Essential Vocabulary for the GRE - Behind the Scenes

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

review-disable

review

flashcard-disable

flashcard

spelling-disable

spelling

quiz-disable

quiz

start-learning
Essential Vocabulary for the GRE

the activity of acting in or producing a play in a theater as a hobby and not a profession

Ex: The community theater was a hub of creativity and talent , offering opportunities for people of all ages to participate in the performing arts .
ad lib [noun]

a line that is recited in a speech or performance without prior preparation

Ex: During the live broadcast , the anchor handled an unexpected technical glitch with a smooth ad lib , maintaining the show 's flow seamlessly .

a comic play, movie, book, etc. that portrays the behaviors of a particular social class, satirizing them

Ex: " An Ideal Husband " by Oscar Wilde entertains with its biting comedy of manners , critiquing Victorian moralities .
montage [noun]

a technique or process of selecting, editing, and pasting separate footage in order to create a motion picture

Ex: The documentary used a montage to illustrate the impact of climate change over the years .
premiere [noun]

the first public screening or performance of a movie or play

Ex: The director nervously awaited the audience 's reaction at the premiere of her debut feature film .

a dramatic genre characterized by exaggerated emotions, intense conflicts, etc., often trying to create strong emotional reactions in the audience

Ex: The movie descended into melodrama in the final act , with characters delivering over-the-top speeches and indulging in exaggerated emotional outbursts .
matinee [noun]

a musical or dramatic performance that takes place in daytime, especially in the afternoon

Ex: They studied classic films to learn about the evolution of matinee in cinema .

the time after a play or show has just ended when the performers come to the stage to receive the applause of the audience

Ex: During the curtain call , the director joined the cast on stage , acknowledging the hard work and dedication that went into the production .

to turn a book, story, or an event into a movie or play

Ex: The acclaimed director was hired to dramatize the bestselling novel into a blockbuster film .
surtitle [noun]

translated words projected above or next to the stage on a screen in an opera or play

Ex: Attendees appreciated the surtitles , which enhanced their enjoyment of the performance .

a speech that a character in a dramatic play gives in the form of a monologue as a series of inner reflections spoken out loud

Ex: The soliloquy served as a window into the character 's psyche , shedding light on their motivations and internal struggles .

a text in the script of a play, giving an instruction regarding the movement, position, etc. of actors

Ex: During rehearsal , the actors practiced the intricate choreography as per the stage direction .
revival [noun]

a new performance of something old that has not been performed for a long time, such as a play

Ex: Attendees eagerly awaited the premiere of the revival of the 1920s comedy " The Importance of Being Earnest . "

to assist someone by suggesting the next words or actions they may have forgotten or not fully learned

Ex: The supportive audience members would softly prompt the nervous singer .
to enact [verb]

to act a role in a motion picture or perform a play on stage

Ex: The actors rehearsed tirelessly to enact their parts in the historical drama .

a representation that an actor or a performer gives of an artistic or musical piece that shows their understanding and feeling toward it

Ex: The singer 's interpretation of the ballad moved listeners to tears , evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing .

to act a role in an exaggerated way that is not natural

Ex: During rehearsals , he was overacting until the director intervened .

to assign the roles of a play, motion picture, etc. to unsuitable actors

Ex: If they had listened to the casting advice , they would n't have miscast the main character .

a preparatory session during which actors read the words of a play before beginning to practice it on the stage

Ex: The read-through was a chance for the ensemble to bond and develop chemistry , as they explored the dynamics between their characters and rehearsed their lines together .

to stage a play, a show, etc. for an audience

Ex:

a session of practice in which performers prepare themselves for a public performance of a concert, play, etc.

Ex: The singer 's vocal coach joined her for a private rehearsal to refine her technique .

to play the role of a character in a movie, play, etc.

Ex: The actor 's ability to portray villains with depth and charisma has made him a sought-after talent in Hollywood .

a movie, TV program, etc. that is based on a book or play

Ex: Hollywood has produced countless adaptations of literary works , bringing beloved stories to life on the silver screen .

someone who is in charge of the artistic features, such as props and costumes of a movie or play

Ex: The art director collaborated closely with the production designer to bring the director 's vision to life on screen .

someone who writes plays for the TV, radio, or theater

Ex: The dramatist 's latest play received rave reviews for its compelling characters and thought-provoking themes .
balcony [noun]

an upper floor in a theater or cinema where there are seats for the audience

Ex: From the balcony , you could hear the orchestra tuning before the symphony began .
offstage [adjective]

situated out of sight of the audience, typically in the wings or backstage

Ex:

a set of scenes in a motion picture, novel, etc. that could be regarded independently and are very elaborate or complex

Ex: The spaceship set piece was a marvel of engineering , complete with blinking lights , control panels , and futuristic furnishings that brought the world of science fiction to vivid life .

a thing that achieves great widespread popularity or financial success, particularly a movie, book, or other product

Ex:

the art and methods of film-making, especially the photographic aspect and camerawork

Ex: The film won an award for its breathtaking cinematography , capturing stunning landscapes .

a motion picture or theatrical production with a historical setting in which the actors wear the costume appropriate to that time period

Ex: Costume dramas often feature elaborate ballroom scenes with actors in period attire .
credit [noun]

(plural) a list of names at the start or end of a TV program or movie acknowledging the people involved in its production

Ex:

to turn real events or situations into a tale or story, often by changing or adding to the details

Ex: Writers often fictionalize real-life scandals to protect the identities of those involved .

a type of movie involving crime including shadowy footage and dark background music that depicted cynical characters caught in dangerous situations

Ex: " The Third Man " is a film noir set in post-war Vienna , where an American writer investigates the mysterious death of his friend and uncovers a conspiracy involving black marketeers and espionage .

an imaginary barrier that separates the mise en scene and the fictional characters from the audience, especially in a theatrical performance

Ex: The playwright 's clever use of the fourth wall allowed for intimate storytelling , as characters shared their innermost thoughts and feelings with the audience in moments of vulnerability .

a short pause between parts of a play, movie, etc.

Ex: Moviegoers used the intermission to stretch their legs and visit the restroom .

a short interval between parts of a play, movie, etc.

Ex: During the interlude , the audience enjoyed a brief dance performance .
epilogue [noun]

a short address to the audience by an actor at the conclusion of a play, frequently in verse

Ex: Shakespearean plays frequently feature epilogues spoken by a character .

an actor who practices the lines of another actor in order to replace them if necessary

Ex: The understudy had to memorize the script quickly when called upon to perform .
telefilm [noun]

a movie that is intended to be broadcast on TV, rather than being projected on the screen

Ex: He directed a suspenseful telefilm that kept viewers on the edge of their seats .