What Are the Different Types of Theater Events?

As Shakespeare once wrote, "all the world's a stage," and he was right. Stages are in fact all over the word, bringing entertainment to the masses in a great many forms. Since the time of the Greeks, theatre has evolved into many different forms. Let's break some of them down...

---

Musical

A musical combines spoken dialogue with songs and music to tell a story. Music plays a central role in driving the narrative, often featuring dance sequences and elaborate staging. Musicals are sometimes sung all the way through (with no dialogue), but not always. Popular examples include The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton.

Play

A play is a live theatrical performance that focuses on spoken dialogue and acting. It can range from drama to comedy, with a strong emphasis on storytelling through the actors' performances. Unlike musicals, plays rarely feature music or dance numbers. Examples include Death of a Salesman and Hamlet.

Play with Music

In a play with music, music is used to enhance the storytelling, but it does not dominate the narrative as in a musical. The music may serve as background, underscore dramatic moments, or be performed live by actors, but the focus remains primarily on the spoken dialogue and plot. Examples include Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill and Peter and the Starcatcher.

Opera

An opera is a dramatic performance where the dialogue is entirely sung, accompanied by an orchestra. Often featuring grand themes and intricate music, operas are known for their complex vocal performances. Composers like Mozart and Verdi are well-known in this genre. Operas are typically not seen on Broadway. Examples include Tosca and Carmen.

Rock Opera

A rock opera is a type of musical work that combines the elements of rock music with opera-style storytelling. Unlike traditional rock albums, which may have unrelated songs, a rock opera has a continuous narrative, often exploring complex themes or following a specific plot with characters and events. Rock operas typically use the structure and dramatic scope of opera, but the music is rooted in rock and other contemporary genres. recent examples include The Who's Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Operetta

An operetta is a light form of opera, blending both spoken dialogue and song. It often includes comedic elements and lighter subject matter than traditional opera, with catchy tunes and simpler vocal demands. They gained popularity in the early 1900s. Famous examples include The Pirates of Penzance and H.M.S. Pinafore. 

Ballet

A ballet is a theatrical performance that tells a story through dance, often accompanied by orchestral music. There is no spoken dialogue; the narrative is expressed entirely through movement, emotion, and choreography. Famous ballets include Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

Revue

A revue is a type of multi-act performance that combines music, dance, and sketches, often satirical or comedic in nature. Unlike a play or musical with a singular plot, a revue consists of unrelated acts, unified by a common theme or style. It was especially popular in the early 20th century, with famous examples like Ziegfeld Follies. More recent examples include Prince of Broadway and Smokey Joe's Café. 

Variety Show

A variety show is a performance that includes multiple forms of entertainment, such as music, comedy, magic, and dance. Each act is separate, making it a diverse and entertaining experience with no singular storyline. Popular in the early 20th century, it still appears in modern formats like TV talent shows. Examples include Saturday Night Live and  The Carol Burnett Show.

Pantomime

A pantomime is a form of family-friendly theater, traditionally performed during the holiday season. It combines slapstick comedy, music, and audience interaction, often retelling classic fairy tales or folklore with a humorous twist. Pantomime or 'Panto' is a popular artform in the UK and is a major part of the holiday season theatre tradition.

Concert

A concert is a live music performance, typically featuring a solo artist or band. While it may include visual elements such as lighting or screens, the primary focus is on the music. Concerts span a wide range of genres from classical to rock. While concerts are not often considered true "theatrical" experiences, they can sometimes be performed on Broadway stages. Recent examples include Bruce Springsteen and Ben Platt.

Cabaret

A cabaret is an intimate performance that blends music, comedy, and sometimes dance or burlesque. It often takes place in smaller, informal venues, allowing for close interaction between performers and the audience. The content can range from lighthearted to risqué.

Note: cabaret is not to be confused with the Kander and Ebb musical, Cabaret.

Immersive Theatre

Immersive theatre breaks the traditional barrier between performers and the audience, allowing viewers to move freely within the performance space. The audience becomes part of the story, often interacting with actors and influencing the progression of the narrative.

Experimental Theatre

Experimental theatre challenges traditional structures of storytelling and performance. It often incorporates multimedia, unconventional settings, or abstract themes, aiming to provoke thought or explore new ways of artistic expression. This type of theatre can be highly conceptual or avant-garde.