How To Cite a Play: Complete Guide with Examples

Many writers know that citing plays can feel like trying to solve a puzzle where half the pieces are missing.

Whether you’re writing about Shakespeare’s witty comedies or diving deep into Arthur Miller’s tragic worlds, properly citing these works can make or break your paper. 

Say you’ve just written a brilliant analysis of “Death of a Salesman,” but your professor marks you down because your citations aren’t quite right.

Frustrating, isn’t it? Don’t worry—by the end of this guide, you’ll be citing plays like a pro.

Why Citing a Play Correctly is Important

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—plagiarism.

Countless writers and students accidentally stumble into plagiarism territory simply because they don’t know how to properly credit their sources. 

Even when paraphrasing Willy Loman’s memorable lines, proper citation gives credit where it’s due and helps your readers trace your academic footsteps.

But here’s something many guides won’t tell you: good citations make your writing stronger.

They show you’ve done your homework, know your stuff, and are part of a larger academic conversation.

They’re like your academic credentials, giving weight to your arguments and helping readers trust your analysis.

Different Citation Styles for Citing Plays

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s get one thing straight: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to citing plays.

Different academic fields prefer different citation styles, each with its unique quirks and rules.

Let’s examine the three main styles you’re likely to encounter.

1. MLA Format for Citing Plays

MLA format is the go-to choice for literature papers, and it’s got some specific rules for citing plays. Here’s the inside scoop:

For published plays, your in-text citation should look like this:

 (O’Neill 34)

But what about plays with line numbers? Here’s where it gets interesting.

For verse plays, include act, scene, and line numbers:

(Miller 2.1.33-34)

Pro tip: When citing multiple lines, use forward slashes to show line breaks:
“What’s in a name? / That which we call a rose” (Wilde 2.2.43-44)

If you’re quoting dialogue between characters, format it like this:

JULIET. O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?
ROMEO. [Aside] Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?

(Shakespeare 2.1.33-34)

For plays that are part of an anthology, don’t forget to include the editor in your Works Cited entry:

Shakespeare, William. Much Ado About Nothing. Edited by Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 2004.

And if you’re working with a digital version, make sure to include the URL or DOI:

Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll’s House. Project Gutenberg, 2019, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2542.

2. APA Format for Citing Plays

APA might not be the most common choice for play citations, but if you’re writing about theater from a psychological or social science perspective, here’s what you need to know:

For classic plays, cite the original publication date and the version you’re using:

(Ibsen, 1879/2003, Act 2)

For modern plays, include the year and page number:

(Wilson, 1986, p. 45)

Translation Tip: If you’re working with translated plays, always include the translator’s details in your reference list.

Here’s an example:

Sophocles. (2004). Antigone (R. Fagles, Trans.). Penguin Classics. (Original work published 441 BCE)

In-text, it would look like this:

(Sophocles, 441 BCE/2004, p. 12)

Citing a Performance? APA has you covered.

If you’re referencing a live or recorded performance instead of the script, describe it in brackets after the director’s name:

Nunn, T. (Director). (2015). Hamlet [Theater performance]. Royal Shakespeare Company.

Remember—APA citation loves precision, so whether you’re quoting from the script or referencing a performance, make sure your details are on point.

3. Chicago Style for Citing Plays

Chicago style offers versatility with two citation methods: the notes-bibliography system (favored in humanities) and the author-date system (common in social sciences).

Here’s how to handle both:

Notes-Bibliography System

For a footnote, include the play’s author, title (italicized), publication details, and page number:

1. Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Desire (New York: New Directions, 2004), 45.

In the bibliography, format the entry with the author’s last name first, followed by the title and publication details:

Williams, Tennessee. A Streetcar Named Desire. New York: New Directions, 2004.

Author-Date System

In-text citations follow this format, with the author’s last name, publication year, and page number in parentheses:

(Williams 2004, 45)

For the reference list, structure it like this:

Williams, Tennessee. 2004. A Streetcar Named Desire. New York: New Directions.

Special Cases

Citing Specific Lines: When citing lines rather than page numbers, indicate act and scene details for clarity:

(Shakespeare 1623/1997, 3.1)

Translated Plays: Include the translator’s name in both footnotes and bibliography:

Sophocles, Antigone, trans. Robert Fagles (New York: Penguin Classics, 2004), 12.

Sophocles. Antigone. Translated by Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Classics, 2004.

Live Performances: For live productions, use a descriptive footnote:

1. Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by Elia Kazan, performed at Ethel Barrymore Theatre, New York City, December 3, 1947.

Whether you’re digging into a printed script or analyzing a performance, Chicago style gives you the tools to make your citations as precise as your analysis.

Key Elements to Include When Citing a Play

Citing a play isn’t just about following a format—it’s about ensuring your references are complete, accurate, and easy to trace.

Whether you’re working with classic literature, contemporary works, or live performances, certain details are essential to give proper credit and guide your readers. 

In this section, we’ll break down the must-have elements for a comprehensive citation, no matter the style you’re using.

Author’s Name

Getting the author’s name right seems simple, but there are some tricky situations to navigate.

What about collaborative works? Anonymous plays? Here’s what you need to know:

• For collaborative works, include both authors (e.g., Kaufman and Hart)
• For anonymous works, skip straight to the title
• For translated works, include both translator and author when relevant

Title of the Play

Here’s where people often trip up—should you use italics or quotation marks?

The rule of thumb is:

• Full-length plays get italics: The Glass Menagerie
• One-act plays get quotation marks: “The Long Goodbye”

But wait, there’s a catch. Some citation styles have their own rules about this.

Always check your style guide or ask your professor if you’re unsure.

Act, Scene, and Line Numbers

Think of these as GPS coordinates for your citations. They help readers find exactly what you’re referring to. Here’s the breakdown:

• Act numbers: Use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3)
• Scene numbers: Also Arabic numerals
• Line numbers: You guessed it – Arabic numerals

Format them with periods between each element: 1.2.34-36

Using AI Tools to Ensure Citation Accuracy

Nailing citations can sometimes feel like navigating a literary maze.

Even experts occasionally need a second pair of eyes to ensure everything is accurate and properly formatted.

That’s where tools like the Undetectable AI Plagiarism Checker come into play.

This advanced tool flags potential issues and helps verify that your citations align with academic standards, saving you time and stress.

Why Undetectable AI?

Aside from being FREE, what sets Undetectable AI apart is its sophisticated algorithm that goes beyond surface-level checks.

It’s designed to handle complex academic texts, ensuring your citations are both precise and compliant with the rules of various citation styles. 

Plus, it’s fast and user-friendly—perfect for students, writers, and professionals juggling multiple tasks.

You can also try out our AI Humanizer and Detector right in the widget below!

Tips for Using Plagiarism Checkers Effectively

While tools like Undetectable AI are incredibly helpful, they’re most effective when paired with your attention to detail.

Here’s how to get the most out of them:

• Always Double-Check the Results: AI tools are powerful but not infallible. Review flagged items to ensure accuracy.

• Beware of False Positives: Sometimes, correctly formatted citations might get flagged. Cross-check these against your style guide.

• Use as a Supplement, Not a Replacement: Think of AI tools as your trusty assistant. They’re there to support you, not replace your responsibility to cite correctly.

Incorporating AI into your workflow is a game-changer for accuracy and efficiency, and Undetectable AI can be your go-to ally in mastering the art of citation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Citing Plays

Conclusion

Citing plays doesn’t have to be a drama (pun intended).

While it might seem overwhelming at first, remember that citations serve a purpose – they help you engage with theatrical works more meaningfully and contribute to academic discourse responsibly.

Whether you’re writing about classical Greek tragedies or contemporary plays, proper citations demonstrate your credibility and respect for the playwrights whose works you’re analyzing.

Keep this guide handy, and you’ll be citing plays with confidence in no time.

Remember, like any skill, citation gets easier with practice.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—just keep refining your approach.

And if you’re ever in doubt, consult your style guide or ask your instructor.

They’re there to help you succeed.

And when you need an extra layer of assurance, tools like the Undetectable AI Plagiarism Checker can help you ensure your citations are accurate and polished.