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Step 1
Take a deep breath and relax. The anxiety that you feel is natural when trying something new. All fear can be overcome, and with a little bit of work you can get this.
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Step 2
Take it one scene at a time. If you try to take it all at once you will be overwhelmed. If you take it slowly you will have a better chance of getting it.
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Step 3
Figure out who the characters are one by one. There is usually a handy directory in the beginning of the books. This will avoid confusion.
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Step 4
At the end of every scene and act take some time to process what you have read. Make brief recap notes if you believe that this will help you.
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Step 5
If you are unclear or stuck, re-read a passage. Books never get impatient so take all of the time that you need.
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Step 6
If after a re-read, you are still stuck, consider reading the play out loud. These are plays after all, and they were meant to be spoken.
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Step 7
When you are stuck on a word look at the foot notes. You will usually find an explanation here. Failing that use a dictionary or search engine.
