How to Cite Plays and Performances in MLA Format [2026 Guide]

Plays and theatrical performances require specific citation formats in MLA style. This guide explains how to cite published play texts and live theatrical performances with clear examples.

Published Play Format

Playwright Last Name, First Name. Play Title. Publisher, Year.

Theatrical Performance Format

Play Title. By Playwright Name, directed by Director Name, Theater Name, City, Day Month Year. Performance.

Published Plays

Single Play Book

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Simon & Schuster, 2012.

Play in Anthology

Williams, Tennessee. "The Glass Menagerie." The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Nina Baym et al., 8th ed., Norton, 2012, pp. 1909-1959.

Play with Translator

Sophocles. Antigone. Translated by Robert Fagles, Penguin, 1984.

Live Performances

Theater Performance

Hamilton. By Lin-Manuel Miranda, directed by Thomas Kail, Richard Rodgers Theatre, New York, 15 Jan. 2026. Performance.

Emphasizing Performer

Streep, Meryl, performer. The Cherry Orchard. By Anton Chekhov, directed by Jack O'Brien, Delacorte Theater, New York, 22 July 2015. Performance.

In-Text Citations

Using Act, Scene, and Line Numbers

Hamlet's soliloquy reveals his internal conflict (Shakespeare 3.1.64-98).

Performance Citation

The staging emphasized the themes of immigrant struggle (Hamilton).

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Conclusion

Citing plays and performances correctly distinguishes between published texts and live performances, providing appropriate credit to playwrights, directors, and performers while enabling readers to locate your sources.