Community theater refers to local, non-professional theater groups that produce plays and performances for the enjoyment of their community. These productions are typically created by volunteers who act, direct, and work behind the scenes as a hobby, rather than as a profession. Community theater often focuses on involving local talent and providing a platform for artistic expression and cultural enrichment. The goal is to engage the community through accessible and entertaining performances, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared experience among participants and audiences.

What is "community theater"?

community theater

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An ad lib is an unscripted or spontaneous remark or piece of dialogue delivered by an actor or speaker during a performance or speech. It typically occurs when the performer improvises, deviating from the written script to respond to a situation or add personal flair. Ad libs can be used to enhance a performance, address unexpected circumstances, or engage more directly with the audience.

What is an "ad lib"?

ad lib

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A comedy of manners is a type of play or film that focuses on the behaviors, customs, and social interactions of a particular class or group of people, often with an emphasis on satirizing their manners and social pretensions. This genre typically features witty dialogue and humorous situations that reveal the characters' social habits, hypocrisy, and eccentricities. The aim is to entertain while offering a critique or commentary on societal norms and conventions.

What is a "comedy of manners"?

comedy of manners

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A montage is a filmmaking technique where a series of short, varied shots are edited together to condense time, convey information quickly, or illustrate a sequence of events. This method is used to show the passage of time, highlight character development, or build up a narrative through a rapid sequence of images. Montages can be set to music or a voice-over, enhancing the emotional impact and pacing of the story. By combining these shots, filmmakers can efficiently communicate complex ideas or transitions in a visually engaging way.

What is a "montage"?

montage

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A premiere is the first public showing or performance of a film, television show, play, or other entertainment production. It marks the official debut of the work, often accompanied by special events, red-carpet appearances, and media coverage. Premieres are typically held to generate excitement and attract attention from critics, industry professionals, and the public. They provide an opportunity for the creators and cast to showcase their work and can serve as a key promotional event before the production is released more widely.

What is a "premiere"?

premiere

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A melodrama is a genre of drama that is known for its exaggerated emotions, intense conflicts, and dramatic situations. It often focuses on clear-cut characters such as heroes, villains, and victims, and aims to evoke strong emotional reactions from the audience. The stories usually involve dramatic twists, moral struggles, and heightened scenarios that emphasize the characters' personal trials and triumphs. The goal of a melodrama is to create a powerful emotional impact through its over-the-top storytelling and vivid portrayal of human experiences.

What is a "melodrama"?

melodrama

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matinee

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A curtain call is the moment at the end of a theatrical performance when the actors come back on stage to receive applause from the audience. After the final scene, the curtain rises or the lights come up, and the cast members acknowledge the audience's appreciation by bowing or performing a final gesture. This tradition allows the performers to receive recognition for their work and gives the audience a chance to express their gratitude and enjoyment of the show.

What is a "curtain call"?

curtain call

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to dramatize

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Surtitles are the projected text displayed above the stage in a theater, often used in operas or foreign-language performances. They provide translations or summaries of the dialogue or lyrics, allowing the audience to understand the content and follow the story. Surtitles are similar to subtitles in films but are specifically designed for live performances.

What are "surtitles"?

surtitle

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A soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character while they are alone on stage or believe they are alone. This type of speech reveals the character's inner thoughts, feelings, or reflections directly to the audience. It is used in plays to provide insight into a character’s personal struggles, motivations, or intentions, and is a way for the audience to understand the character's internal conflicts and perspective.

What is a "soliloquy"?

soliloquy

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Stage direction refers to the written instructions in a script that guide actors and crew members on how to perform their roles and manage the staging of the play. These directions describe actions, movements, and positioning of characters, as well as details about the setting, props, and lighting. Stage directions help convey the playwright’s vision and ensure that the performance aligns with their intended dramatic effect.

What is "stage direction"?

stage direction

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A revival is a new production or performance of an old play, musical, or other artistic work that has not been presented for a significant period of time. The aim of a revival is to reintroduce the work to audiences, often with updated interpretations or modern touches while preserving its original essence. This can involve bringing back classic theatrical productions, re-staging historical performances, or performing older works that have fallen out of the spotlight. Revivals offer a chance to revisit and celebrate significant works from the past and can introduce them to new audiences.

What is a "revival"?

revival

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to prompt

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to enact

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An interpretation is the way an artist or performer presents and expresses a work, such as a play, piece of music, or other art forms, based on their personal understanding and emotional response. It involves incorporating individual insights and feelings into the piece, making it unique and reflecting the performer’s perspective and approach.

What is an "interpretation"?

interpretation

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to overact

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to miscast

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read-through

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to put on

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A rehearsal is a practice session where performers, such as musicians, actors, or dancers, work through their material in preparation for a public performance or production. During a rehearsal, the participants go over their roles, refine their timing, and address any issues with their performance. Rehearsals are essential for ensuring that all elements of the performance come together smoothly and that everyone is well-prepared for the actual event.

What is a "rehearsal"?

rehearsal

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to portray

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An adaptation is a work created by transforming or reinterpreting an existing story, book, play, or other source material into a new format, such as a movie, TV show, or video game. This process involves altering elements of the original work to fit the new format while retaining its core story or themes. Adaptations often require changes to characters, settings, and plot elements to meet the specific needs and conventions of the new medium. The aim is to convey the essence of the original work in a way that engages audiences in a fresh and compelling manner.

What is an "adaptation"?

adaptation

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An art director is a professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating the visual elements of a project. In fields like film, television, theater, advertising, and publishing, the art director manages the overall design and visual style. This includes tasks such as creating the look of sets, costumes, props, and other visual elements. The art director works closely with other members of the creative team, including directors, designers, and producers, to ensure that the visual aspects of the project support its artistic vision and contribute effectively to its storytelling.

Who is an "art director"?

art director

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A dramatist is a writer who creates plays for television, radio, or theater. They develop the script, including the dialogue, characters, and plot, specifically for performance. Their work involves crafting stories and dialogues that are intended to be acted out and presented to an audience.

Who is a "dramatist"?

dramatist

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A balcony is an elevated seating area in a theater or concert hall, located above the main floor. It extends out over the lower levels and provides additional seating for the audience. Balconies offer a different view of the performance, often giving a wider perspective of the stage. They are typically accessed by stairs or elevators and can vary in size and layout, from a small overhang to a large upper section.

What is a "balcony"?

balcony

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offstage

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A set piece is a notable and often elaborate segment in a film, novel, or other narrative that stands out due to its complexity or significance. It usually involves detailed staging, dramatic events, or visually striking elements that are designed to capture attention and advance the story in a memorable way. Set pieces are typically crafted to be impressive and impactful, making them key moments in the overall narrative.

What is a "set piece"?

set piece

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A blockbuster is a product, such as a movie, book, or game, that achieves great success and widespread popularity. It often generates significant revenue due to its broad appeal and high demand. Blockbusters are typically well-promoted and attract a large audience, making a substantial impact in their industry and often becoming a major cultural phenomenon.

What is a "blockbuster"?

blockbuster

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Cinematography is the art and technique of capturing visual images on film or video. It involves the use of camera angles, lighting, composition, and movement to create the visual style and mood of a film or video. Cinematographers, or directors of photography, make decisions about how scenes are framed and lit, working to visually tell the story and enhance the overall aesthetic of the production.

What is "cinematography"?

cinematography

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A costume drama is a film or television show set in a historical or period setting, where the story is portrayed with elaborate costumes and period-accurate details. These productions often focus on historical events, social manners, or classic literature and aim to recreate the look and feel of a specific time period. The attention to historical accuracy in costumes, sets, and props helps to immerse viewers in the era being depicted, enhancing the overall authenticity and visual appeal of the drama.

What is a "costume drama"?

costume drama

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credit

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to fictionalize

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Film noir is a genre of film characterized by its dark, moody atmosphere and its focus on crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity. These films often feature cynical characters, complex plots, and a sense of pessimism or danger. The visual style typically includes high-contrast black-and-white cinematography, shadowy lighting, and urban settings. The goal of film noir is to create a tense and intriguing story that explores the darker side of human nature and the criminal underworld.

What is "film noir"?

film noir

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The fourth wall is an imaginary barrier between the actors on stage and the audience. In traditional theater, this wall separates the world of the play from the real world, allowing actors to perform as if they are not aware of the audience watching them. When actors "break the fourth wall," they directly address or interact with the audience, acknowledging their presence and disrupting the illusion of separation. This technique can be used to create a more engaging or self-aware performance, or to highlight the artificial nature of the theatrical experience.

What is the "fourth wall"?

fourth wall

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An intermission is a scheduled break during a performance, such as a play, film, or concert, where the audience has a chance to rest, socialize, or purchase refreshments. It typically occurs midway through the event, allowing for a pause in the action. Intermissions provide an opportunity for audience members to stretch, discuss the performance, or take care of personal needs before the second part resumes.

What is an "intermission"?

intermission

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An interlude is a brief pause or break between parts of a play, movie, or other performance. It allows the audience to rest, refresh, or prepare for the next segment. This short break helps to separate different sections of the performance and can enhance the overall experience by providing a moment of transition or contrast.

What is an "interlude"?

interlude

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epilogue

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An understudy is an actor who is trained to take over the role of another performer in a play, film, or television show if they are unable to perform. The understudy learns the lines, movements, and cues of the other actor and is prepared to step in at short notice to ensure the production can continue smoothly.

Who is an "understudy"?

understudy

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A telefilm is a film produced specifically for television, rather than for theatrical release. It is typically made with the same production values as a movie but is designed to be broadcast on TV. Telefilms can include a variety of genres and styles, such as dramas, comedies, or thrillers, and are often created for network or cable TV channels. They may be standalone stories or part of a series, and are intended to reach audiences directly through television viewing.

What is a "telefilm"?

telefilm

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Here you will learn some English words about drama, such as "soliloquy", "revival", "balcony", etc. that are needed for the GRE exam.

Words related to "Drama" | Essential Vocabulary for the GRE