In addition to the standard narrative dialogue style of plays , theater takes such forms as musicals , opera , ballet , illusion , mime , Indian dance , kabuki , mummers ' plays , stand-up comedy , pantomime , and non-conventional or arthouse theater . In addition to the standard narrative dialogue style of plays , theater takes such forms as musicals , opera , ballet , illusion , mime , classical Indian dance , kabuki , mummers ' plays , improvisational theater , stand-up comedy , pantomime , and non-conventional or arthouse theater .