perform in a play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perform in a play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone taking up a role in a theatrical performance – such as a play, drama or musical. For example: "Mary is excited to perform in a play for the first time".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

When Daisy was 8, she saw her father perform in a play in Coney Island and was captivated.

The New York Times

He likes the idea that his staff will finish their shift in the hotel, then go and perform in a play or DJ at a local club.

The Guardian - Travel

JAKE GYLLENHAAL made a deal with himself 10 years ago: For every three movies he made, he would perform in a play.

The New York Times

Ardalion had been hired to perform in a play that mocked Christianity, but he was inspired to convert onstage, and died for it instead.

The New York Times - Travel

On the Sunday evening, we watched my daughter Molly perform in a play, and between shows, Mum and Maria found a quiet corner of a cafe and I watched them deep in conversation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In her play, Cocteau is depicted as a master of psychology in luring Piaf to perform in a play and convincing her that it will make the object of her affections besotted with her, when really he is intending the reverse.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The developed control strategies should perform in a plug & play manner, i.e. adapt to varying working conditions, optimize their performance, and provide fault tolerance.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Lario, an actress, was performing in a play at a theatre that Berlusconi owned.

The New Yorker

A summer adventure in the backyard ends with performing in a play.

The New York Times - Books

Imogene had just performed in a play at her all-girls school.

The New Yorker

A sketch with Partridge performing in a play he has written about Thomas More is quite aimless.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's involvement in a theatrical production, use "perform in a play" to clearly and concisely convey their role as an actor or performer.

Common error

Avoid using "perform a play" as it implies staging or directing the entire play, rather than acting in it. Remember that "perform in a play" indicates the act of acting within a play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perform in a play" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of participating as an actor in a theatrical production. It describes the action of embodying a role and delivering lines within the context of a staged performance. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perform in a play" is a verb phrase used to describe someone's participation as an actor in a theatrical production. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While the phrase is not extremely frequent, appearing most often in News & Media, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately conveys the intended meaning of acting in a play, rather than implying direction or staging. Consider alternatives such as "play a role" or "act in a theatrical production" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play a role in a production

Focuses on the act of embodying a character using "play a role" instead of "perform".

act in a theatrical production

Replaces "perform" with the more specific verb "act" and uses the broader term "theatrical production" instead of "play".

take part in a drama

Uses "take part" as a more general way of saying "perform" and specifies "drama" as the type of performance.

appear in a theater performance

Substitutes "perform" with "appear" and uses the more descriptive term "theater performance".

enact a character in a show

Focuses on the portrayal of character using "enact a character" instead of "perform".

be involved in a stage show

Employs "be involved" to denote participation and uses "stage show" as a broader term for a play.

participate in a dramatic presentation

Replaces "play" with the more formal term "dramatic presentation" and "perform" with "participate".

star in a play

Implies a leading role by using the verb "star" instead of "perform".

be cast in a theatrical work

Highlights the selection process using "be cast" and refers to the play as a "theatrical work".

grace the stage in a play

Adds a sense of artistry and elegance with the verb "grace" instead of "perform".

FAQs

How can I use "perform in a play" in a sentence?

You can use "perform in a play" to describe someone acting in a theatrical production. For example, "She will "perform in a play" next month".

What's a more formal way to say "perform in a play"?

A more formal alternative would be to say "participate in a dramatic presentation" or "appear in a theater performance".

Is it correct to say "perform a play" instead of "perform in a play"?

While "perform a play" isn't grammatically incorrect, it often implies directing or staging the play, not necessarily acting in it. Using "perform in a play" more accurately describes acting.

What does it mean to "play a role" versus "perform in a play"?

"Play a role" focuses on acting as a specific character, while "perform in a play" describes the general act of participating as an actor in a theatrical work.