Difference Between Drama & Theatre

Both drama and theater are terms related to performing arts, and they are often used interchangeably, which is incorrect. Understanding the differences between the two terms can help to clarify their correct usage.

Key Takeaways

• Drama is a generic term that can take on many forms, including theater, and refers to the action, story, or text of a performance.
• Theater is the actual performance of a drama on stage, involving actors, a stage, and an audience.
• Drama can be abstract and subjective, while theater is physical and requires a specific setting.

Drama is a word derived from Greek Dran, meaning “to do” or “perform.” It refers to action or the story that is being performed. Drama can be represented in many forms, such as an episode of life (like 9/11), a section in a DVD library or a library of plays, or a fictional story full of emotions and conflicts.

On the other hand, theater is the personification of drama on stage. It requires a space, actors who play characters, and an audience to witness the performance. Theater is a collective effort involving a playwright, director, actors, and technicians, all working together to make the audience believe in the reality of the performance. Over time, theater has taken on new forms, such as television soap operas and movies, which involve rehearsals and multiple takes. In contrast, traditional theater performances do not have this luxury.

The main difference between drama and theater lies in their focus and requirements. Drama can be a text, prose, or verse composition that tells a story full of human emotions and conflicts. However, it only becomes theater when it is performed on stage with actors playing the roles of the characters in the text. Drama is brought to life by performers on stage, while theater requires an audience and a stage for the performance to take place. Drama is one of the genres of theater, which may also include comedy, tragedy, or action. Lastly, drama can be abstract and subjective, while theater is a physical and concrete experience.