Citing plays in APA style can seem tricky, but with a clear understanding of the format and the different types of plays you might encounter, it becomes straightforward. This guide breaks down the process, covering various scenarios and providing examples to help you confidently cite your sources.
Understanding APA's In-Text Citations for Plays
In-text citations within your paper briefly refer to the play's author and year of publication. The specific details you include depend on whether you are quoting, paraphrasing, or referring to a specific act, scene, or line.
General References:
- If you mention the play's title, you only need the author's last name and year in parentheses: (Shakespeare, 1623).
- If you only mention the author's name, you include the year of publication and the play's title in parentheses: Shakespeare (1623) in Hamlet.
Quoting or Paraphrasing Specific Passages:
When quoting or paraphrasing, you need to include the act, scene, and line numbers (or page numbers if using a specific edition).
- Example (Quoting): "To be or not to be, that is the question" (Shakespeare, 1623, Act 3, Scene 1, Line 56).
- Example (Paraphrasing): Hamlet grapples with existential questions about life and death (Shakespeare, 1623, Act 3, Scene 1).
Different Editions and Adaptations:
If using a specific edition or adaptation, include the editor's or adapter's name and the year of publication in your in-text citation.
- Example: (Shakespeare, ed. Bloom, 2005, Act 3, Scene 1, Line 56)
APA's Reference List Entries for Plays
Your reference list at the end of your paper requires more detailed information. Here's how to format the entry depending on the source:
1. A Published Play:
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Author's Last Name, Author's First Initial. (Year). Title of play. Publisher.
- Example: Shakespeare, W. (1623). Hamlet. (If no specific publisher is listed, you might use "N.p." for "no publisher".)
2. A Play in an Anthology or Edited Collection:
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Author's Last Name, Author's First Initial. (Year). Title of play. In Editor's First Initial. Editor's Last Name (Ed.), Title of anthology (pages). Publisher.
- Example: Shakespeare, W. (1623). Hamlet. In J. Smith (Ed.), Shakespearean Tragedies (pp. 100-200). Oxford University Press.
3. A Play from a Website or Database:
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Author's Last Name, Author's First Initial. (Year). Title of play. Retrieved from [URL]
- Example: Shakespeare, W. (1623). Hamlet. Retrieved from [Insert URL here]
4. A Screenplay or Adapted Play:
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Treat screenplays or adapted plays similar to published plays, but be sure to include the medium (film, television, etc.) in the description.
- Example: Lucas, G. (1977). Star Wars. (Film). Twentieth Century Fox. (Note: This example uses a film, but the principle applies to other adaptations.)
Important Considerations:
- Italics: Always italicize the title of the play.
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in formatting throughout your citations.
- Accuracy: Double-check all details to ensure accuracy. Incorrect information can significantly impact the credibility of your work.
By following these guidelines, you can accurately and consistently cite plays in APA style, demonstrating proper scholarly research practices. Remember to consult the most recent APA Publication Manual for the most up-to-date guidelines.
