How to read Play-a-day

Sorry if this is hitting-you-over-the-head obvious, but if you’re not familiar with reading play text (let alone my wonky version), this might be of use:

• Words in Italics: Words that are unsaid. Stage directions (context) or character descriptions

• Words not in italics: Words that are said. Lines/text/dialogue.

• A character’s name in ALL CAPS indicates they’re speaking. The words underneath are what they say. For example:

BROTHER (character)

I’m hungry. (lines)

SISTER (character)

Want a hamburger? (lines)

• Also, you may see lines spaced like this:

GIBBERISH SPEAKER

blah blah blah.

blah.

blah blah.

blah blah blah blah blah blah.

This is intentional, indicating rhythm or train of thought. Think of it as more of a loose guide than gospel. Ultimately, it’s the performer/director’s choice of how to tackle the words.

• An ellipsis (…) at the end of dialogue indicates a trailing off, or some open-endedness.

• An ellipsis (…) between chunks of dialogue, stage directions, etc. denotes some sort of pause, shift, or change. It doesn’t have to be silent, or static. If it’s not working for you, disregard or plow right through it.

• A slash (/) indicates dialogue overlap: When a character should begin their following line. If characters are speaking simultaneously, the word (Overlapping) should be near the characters’ names.

• An em-dash (—) indicates a cutoff: An interruption or fragmentation.

Peace, love, and happy reading!