Otoshi-banashi and ninjo-banashi are both performed simply by talking, but in contrast shibai-banashi are staged like a shibai (theatrical performance or play), in which a kakiwari (stage setting) and music are used, and occasionally the performer may stands up and pose as part of the performance.
「落とし噺」や「人情噺」が素で上演されるのに対して、芝居のような書割や音曲を利用し、場合によっては演者が立って芝居のごとき見得をしたりする演目を「芝居噺」という。