dramaturgy
Art of plays
Dramaturgy is the art and technique of dramatic composition and theatrical production.
A dramaturg analyzes scripts, researches historical context, and advises directors on staging decisions.
The term extends beyond theater: sociologist Erving Goffman used dramaturgy to describe how people perform roles in everyday life, managing impressions as if on stage.
The production's dramaturgy emphasized the play's political undertones.
Unified group or outfit
- performanceCarrying out a task
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
- soliloquyDramatic speech to oneself
- scene workRehearsing dramatic excerpts
audition · understudy · read-through · run-through · dress rehearsal · promptbook · thespian · repertory
Author of stage dramas
- scriptWritten words for performance
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- screenplayFilm's written blueprint
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
draft · revision · treatment · synopsis · logline · stage directions · libretto · teleplay
One who leads
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- blockingImpeding forward progress
- stagingPreparing for presentation
- conceptAbstract mental construct
interpretation · collaboration · casting · tech rehearsal · preview · opening night · workshop · world premiere
Storyline or land parcel
- storylineSequence of fictional events
- arcCurved line segment
- themeCentral recurring concept
- conflictOpposition between parties
climax · resolution · exposition · denouement · foreshadowing · motif · subplot · backstory
Past conditions explaining events
- source materialOriginal work adapted from
- annotationAdded explanatory comment
- program notesExplanatory concert literature
- literary analysisStudy of texts' meaning
critical theory · Aristotle · Stanislavski · cultural context · casebook
ensemble
Unified group or outfit
- performanceCarrying out a task
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
- soliloquyDramatic speech to oneself
scene work · audition · understudy · read-through · run-through · dress rehearsal · promptbook · thespian · repertory · physical theater
playwright
Author of stage dramas
- scriptWritten words for performance
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- screenplayFilm's written blueprint
adaptation · draft · revision · treatment · synopsis · logline · stage directions · libretto · teleplay · book
director
One who leads
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- blockingImpeding forward progress
- stagingPreparing for presentation
concept · interpretation · collaboration · casting · tech rehearsal · preview · opening night · workshop · world premiere
plot
Storyline or land parcel
conflict · climax · resolution · exposition · denouement · foreshadowing · motif · subplot · backstory · pacing
historical context
Past conditions explaining events
- source materialOriginal work adapted from
- annotationAdded explanatory comment
- program notesExplanatory concert literature
literary analysis · critical theory · Aristotle · Stanislavski · cultural context · casebook
- performing artsacting, dance, music, theater, theatre
- dramaacting, playwright, character study, acting class, character development
- humanitiesphilosophy, history, literature, philosophy class, novels
- theaterplays, stage, play, onstage, acting
- Theater & Filmacting, stage, screen, actors, actresses
- theater termsplay, actors, stage play, limelight, directing
dramaturgyformlessness
Lacking definite shape
plotlessness · structurelessness · artlessness · randomness · shapelessness
dramaturgyreal life
Existence beyond imagination
spontaneity · improvisation · naturalism · documentary · reality
dramaturgyperformance
Carrying out a task
acting · improvisation · live performance · performing · staging