Final answer:
In a play's script, actor names are centered above their dialogue, while stage directions are in italics and indented, providing guidance on action and physical expressions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a script for a play, the names of the actors that speak are centered on the page above their dialogue, offering clear guidance on who is to speak next. Meanwhile, additional stage directions, which provide essential details about the actions, settings, and physical movements within the performance, are typically written in italics and are indented after the dialogue. This formatting helps distinguish spoken words from actions and instructions that are not meant to be read aloud. Stage directions can be extensive, as seen in the works of playwrights like Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, who write specific directions to convey nuanced performances.
When reading classic plays such as Shakespeare's Hamlet, one will find that the dialogue is followed closely by these directions, guiding actors on how to physically express the words they deliver. It is pivotal for actors and directors to understand and interpret stage directions, as they may influence the way dialogue is performed and ensure that the playwright's vision is faithfully transmitted through the characters' actions.