Research Resources:
Subject Research Guides:
Theater and Dance:
Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
These will provide background information on specific topics, and definitions of terms. Most include entries for people,
but also see the page for biographical sources.
This is only a selection. For additional print sources, try a subject search in the
IRIS catalog on one of these subject
headings:
dance -- dictionaries
dance -- encyclopedias
ballet -- dictionaries
ballet -- encyclopedias
theater -- dictionaries
theater -- encyclopedias
drama -- dictionaries
drama -- encyclopedias
performing arts -- dictionaries
performing arts -- encyclopedias
What is a bibliographic reference?
Many articles in encyclopedias include bibliographies or bibliographic references. These have
information about sources of additional information on the topic, including books and journal
articles.
Dance
American Ballet Theatre Ballet Dictionary
Definitions online for 170 terms, most accompanied by photos or video clips. Not comprehensive, but useful.
Dance Words.
(Chur, Switzerland: Harwood Academic, 1995).
Definitions of dance terms, grouped by subject, with index.
MUSIC REF GV1585.P74 1995
International Encyclopedia of Dance: A Project of Dance Perspectives Foundation, Inc., 6 vols.
(New York: Oxford University Press, 1998).
In-depth articles on a wealth of topics. Illustrated, with bibliographies.
CAMDEN and MUSIC REF GV1585.I586 1998
Modern Dance Terminology.
(Princeton, NJ: Princeton Book Company, 1997).
Definitions derived from interviews with modern dance pioneers.
MUSIC REF GV1585.L65 1997
Oxford Dictionary of Dance (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000).
Descriptions of dance terms, dancers, choreographers, and significant dance works.
KILMER and MUSIC REF GV1585.C73 2000
Theater
Cambridge Guide to American Theatre.
(New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993).
Brief entries for people, places, plays, genres, design and technical subjects. Illustrated, with an extensive bibliography in the back.
CAMDEN and MUSIC REF PN2220.C35 1993
Glossary of Technical Theatre Terms.
Online glossary of terms covering most aspects of theatrical production, but most useful for technical theater jargon.
International Dictionary of Theatre 3 vols.
(Chicago: St. James Press, 1992-)
Volume 1 covers Plays, Volume 2 Playwrights, Volume 3 Actors, Directors and Designers. Each volume has lengthy articles with bibliographical references.
Music Ref PN2035.I49 1992
Oxford Dictionary of Plays
(Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2005).
Synopses and brief commentaries "on the 1,000 most significant plays of world theatre." Includes indexes of characters and playwrights.
Music Ref PN1625.P38 2005
An International Dictionary of Theatre Language.
(Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1985).
Contains definitions to current, historical, and international theatrical terms.
ALEXANDER STACKS PN2035.I5. 1985
MUSIC REF PN2035.I5 1985
Oxford Encyclopedia of Theatre & Performance, 2 vols.
(Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2003).
Articles on nearly all aspects of international theater history and performance, heavily cross-referenced. Longer articles have selected bibliographic references.
MUSIC, CAMDEN and DANA REF PN2035.O94 2003
NTC's Dictionary of Theatre and Drama Terms.
(Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook Company, 1992).
Basic guide to terms used in theater history and production.
MUSIC REF PN2035.M63 1992
