Here is a table of more than 250 different moods that can assist Drama and Theatre Arts students in identifying and discussing this aspect of a theatre performance.

Mood is considered an essential component of most Drama and Theatre Arts curricula as it is widely accepted as a critical aspect of theatre-making and performance. Sometimes, students need to:

describe the overall mood of a professional theatre performance
describe the mood in a classroom drama piece of their own
describe the mood of a particular moment or scene in a play or musical
describe the mood in a drama work made by others in the classroom

While mood, feelings, and emotions can sometimes be used interchangeably, they differ primarily in duration, intensity, and specificity. Emotions are intense, short-lived responses to specific stimuli or events, often triggered by external factors or internal thoughts. Feelings are the subjective experience of emotions, representing the conscious awareness and interpretation of emotional states. Moods are prolonged emotional states that are less intense than emotions but more enduring, often lacking a specific identifiable trigger.

In a theatre performance, mood refers to the overall emotional atmosphere or tone created and sustained throughout the production. It shapes the audience’s emotional experience and influences how they perceive the story, characters, and setting. Mood is established through various elements such as lighting, music, set design, dialogue, and actors’ performances.

Are you having difficulty pinpointing the mood of a particular drama piece, scene, or theatre performance? Then try some of these moods, as shown below.

Different Moods For Theatre Performances

Mood	Synonyms
Abandoned	deserted, forsaken, isolated, neglected, vacant
Abashed	embarrassed, ashamed, humiliated, mortified, sheepish
Able	capable, competent, proficient, skilled, adept
Abrasive	harsh, rough, caustic, grating, irritating
Accepting	embracing, tolerant, receptive, open, welcoming
Accomplished	skilled, expert, proficient, talented, adept
Accusatory	blaming, reproachful, critical, condemning, indicting
Acerbic	sharp, bitter, caustic, cutting, mordant
Aching	sore, painful, throbbing, tender, hurt
Active	energetic, lively, dynamic, vigorous, bustling
Adaptable	flexible, versatile, adjustable, pliable, resilient
Adventurous	daring, bold, risk-taking, audacious, intrepid
Affectionate	loving, warm, tender, caring, fond
Agitated	disturbed, flustered, upset, restless, uneasy
Agonizing	painful, torturous, excruciating, unbearable, distressing
Alarmed	frightened, anxious, panicked, scared, uneasy
Alert	vigilant, watchful, attentive, aware, observant
Alienated	estranged, isolated, detached, marginalized, excluded
Alive	vibrant, lively, energetic, dynamic, spirited
Alluring	attractive, tempting, enticing, captivating, appealing
Alone	solitary, isolated, lonely, single, unaccompanied
Amazing	astonishing, astounding, incredible, marvelous, stunning
Ambivalent	uncertain, conflicted, indecisive, torn, hesitant
Amiable	friendly, pleasant, affable, genial, cordial
Amused	entertained, delighted, pleased, tickled, amused
Angry	furious, irate, enraged, livid, incensed
Animated	lively, energetic, vibrant, spirited, dynamic
Annoyed	irritated, aggravated, frustrated, vexed, exasperated
Anxious	worried, nervous, uneasy, apprehensive, tense
Apathetic	indifferent, unconcerned, detached, uninterested, blasé
Apprehensive	uneasy, anxious, fearful, worried, concerned
Arrogant	conceited, haughty, pompous, egotistical, overbearing
Ashamed	embarrassed, humiliated, guilty, mortified, abashed
Assertive	confident, self-assured, forceful, decisive, bold
Astonished	amazed, astounded, shocked, surprised, stunned
Attractive	appealing, charming, beautiful, enticing, lovely
Authentic	genuine, real, sincere, legitimate, original
Authoritative	commanding, dominant, influential, assertive, powerful
Awed	impressed, astonished, reverent, amazed, inspired
Baffled	confused, perplexed, mystified, puzzled, flummoxed
Beautiful	gorgeous, stunning, lovely, exquisite, radiant
Bellicose	aggressive, hostile, belligerent, combative, pugnacious
Benevolent	kind, compassionate, generous, charitable, altruistic
Bewildered	confused, puzzled, perplexed, mystified, flustered
Bitter	resentful, acrid, harsh, sour, antagonistic
Blithe	carefree, cheerful, lighthearted, merry, jovial
Bold	daring, brave, courageous, fearless, intrepid
Bored	uninterested, indifferent, weary, fatigued, restless
Bouncy	energetic, lively, vibrant, spirited, dynamic
Brooding	pensive, moody, contemplative, introspective, reflective
Buoyant	cheerful, upbeat, lighthearted, optimistic, lively
Calm	peaceful, tranquil, serene, composed, relaxed
Candid	frank, honest, open, straightforward, sincere
Captivating	enchanting, mesmerizing, fascinating, alluring, intriguing
Carefree	lighthearted, untroubled, easygoing, relaxed, cheerful
Careful	cautious, prudent, vigilant, meticulous, wary
Charismatic	charming, magnetic, alluring, captivating, engaging
Cheerful	happy, joyful, bright, sunny, buoyant
Childlike	playful, innocent, naive, whimsical, carefree
Choleric	irritable, testy, grouchy, cranky, short-tempered
Clamorous	noisy, boisterous, loud, vociferous, raucous
Clear	transparent, lucid, unambiguous, obvious, distinct
Clever	smart, intelligent, witty, ingenious, sharp
Close	intimate, affectionate, warm, connected, near
Clueless	ignorant, unaware, oblivious, uninformed, uninvolved
Cold	chilly, frigid, icy, cool, frosty
Comforting	soothing, calming, reassuring, consoling, heartening
Comic	humorous, funny, amusing, comical, witty
Compassionate	sympathetic, understanding, caring, empathetic, kind
Complicated	complex, intricate, convoluted, involved, tangled
Composed	calm, collected, poised, serene, unruffled
Conciliatory	appeasing, calming, soothing, pacifying, mitigating
Confident	self-assured, certain, positive, secure, poised
Confused	bewildered, perplexed, puzzled, mystified, flustered
Confrontational	aggressive, hostile, combative, antagonistic, belligerent
Content	satisfied, pleased, happy, fulfilled, contented
Contrite	remorseful, regretful, apologetic, repentant, penitent
Cool	calm, collected, unflappable, composed, relaxed
Cooperative	collaborative, helpful, supportive, accommodating, compliant
Courageous	brave, fearless, valiant, heroic, intrepid
Courteous	polite, respectful, considerate, civil, gracious
Creative	imaginative, inventive, innovative, original, artistic
Creepy	eerie, spooky, unsettling, haunting, ghostly
Critical	judgmental, disapproving, analytical, evaluative, fault-finding

Mood	Synonyms
Cross	annoyed, irritated, frustrated, vexed, exasperated
Cruel	mean, harsh, ruthless, merciless, brutal
Curious	inquisitive, inquiring, investigative, probing, questioning
Cynical	skeptical, distrustful, pessimistic, disparaging, distrustful
Daring	bold, audacious, fearless, intrepid, adventurous
Dark	gloomy, dim, somber, shadowy, bleak
Dazzling	stunning, sparkling, radiant, brilliant, luminous
Defiant	rebellious, resistant, unyielding, obstinate, insubordinate
Delightful	charming, pleasing, enjoyable, lovely, enchanting
Depressed	sad, downcast, despondent, gloomy, melancholy
Desolate	barren, empty, lonely, bleak, forsaken
Desperate	hopeless, frantic, urgent, exigent, distressed
Determined	resolute, persistent, tenacious, steadfast, unwavering
Devastated	crushed, shattered, heartbroken, ruined, overwhelmed
Devoted	dedicated, loyal, faithful, committed, steadfast
Diligent	hardworking, industrious, assiduous, persistent, meticulous
Dismal	gloomy, dreary, depressing, bleak, somber
Dramatic	theatrical, intense, emotional, exaggerated, sensational
Dreary	dull, boring, monotonous, lifeless, tedious
Droll	humorous, amusing, witty, comical, funny
Dry	unemotional, flat, monotone, bland, dull
Dynamic	energetic, vigorous, lively, forceful, active
Eager	enthusiastic, keen, excited, impatient, zealous
Earnest	sincere, serious, genuine, heartfelt, intense
Ecstatic	elated, overjoyed, thrilled, euphoric, blissful
Edgy	tense, nervous, anxious, irritable, jumpy
Effervescent	bubbly, vivacious, sparkling, lively, animated
Elated	joyful, exultant, jubilant, thrilled, blissful
Elegant	graceful, stylish, refined, sophisticated, classy
Embarrassed	ashamed, humiliated, self-conscious, mortified, abashed
Emotional	sentimental, passionate, touching, moving, expressive
Empathetic	understanding, compassionate, sympathetic, kind, considerate
Enchanted	bewitched, entranced, captivated, mesmerized, charmed
Encouraging	supportive, uplifting, inspiring, motivating, reassuring
Energetic	vibrant, lively, dynamic, vigorous, spirited
Engaging	captivating, charming, interesting, appealing, attractive
Enigmatic	mysterious, cryptic, puzzling, inscrutable, elusive
Enthusiastic	eager, excited, passionate, fervent, zealous
Envious	jealous, resentful, covetous, begrudging, green-eyed
Evasive	elusive, avoiding, shifty, indirect, ambiguous
Excited	thrilled, eager, enthusiastic, exhilarated, animated
Exhilarated	energized, invigorated, elated, thrilled, excited
Exotic	unusual, unique, strange, foreign, outlandish
Expectant	hopeful, anticipating, awaiting, optimistic, eager
Expressive	articulate, demonstrative, animated, communicative, emotive
Exuberant	joyful, lively, high-spirited, vibrant, enthusiastic
Faint	weak, dim, fuzzy, light, subtle
Fearful	scared, frightened, terrified, alarmed, panicked
Fiery	passionate, intense, spirited, fervent, hot
Flamboyant	showy, ostentatious, vibrant, flashy, exuberant
Flustered	agitated, confused, panicked, rattled, unsettled
Focused	concentrated, determined, intent, attentive, single-minded
Forceful	strong, assertive, powerful, vigorous, dynamic
Forgiving	merciful, understanding, lenient, compassionate, tolerant
Forthright	direct, candid, honest, straightforward, outspoken
Fragile	delicate, brittle, vulnerable, breakable, frail
Frantic	frenzied, hectic, desperate, wild, agitated
Frightened	scared, terrified, alarmed, panicked, fearful
Frivolous	trivial, lighthearted, superficial, silly, petty
Frustrated	annoyed, irritated, exasperated, thwarted, discouraged
Furious	enraged, irate, livid, incensed, fuming
Gloomy	sad, depressed, dismal, somber, bleak
Glum	morose, sullen, dour, despondent, melancholy
Graceful	elegant, fluid, smooth, poised, refined
Grieving	mournful, sorrowful, heartbroken, bereaved, distressed
Grim	stern, harsh, dour, severe, unyielding
Grouchy	irritable, cranky, testy, grumpy, cantankerous
Gritty	tough, rugged, determined, resilient, stalwart
Happy	joyful, cheerful, delighted, content, blissful
Harsh	severe, stern, rough, strict, abrasive
Hateful	detestable, loathsome, abhorrent, vile, revolting
Heavy	intense, somber, weighty, grave, serious
Hopeful	optimistic, positive, confident, expectant, encouraged
Hopeless	desperate, forlorn, despondent, bleak, pessimistic
Horrified	appalled, shocked, dismayed, aghast, terrified
Hostile	unfriendly, aggressive, antagonistic, combative, inimical
Humorous	funny, amusing, comical, witty, entertaining
Hurt	injured, wounded, pained, distressed, sore
Impassioned	passionate, fervent, ardent, intense, enthusiastic
Impatient	restless, eager, anxious, irritable, hasty
Impersonal	detached, unemotional, indifferent, distant, objective
Impressed	amazed, astonished, awestruck, inspired, moved
Indignant	resentful, angry, outraged, furious, irritated
Indifferent	apathetic, unconcerned, detached, uninterested, nonchalant
Indulgent	lenient, permissive, tolerant, forgiving, accommodating

Last update on 2024-11-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Mood	Synonyms
Insecure	uncertain, doubtful, anxious, hesitant, uneasy
Inspired	motivated, encouraged, stimulated, uplifted, influenced
Inspiring	uplifting, encouraging, motivating, stimulating, heartening
Intense	extreme, powerful, deep, strong, passionate
Interested	curious, engaged, intrigued, absorbed, fascinated
Intimate	close, personal, affectionate, familiar, warm
Introspective	reflective, thoughtful, contemplative, meditative, pensive
Intriguing	curious, fascinated, interested, absorbed, captivated
Joyful	happy, elated, jubilant, gleeful, delighted
Jubilant	triumphant, exultant, joyful, ecstatic, celebratory
Jumpy	nervous, anxious, restless, edgy, skittish
Languid	sluggish, relaxed, lazy, lethargic, unhurried
Lighthearted	cheerful, carefree, merry, buoyant, happy
Lonely	isolated, solitary, lonesome, forlorn, desolate
Longing	yearning, pining, craving, aching, hankering
Lost	confused, bewildered, adrift, perplexed, disoriented
Loving	affectionate, tender, warm, caring, fond
Melancholic	sad, mournful, sorrowful, gloomy, despondent
Mellow	relaxed, calm, smooth, gentle, easygoing
Merciful	compassionate, forgiving, lenient, kind, benevolent
Mirthful	joyful, merry, gleeful, amused, happy
Mysterious	enigmatic, cryptic, puzzling, inscrutable, elusive
Nervous	anxious, tense, jittery, edgy, apprehensive
Nostalgic	sentimental, wistful, reminiscing, longing, reflective
Optimistic	hopeful, positive, confident, sanguine, buoyant
Outraged	furious, incensed, enraged, livid, irate
Passionate	fervent, intense, ardent, enthusiastic, fiery
Peaceful	calm, tranquil, serene, harmonious, placid
Pensive	thoughtful, reflective, contemplative, meditative, introspective
Perplexed	confused, bewildered, puzzled, mystified, flummoxed
Playful	fun, whimsical, frolicsome, lighthearted, merry
Poignant	touching, moving, emotional, heartfelt, stirring
Powerful	strong, potent, mighty, forceful, influential
Quiet	silent, still, hushed, calm, peaceful
Radiant	glowing, luminous, bright, shining, vibrant
Reflective	thoughtful, pensive, contemplative, introspective, meditative
Relaxed	calm, laid-back, easygoing, mellow, untroubled
Relieved	comforted, assuaged, soothed, alleviated, eased
Remorseful	regretful, contrite, apologetic, repentant, penitent
Resentful	bitter, indignant, aggrieved, disgruntled, offended
Restless	uneasy, fidgety, agitated, unsettled, impatient
Sad	unhappy, sorrowful, miserable, dejected, downcast
Satisfied	content, pleased, fulfilled, gratified, happy
Scared	frightened, terrified, afraid, panicked, alarmed
Secure	safe, protected, confident, assured, stable
Serene	calm, peaceful, tranquil, composed, untroubled
Serious	solemn, grave, earnest, sincere, thoughtful
Sincere	genuine, honest, heartfelt, truthful, authentic
Sombre	dark, gloomy, dismal, bleak, melancholic
Sophisticated	refined, elegant, cultured, classy, polished
Spirited	lively, vivacious, energetic, dynamic, vibrant
Spooky	eerie, creepy, unsettling, haunting, ghostly
Stern	strict, harsh, severe, austere, formidable
Sorrowful	sad, mournful, heartbroken, distressed, melancholic
Spontaneous	impulsive, unplanned, natural, instinctive, extemporaneous
Stagnant	static, inactive, unchanging, motionless, still
Startled	surprised, shocked, alarmed, astonished, taken aback
Strained	tense, stressed, frayed, tight, uneasy
Strong	powerful, robust, sturdy, forceful, resilient
Stubborn	obstinate, unyielding, inflexible, tenacious, headstrong
Subdued	restrained, muted, soft, toned down, low-key
Sulky	moody, pouting, grumpy, sullen, cross
Suspenseful	tense, thrilling, anticipatory, exciting, nerve-wracking
Sympathetic	compassionate, understanding, empathetic, kind, supportive
Tender	gentle, soft, affectionate, loving, delicate
Tense	nervous, strained, anxious, edgy, taut
Terrified	frightened, scared, horrified, panicked, petrified
Thoughtful	considerate, reflective, pensive, contemplative, mindful
Thrilling	exciting, exhilarating, electrifying, stimulating, gripping
Tranquil	calm, peaceful, serene, restful, soothing
Treacherous	dangerous, perilous, risky, hazardous, deceitful
Triumphant	victorious, exultant, celebratory, successful, jubilant
Trusting	confident, believing, hopeful, reliant, assured
Uncertain	doubtful, hesitant, unsure, indecisive, insecure
Uneasy	anxious, restless, uncomfortable, worried, tense
Unhappy	sad, miserable, dejected, sorrowful, discontented
Valiant	brave, courageous, heroic, fearless, bold
Vibrant	lively, energetic, vivid, dynamic, spirited
Vindictive	spiteful, resentful, malicious, vengeful, unforgiving
Violent	brutal, fierce, savage, aggressive, tumultuous
Warm	cozy, friendly, affectionate, genial, inviting
Whimsical	playful, fanciful, quirky, imaginative, capricious
Wistful	nostalgic, longing, yearning, reflective, sentimental
Wonderful	marvelous, splendid, fabulous, fantastic, terrific
Worried	anxious, concerned, troubled, uneasy, fretful
Wry	ironic, sardonic, dry, mocking, humorous
Yearning	longing, craving, wanting, desiring, hankering
Zealous	passionate, fervent, enthusiastic, ardent, eager