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

Citing plays isn't always easy due to variations in citation styles, different editions of plays, and the absence of standardized line numbers in many works.

Whether you're a student, researcher, or writer, correctly citing plays is essential for academic and professional integrity. In this guide, we'll provide easy-to-follow examples and explanations for citing plays and live performances in MLA, APA, and Chicago format.

Let's dive in!

How to Cite a Play in MLA Style

In MLA style, citing a play follows a clear-cut format. Here's how to cite a play in MLA format:

MLA In-text citation:

• When quoting dialogue or text directly from the play, pop in the author's last name and the line number in parentheses. For example: (Shakespeare 2.2.75-77)
• If you mention the author's name in your sentence, you only need to include the line number in parentheses. For example: According to Shakespeare (2.2.75-77)...

MLA Works Cited entry:

• Start with the playwright's last name, followed by a comma and their first name
• Italicize the title of the play
• Specify the editor or translator (if applicable)
• Provide publication details, including the publisher, year, and medium (e.g., print or web)

Here's an example:

Citing a Play Script in MLA Style

Citing a play script in MLA style follows a specific format. Here's how to do it:

In-text citation:

When quoting dialogue or text directly from the play, include the author's last name and the page number in parentheses. If the play is written by a single author, the format is straightforward. 

For example: (Miller 32). 

If the play has multiple authors, list all of their last names in the same order as they appear on the title page, separated by commas, and then add the page number. 

For example: (Albee, Williams 45).

Works Cited entry:

The entry in the Works Cited list begins with the playwright's last name, followed by a comma and the first name. To cite a play title accurately, cite it in italics, mention the editor (if applicable), the publisher, the publication year, and the medium of publication (e.g., print).

Here's a general template for citing a play script in MLA:

Citing a Play Anthology or Collection in MLA Format

If the play is part of an anthology or collection, you will cite it slightly differently, listing the editor's name after the play's title and before the publication information.

For example: 

Citing a Play Without Page Numbers in MLA

In MLA style, you typically include the author's name and the title of the play in your in-text citation. If the play is part of a larger work, you would also include the title of the larger work (e.g., anthology) and the editor's name if applicable. Here's an example:

How to Cite a Play in APA Style

APA style takes a slightly different approach to citing plays. Here's how to do it in APA format:

APA In-text citation:

• For direct quotes from the play, include the author's last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses. For example: (Shakespeare, 1597/2019, p. 45)
• If you've already mentioned the author's name in your sentence, just include the year of publication and page number in parentheses. For example: According to Shakespeare (1597/2019), Juliet famously proclaims...

APA Reference List entry:

• Begin with the playwright's last name, followed by a comma and their first initial.
• Italicize the title of the play.
• Add the year of republication (or latest publication) in parentheses.
• Include publication details, such as the publisher and location.

Here's an example to cite a play in APA style:

If you accessed the play online, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or URL in the reference list entry.

Remember that you would use the same format for citing a play script in APA style. 

Citing a Play Anthology or Collection in APA Format

If the play is part of an anthology or collection, italicize the title of the play as well. Include the editor's name after the title of the play, followed by "(Ed.)" in parentheses.

Here is a works cited reference example:

Citing a Play Without Page Numbers in APA Style

APA style generally requires the author's name, publication year, and page number for in-text citations. However, if the play doesn't have page numbers, you can include other relevant information such as act and scene numbers.

How to Cite a Play in Chicago Style

When citing plays in Chicago style, the precise format can vary depending on whether you are using the notes and bibliography system or the author-date system.

We will discuss examples of both systems in the next section. 

Citing a Play Script In Chicago Style

In case you’re citing a play script in the text, cite the author's last name and the publication year, placed in parentheses. If you mention the author's name in the sentence, only include the publication year in parentheses.

Chicago In-text citation example: 

• (Shakespeare 1597)
• According to Shakespeare (1597), "All the world's a stage..."

Chicago Footnote/Note Format: For the first citation, provide the author's full name, the title of the play, the type of source (e.g., play script), and relevant publication information. For subsequent citations, you can use a shortened version of the footnote.

Chicago Bibliography Entry: The bibliography entry should include the playwright's full name, the title of the play, the type of source (e.g., play script), and publication details.

Citing an Anthology In Chicago Style

When you’re citing an anthology in Chicago format, in the text, cite the author's last name and the publication year, placed in parentheses. If you mention the author's name in the sentence, only include the publication year in parentheses.

In-text citation example: 

• (Smith 2010)
• According to Smith (2010), "The anthology provides a comprehensive view..."

Footnote/Note Format: For the first citation, provide the author's full name, the title of the work, the title of the anthology, the editor's name (if applicable), the publication details, and page numbers. For subsequent citations, you can use a shortened version of the footnote.

Bibliography Entry: The bibliography entry should include the author's full name, the title of the work, the title of the anthology, the editor's name (if applicable), the publication details, and page numbers.

Make sure to replace placeholders such as "Title of the Work," "Title of the Anthology," and others with the actual titles and details of the sources you are citing.

Citing a Play Without Page Numbers in Chicago

The Chicago Style Guide offers two different citation systems: the notes-bibliography system (often used in humanities) and the author-date system (often used in sciences).

Notes-Bibliography System

In the notes-bibliography system, you would include a footnote or endnote the first time you cite the play, and subsequent citations can be abbreviated.

Footnote/Endnote:

Author-Date System

In the author-date system, you would include the author's name and publication year in parentheses in the text.

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