Cambridge International AS & A Level Drama 9482 - Glossary of dramatic and theatrical terms - Version 1

Oct 23, 2026

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Cambridge International AS & A Level Drama 9482 glossary provides a structured set of dramatic and theatrical definitions to support exam preparation for 2027, 2028 and 2029. The glossary is arranged alphabetically in two sections covering general mainstream theatre terminology and specialist technical terms for lighting and sound. It includes guidance on how to interpret terms, notes on audience-facing conventions, and reminders for screen-reader access, alongside copyright and reproduction conditions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Dramatic and theatrical terms

General terms

Specialist technical terms for lighting and sound

Glossary of dramatic and theatrical terms Cambridge International AS & A Level Drama 9482 Use this glossary for exams in 2027, 2028 and 2029. Exams are available in the June and November series. Version 1 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 2024 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 Dramatic and theatrical terms ...................................................................................... 4 General terms 4 Specialist technical terms for lighting and sound 4 [www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel](www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel) 3 Cambridge International AS & A Level Drama 9482 Glossary of dramatic and theatrical terms for 2027, 2028 and 2029. Dramatic and theatrical terms This glossary is not exhaustive and is intended as a guide. 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. The terms in both sections are ordered alphabetically. Unless specified, local or regional variations have not been provided. General terms | General terms | What it means | | --- | --- | | Acting area | The space in which the actor may move in full view of the audience. Also known asthe playing area or performance space. | | Acting style
Action | A particular way of acting that reflects cultural and historical influences, for example naturalistic, melodramatic, comedic.
The movement or development of the plot or story in a play; this could be created by passage of time or character motivation.
Action is also commonly used to refer to the activity on the stage at a given moment or in a scene, although strictly this refers to film rather than live theatre. | | Adaptation | A play that has been created using material from another artistic medium such asa novel, short story or poem. | | Analysis | The process of examining how the elements of practical drama relate to each other in performance. | | Alienation effect | Theatrical techniques designed to remind the audience that they are watching a play, and so distance them from identifying emotionally with the characters and events depicted. Examples might include the use of placards or back projections that comment on the action, or actors who step out of character to address the audience directly about the issues raised in the drama. Central to the dramatic theories of Bertolt Brecht. See also verfremdungseffekt. | | Animation | Live action sequence used as part of a play’s special effects, often in an interactive way. | | 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 | The apron is 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. | Back to contents page [www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel](www.cambridgeinternational.org/alevel) 4 Cambridge International AS & A Level Drama 9482 Glossary of dramatic and theatrical terms for 2027, 2028 and 202

FAQs

What is the purpose of this glossary for Drama 9482?

It serves as a guide to definitions of dramatic and theatrical terms used in mainstream theatre practice and in specialist lighting and sound contexts.

How is the glossary organized?

It is in two sections—general terms and specialist technical terms—and the terms in both sections are ordered alphabetically.

For which exam years and series is this glossary intended?

It is intended for exams in 2027, 2028 and 2029, with exam series available in June and November.

Oct 23, 2026

Upload by acoobca