One Act Play

A one act play, or more commonly in the US "one act", or "one-act", is a play that takes place in one act or scene, as opposed to plays that take place over a number of acts. They can be in one, or more scenes, but they tend to be simpler and have fewer props, scenery and cast members (sometimes only one). Such plays are often showcased in a series. They are ideal for high school or college drama students as well as small venues and dinner theaters. Unlike other plays which usually are published one play per book, one acts are usually published in anthologies or collections. David Ives's book All in the Timing includes examples of one act plays. In the UK shorter plays are generally known as 'Playlets'.