10 Must Read Plays for Actors – Important Plays in Theater

As an actor it’s important to read important works of theater because it’s the history of the art form told through the ages. Each must read play I’ve selected is a masterpiece in its own right, but if they’re read one after the other, will show how master storytellers write their stories, and that can enrich your own storytelling as an actor.

10 Must Read Plays for Actors

1. “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare – Shakespeare’s work is foundational to Western theater, and “Hamlet” stands out for its complex exploration of grief, revenge, and morality. Its timeless relevance lies in the depth of its characters, especially Hamlet himself, whose existential musings and inner turmoil offer actors a profound psychological landscape to explore. The play’s rich, poetic language and its exploration of themes such as madness, betrayal, and existential doubt make it a quintessential study for actors seeking to delve into complex emotional states and philosophical questions.
2. “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller – This play is a poignant critique of the American Dream, seen through the tragic decline of its protagonist, Willy Loman. Miller’s incisive exploration of success and failure, family dynamics, and self-delusion invites actors to confront the realities of disillusionment and the cost of dreams unfulfilled. It challenges performers to embody the deep emotional layers of its characters, offering a masterclass in portraying nuanced human tragedy.
3. “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams – Williams’ exploration of desire, mental fragility, and the clash between the old and new South provides a rich tapestry for actors. The characters, especially Blanche DuBois, are deeply flawed and multifaceted, allowing actors to explore themes of reality versus illusion, the brutality of desire, and the fragility of human psyche. The play’s lyrical language and intense emotional scenes demand a deep empathy and understanding, pushing actors to find truth in vulnerability.
4. “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles – As a cornerstone of Greek tragedy, this play offers timeless insights into fate, free will, and the human condition. Its exploration of hubris, denial, and the search for truth challenges actors to grapple with the inevitability of destiny and the complexities of human nature. The dramatic irony and tragic structure provide a powerful framework for understanding the mechanisms of tension and catharsis in theater.
5. “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde – Wilde’s masterpiece is a brilliant satire of Victorian society, offering actors a playground of wit, irony, and comedic timing. Its exploration of identity, social hypocrisy, and the absurdities of societal norms challenges performers to engage with the text’s linguistic playfulness and subtextual depth, all while maintaining the lightness and charm required for comedy.
6. “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” by Eugene O’Neill – This autobiographical play is a deep dive into family dynamics, addiction, and regret. O’Neill’s raw and honest portrayal of his own family offers actors a complex emotional landscape to navigate, requiring a vulnerability and intensity that can be both challenging and rewarding. The play’s exploration of memory, denial, and the longing for redemption makes it a profound study in human frailty.
7. “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett – Beckett’s absurdist masterpiece challenges traditional narrative structures, presenting actors with the task of finding meaning in the seemingly meaningless. Its minimalist setting and cryptic dialogue invite a multitude of interpretations, encouraging performers to explore themes of existential despair, companionship, and the human condition in a universe that appears indifferent.
8. “Angels in America” by Tony Kushner – This epic two-part play addresses the AIDS crisis, politics, and spirituality, offering a sweeping commentary on American society in the 1980s. Its complex characters and fantastical elements challenge actors to blend realism with the surreal, demanding a versatility in performance that can convey deep emotional truths within a politically charged narrative.
9. “The Cherry Orchard” by Anton Chekhov – Chekhov’s exploration of social change and the passage of time is told through the decline of an aristocratic family. The play’s subtle humor and poignant moments of reflection require actors to master the art of understatement and the portrayal of unspoken emotions, offering a study in the complexities of change, memory, and loss.
10. “Hedda Gabler” by Henrik Ibsen – Ibsen presents a complex woman trapped by societal expectations, exploring themes of power, boredom, and the desire for freedom. The character of Hedda offers actors a challenging role that demands a nuanced understanding of motivation and despair, allowing for a deep exploration of the conflicts between personal desires and societal constraints.

These plays collectively offer a comprehensive overview of the potential of theater to explore the depths of human experience, societal critique, and the complexities of individual psychology. We hope you enjoy reading or seeing these plays and you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the breadth and variety of theatrical works. You can even take a monologue from each play to learn, that’d be a good way to make reading these plays an active experience.

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