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How to Cite a Play in MLA Format

Writers cite their sources to show that any borrowed ideas are not their own. Citations also aid the reader in finding additional information closer to the source. A variety of formats or styles exist to accommodate many types of writing and different disciplines. MLA format, which is short for Modern Language Association, is used frequently for writing in the humanities, especially literature.

Things You'll Need

  • Current copy of MLA style manual
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Instructions

    • 1

      Type the title of the play in italics, followed by a period. Type "By," followed by the playwright's name and a period.

    • 2

      Type "Dir." and follow it with the director's name and a period.

    • 3

      Type "Perf." and follow it with the top-billed actor and/or actress name or names, followed by a period.

    • 4

      List the name of the theater, followed by a comma and the city. Add the state, too, spelled out, if the city name is not unique.

    • 5

      List the date of the performance you are citing, followed by a period. The day comes first, then a three-letter abbreviation for the month and then the year--for example, "30 Mar. 1963." Place a period after the month abbreviation and do not put a comma within the date.

    • 6

      Type the word "Performance," followed by a period.

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