play doctor

American  

noun

Theater.

1. a person, usually a professional playwright, employed to improve a script, especially shortly before the play's opening.

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Etymology

Origin of play doctor

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The new production will see Smith play doctor Thomas Stockmann, a medical officer who finds the public baths are contaminated.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2023

With two crucial second act songs still unwritten, the opening night is postponed by two weeks and Michael Bennett, an in-demand play doctor ever since he staged “A Chorus Line,” is brought in for advice.

From New York Times • Jul. 28, 2021

But Lilli’s backbone, bolstered through the nimble tweaking of play doctor Green, serves to keep the cringe factor at bay.

From Washington Post • Mar. 14, 2019

“We’d play doctor and patient, or teacher and student,” said Tenbarge, who is a student at Ohio State University, studying journalism.

From Slate • Jul. 25, 2018

"I don't believe you're anything but a play doctor, but, as things is, I reckon you'll have to do."

From A Spinner in the Sun by Reed, Myrtle