Drama and Theatre Studies - Key Terminology _ Performance

articulation

the clarity or distinction of speech

characterisation

how an actor uses body, voice, and thought to portray a character

physicality

understanding how the character moves, and interacts with their environment

vocalisation

understanding how the character talks with other characters

climax

the point of greatest intensity in a series or progression of events in a play, often forming the turning point of the plot

comic relief

a break in the tension of a tragedy provided by a comic character, a comic episode, or even a comic line

inflection

change in pitch or loudness of the voice

interaction

the action or relationship among two or more characters.

mannerism

a peculiarity of speech or behaviour

mirroring

copying the movement and/or expression or look of someone else
exactly

motivation

the reason or reasons for a character’s behaviour; an incentive or inducement for further action for a character

pace

rate of movement or speed of action

pitch

the particular level of a voice, instrument or tune

posture

physical alignment of a performer’s body or a physical stance taken by a performer

projection

how well the voice carries to the audience

proxemics

contemporary term for ‘spatial relationships’, referring to spatial signifiers of the relationship between different performers or a performer and elements of the set which convey information about character and circumstances

rhythm

measured flow of words or phrases in verse forming patterns of sound

scenography

the art of creating performance environments using one or more production components

tempo

relative speed or rate of movement in pace over time

timbre

the distinctive character or quality of a musical or vocal sound apart from its pitch or intensity

vocal expression

how an actor uses his or her voice to convey character

vocal projection

directing the voice out of the body to be heard clearly at a distance