A play is fully realized when it is acted. In other words, a play is brought to life when it is performed by actors on stage, and witnessed by an audience. Acting involves not only memorizing the lines, but also conveying the emotions, intentions, and personalities of the characters through movement, expression, and voice. This transforms the written words into a living, breathing piece of art, and allows the audience to fully engage with the story and the themes it presents. While studying, memorizing, and reading the play are all important steps in the process, it is only through the act of performing that a play is truly realized.