Performing arts
Major forms

Dance Â· Music Â· Opera Â· Theatre

Minor forms

Circus Arts

Genres

Drama Â· Tragedy Â· Comedy Â· Tragicomedy Â· Romance Â· Satire Â· Epic Â· Lyric

Literature
Major forms

Novel Â· Poem Â· Drama
Short story Â· Novella

Genres

Epic Â· Lyric Â· Drama
Romance Â· Satire
Tragedy Â· Comedy
Tragicomedy

Media

Performance (play) Â· Book

Techniques

Prose Â· Verse

History and lists

Basic topics Â· Literary terms
History Â· Modern history
Books Â· Writers
Literary awards Â· Poetry awards

Discussion

Criticism Â· Theory Â· Magazines

Buskers perform in San Francisco

A performance, in performing arts, generally comprises an event in which one group of people (the performer or performers) behave in a particular way for another group of people (the audience). Sometimes the dividing line between performer and the audience may become blurred, as in the example of "participatory theatre" where audience members might get involved in the production. Singing choral music, and performing in a ballet are examples. Usually the performers participate in rehearsals beforehand. Afterwards audience members often clap, indicating appreciation. However, sometimes this rule is reversed. In Japan, the greatest compliment is complete silence.[citation needed]

Performances, for example in theatre, can take place daily, or at some other regular interval. Performances can take place at someone's house, in a subway, or even at a dollar store. Talent, on the other hand, is subjective.

[edit] Performance genres

Examples of performance genres include:

A music performance (a concert or a recital) may take place indoors in a concert hall or outdoors in a field, and may require the audience to remain very quiet, or encourage them to sing and dance along with the music.

A performance may also describe the way in which an actor performs. In a solo capacity, it may also refer to a mime artist, comedian, conjurer, or other entertainer.

A U.S. Navy sailor singing on a stage at a sporting event.