Overview

A play tells a story, in dialogue form, which is acted out by actors in front of an audience. There are six fundamental elements of a play: plot, character, theme, language, music, and spectacle. Modern plays are generally broken down into two or three acts, which may be further broken down into scenes. Most plays can be categorized as dramas, melodramas, comedies, or tragedies.

Before you act in a play, you must research the play. First, read the play for enjoyment and understanding. Second, reread the play, looking for information about your character. Ask yourself how your character speaks and behaves, what your character's motives and desires are, and what subtext there is in your character's lines. Third, memorize your lines. This is crucial because lines often act as cues for other actors and these cues keep the play moving smoothly.