the characters physically do on stage.
SR
Stage Right
Dialogue Definition
Speech between characters on stage; conversation in the play.
Monologue Definition
A long speech spoken by one character revealing inner thoughts or feelings.
Scene Description
Information about the place, time, and atmosphere of the scene.
Often in brackets or italics
Stage Directions
DSL
Downstage Left
Stage Directions Definition
Notes that describe how characters should move, act, or speak.
Props Definition
Small movable items used by actors to make actions realistic.
Voice directions
Instructions on how a line should be spoken.
Shown before each line of dialogue.
Character Names
USR
Upstage right