How to Cite a Play in APA, MLA, or Chicago
Published October 21, 2013. Updated June 19, 2021.
You can cite a play as either a live performance or script.
Citing a Live Performance
EasyBib has a form to cite a performance that has been viewed live. For instructions on how to cite a live performance, visit this guide on citing Hamilton the musical in MLA, APA, and Chicago.
Citing a Play Script
If you are citing a play found as an entire source, cite it as a book (and use our book citation form).
MLA Format (9th edition)
STRUCTURES:
In-text:
(Playwright last name page#)
Works Cited:
Playwright last name, First name. Play/Publication Title. Publisher, edition (if applicable), publication year.
EXAMPLE:
(Hwang 22)
Hwang, David Henry. M Butterfly. Plume, 1989.
APA Format
STRUCTURES:
In-text:
(Playwright last name, year, p. page#)
Reference:
Playwright last name, First initials. (Year published). Play/Publication title. Publisher.
EXAMPLE:
(Hwang, 1989, p. 22)
Hwang, D. H. (1989). M butterfly. Plume.
Chicago Format
STRUCTURES:
Author-Date In-text:
(Playwright last name year, page#)
Author-Date Reference:
Playwright last name, First name. Year. Play Title. Location: Publisher.
Notes:
Playwright full name, Play Title (City: Publisher, Year), page #.
Bibliography:
Playwright last name, First name. Play Title. City: Publisher, Year.
EXAMPLES:
Author-Date:
(Hwang 1989, 22)
Hwang, David Henry. 1989. M Butterfly. New York: Plume.
Notes:
David Henry Hwang, M Butterfly (New York: Plume, 1989), 22.
Bibliography:
Hwang, David Henry. M Butterfly. New York: Plume, 1989.
Updated June 19, 2021.