Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Drama 0994 - Glossary of dramatic and theatrical terms

Oct 23, 2026

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Exam-focused glossary for Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Drama 0994, designed to support both practical and theoretical study. The glossary is organised into general terms used across mainstream theatre practice and specialist technical terms used by lighting and sound professionals. Entries define key concepts such as acting styles and techniques, dramatic action and analysis, theatre spaces and staging ideas, and performance communication methods, presented in exam-ready reference form for study and revision.

LanguageEnglish

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Pages18

Reading Time45 min

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Drama and theatrical terms

General terms

Specialist technical terms for lighting and sound

Glossary of dramatic and theatrical terms Cambridge IGCSE™ (9–1) Drama 0994 Use this syllabus for exams in 2029, 2030 and 2031. Version 2 For the purposes of screen readers, any mention in this document of Cambridge IGCSE refers to Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment September 2026 Cambridge International Education is the name of our awarding body and a part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which is a department of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge University Press & Assessment retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission to centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a centre. Contents Drama and theatrical terms .......................................................................................... 4 General terms 4 Specialist technical terms for lighting and sound 16 [www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse](www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse) 3 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Drama 0994 Glossary of dramatic and theatrical terms. Drama and theatrical terms This glossary is not exhaustive and is intended as a guide to support both practical and theoretical study of Drama for IGCSE. The glossary is in two sections: • General terms: terms that are representative of those used in mainstream theatre practice • Specialist technical terms: terms that are used by specialists in lighting and sound. General terms | General terms | What it means | | --- | --- | | Acting style | A particular way of acting that refers to different methods and techniques that an actor uses when approaching a role. Styles may include classical, naturalistic, melodramatic, comedic and stylised. | | Acting techniques | A general term referring to the range of skills an actor needs to bring a character to life and deliver a performance. Acting techniques include vocal skills (e.g. articulation, projection, pitch, pause, pace and tone) and physical skills/physicality (e.g. facial expression, gesture, gait, mime, spatial awareness) . Please note that the examples are not exhaustive. | | Action | The development of the plot in a play. It includes physical movement, spoken dialogue, non-verbal communication and character interaction. | | Actor | Someone who acts a role in a play, using vocal and physical skills to portray a character. May perform on stage, in film or on television. | | Analysis | The process of examining how the elements of practical drama relate to each other in performance. | | Antagonist | The opponent or adversary of the hero or main character of a drama; one who opposes and actively competes with another character in a play, most often with the protagonist. | | Apron | Any part of the stage that extends past the proscenium arch and into the audience or seating area. (See also thrust.) | | Arena stage | Type of stage without a frame or arch separating the stage from the auditorium, in which the audience surrounds the stage area. (See also theatre-in-the-round.) | | Articulation | Clarity or distinctness of speech. | | Aside | Lines spoken by an actor to the audience that are not supposed to be overheard by other characters on stage. Allows the audience to have insight into the action. | | Atmosphere | Overall mood or emotional feeling created, using production elements such as lighting, sound and music, and the interaction between characters. | Back to contents page [www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse](www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse) 4 Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Drama 0994 Glossary of dramatic and theatrical terms. General terms | General terms | What it means | | --- | --- | | Audience | A group of people who watch a performance. The intention of all performance is to engage the audience by conveying a story using a range of dr

FAQs

How is the glossary for Drama 0994 organised?

The glossary is split into two sections: general terms and specialist technical terms for lighting and sound.

What does the glossary focus on?

It supports practical and theoretical IGCSE Drama study by defining representative mainstream theatre terms and technical specialist vocabulary.

For what purpose can registered centres copy the booklet?

Registered centres are permitted to copy material from the booklet for their own internal use.

Oct 23, 2026

Upload by nayy☆