What is the term for a play written to be spoken aloud?

The term for a play written to be spoken aloud is "drama." Drama refers specifically to a genre of literature intended to be performed by actors on a stage, where the dialogue and action are crafted to engage an audience. It encapsulates the essence of storytelling through performance, emphasizing the roles of dialogue and staging.

While "script" might also seem closely linked as it refers to the written text of a play, the word "drama" encompasses the broader category of works that invite performance. "Novel" pertains to a long narrative typically written in prose, and "poem" is a literary form that uses heightened language and rhythm, often focusing on emotion or imagery, rather than performance. Thus, drama correctly identifies the genre that embodies the unique qualities of theatrical presentations.