What provides additional information not available to a live audience in a play?

The correct answer is stage directions because they serve as instructions in a script that offer specific guidance on how a scene should be performed. These notes can include details about the setting, actions to be taken by the characters, their emotional states, and even how the lighting and sound should be manipulated. This information enriches the understanding of the performance for the audience, providing context that cannot be conveyed through dialogue or action alone.

While action, dialogue, and scenes contribute to the storytelling and engagement of the audience, they do not convey the additional information provided by stage directions. Action refers to the physical movements of the characters, dialogue encompasses their spoken words, and scenes are the specific locations and contexts where the play unfolds, all of which are visible to a live audience. However, stage directions are typically not presented in a way that is obvious to the audience during a live performance, making them essential for providing background and detail that enhances the overall interpretation of the play.