dramatics

dramatics (countable and uncountable, plural dramatics)

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) The art of acting and stagecraft.
   • 2005, Carol Seefeldt, How to Work with Standards in the Early Childhood Classroom:

     By providing opportunities, time, and props, teachers can help children achieve the theatre standards of participating in sociodramatic playgroups and taking on roles of others in creative dramatics.

2. (used with a singular or plural verb) Dramatic behaviour.

   Synonym: histrionics