play-act

verb4

1. •
   To perform on stage; to act in a play.
2. •
   (figurative) To engage in pretence or insincere behavior, often in order to mislead someone or gain an advantage.

   • Abby, watching Harper give the closeted performance that she’s been giving her whole life, sees a side of her that she doesn’t like — the one who play-acts and denies herself almost too well. — 2020
3. •
   (figurative) To make a pretence of; to feign or simulate.
4. •
   To play (a scene, role etc.); to act out.