How To Cite A Play In MLA ~ Formatting & Examples


When you refer to lines from a play in-text, you need to cite these lines according to MLA. There are several ways to do in-text citations for plays. Depending on what information you have about your play will determine how you do your citations.


In , proper citation practices are essential to acknowledge the intellectual contributions of authors and to uphold the integrity of scholarly discourse. For scholars, students, and writers engaged in the study of drama and theater, understanding how to cite a play in format is important. This guide delves into the intricacies of citing plays in MLA, providing a step-by-step elucidation of the citation process for various play types, including classic and contemporary works.

Many times, when you’re writing an MLA essay, you might use a play by the same author. To make sure that your reader knows which play you are referencing, MLA style has you covered. You will italicize the name of the work with the page number or scene, act and lines.

How do you cite a play in MLA format

Use the nine core elements as your guide when citing a play in your . Since examples can say more than words, find out how to set up several MLA play citations including live performances.

*Note: If you have used the author's name or the play's title in the signal phrase before introducing a quote, you do not need to include it in your in-text citation.

*Note: If you have used the author's name or the play's title in the signal phrase before introducing a quote, you do not need to include it in your in-text citation.

To cite a live performance of a play, you’ll include the day that you saw the play and where you saw it. And don’t forget to include the theater company too!


5 Ways to Quote and Cite a Play in an Essay Using MLA Format

For quotations that are more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, place quotations in a free-standing block of text and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented 1/2 inch from the left margin while maintaining double-spacing. Your parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark. When quoting verse, maintain original line breaks. (You should maintain double-spacing throughout your essay.)

How to Cite a Play in MLA, APA, and Chicago Format

MLA (Modern Language Association) format is a popular citation style for papers and essays. You may be unsure how to quote and cite play using MLA format in your essay for a class. Start by following the correct formatting for a quote from one speaker or from multiple speakers in the play. Then, use the correct citation style for a prose play or a verse play.

How to Cite a Play in APA, MLA or Chicago | EasyBib

If you do decide to use the quote from the source you are using, however, you must recognize both sources. For example, in the Critical Insights series, we have a popular book of critical analysis called Things for Apart.

How to Cite Poetry, Song Lyrics, & Plays in MLA Style

If your play has line numbers, you should use them in your . Regarding how to cite lines from a play, you will need to include the author’s last name, as well as the scene, act and line numbers. You would use this format when citing one of Shakespeare’s plays, for example.

How do I quote a Shakespeare play in MLA format

We'll show you how to cite online articles accessed through the library (0:23) or the internet (2:13) or in print (3:11) and what to do if there's no author (3:40).">

How to Cite a Play In MLA Style Format (With Examples)

The block format is a freestanding quote that does not include quotation marks. Introduce the block quote with a colon (unless the context of your quote requires different punctuation) and start it on a new line. Indent the entire quote 1-inch from the left margin and double-space it (even if the rest of your paper is not double-spaced). Include the page number at the end of your block quote outside of the ending period. Also include the author's last name, date of publication, and page number(s)/paragraph number.