* To indicate stage directions: Stage directions are the instructions for actors, directors, and stage crew about how to perform the play. They are typically written in italics and often enclosed in parentheses. For example:
* *[Enter Juliet, looking distraught]*
* *[Lights fade slowly]*
* To indicate a character's thoughts: In some plays, a character's thoughts or internal monologue might be italicized. This helps distinguish them from spoken dialogue.
* To highlight specific words or phrases: Italics can be used to draw attention to a word or phrase that is particularly important or meaningful in the context of the play. For instance, a character might repeat a word several times for emphasis, and the playwright might italicize it to signify the word's significance.
* To indicate a change in a character's speech: Sometimes italics are used to show a change in a character's speech pattern, such as when they are speaking in a different language or dialect.
* To represent non-standard spellings or pronunciations: Italics might be used to reflect a character's accent or to represent a word that is spelled or pronounced differently from the standard.
It's important to note that the specific conventions for using italics in playwriting can vary depending on the playwright and the style of the play.
Ultimately, the use of italics serves to clarify the text and enhance the reader's understanding of the play.