In some ways, that's like asking the difference between theatre and theater. There isn't really one, but those of use who work in the theatre try to make a distinction anyway.
Theatre (or theater) is the art form. At least one actor, communicating a story to at least one audience member, usually with a character other than her/his personality. Add in a stage, lights, director, costume, additional actors and audience members, tickets, microphones, music, script, etc... as you feel appropriate. Most theatre companies use all of these things, but they aren't essential to the theatre.
There are two possible distinctions from that to drama. When I think of the word 'drama,' I think of the literature aspect of theatre - scripts. You can study drama and never stand on a stage - you just need to read the printed words and study/understand them. When I was doing both my graduate and undergraduate school searches, I tended towards schools that were schools of 'theatre' instead of schools of 'drama.'
There are also those who will say 'dramatic' when they mean 'serious,' but I don't notice this word used much at all after the high school level when related to the theatre.
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Answer:
In some ways, that's like asking the difference between theatre and theater. There isn't really one, but those of use who work in the theatre try to make a distinction anyway.
Theatre (or theater) is the art form. At least one actor, communicating a story to at least one audience member, usually with a character other than her/his personality. Add in a stage, lights, director, costume, additional actors and audience members, tickets, microphones, music, script, etc... as you feel appropriate. Most theatre companies use all of these things, but they aren't essential to the theatre.
There are two possible distinctions from that to drama. When I think of the word 'drama,' I think of the literature aspect of theatre - scripts. You can study drama and never stand on a stage - you just need to read the printed words and study/understand them. When I was doing both my graduate and undergraduate school searches, I tended towards schools that were schools of 'theatre' instead of schools of 'drama.'
There are also those who will say 'dramatic' when they mean 'serious,' but I don't notice this word used much at all after the high school level when related to the theatre.
Hope it helps, good luck!❤️