What term describes a collection of scenes in a play?

The term that describes a collection of scenes in a play is an act. An act is a larger division within the structure of a play, and it typically consists of multiple scenes that together develop a portion of the story or theme being presented. Each act usually serves to build tension, develop characters, or advance the plot, culminating in dramatic shifts or climactic moments.

In contrast, scenes are the smaller divisions within an act that focus on specific events or interactions between characters. They allow for detailed exploration of certain moments but do not encompass the broader narrative arc as an act does. The terms sequence and chapter are less commonly used in the context of plays; sequences refer to an order of events or actions, while chapters are more aligned with books or written works rather than theatrical presentations. Thus, the correct answer, act, signifies the necessary framework within which various scenes coalesce to form a cohesive narrative.