noun. In a play, action carried on aside, and commonly in dumb show, while the main action proceeds; action not intended to be observed by some of the persons present.

noun. A diversion; something apart from the main purpose.

noun. Action carried on aside, and commonly in dumb show, while the main action proceeds.

noun. Any action, carried out onstage during a performance, apart from the main action.

noun. incidental activity performed by an actor for dramatic effect

"They're watching for Baker and his byplay with the suspects and co-star Robin Tunney — and for a show that, while not a great drama, is a terrific antidote to tough times."

acting  performing  playacting  playing  

schtick  schtik  shtick  shtik  

almsgiving  arty-farty  berating  bisection  brinksmanship  

aside