The structure of a play is the order in which action and scenes are placed. Stories can have either a linear or a non-linear structure. Dramatic tension can be an effective device in storytelling.
This is not just the speed of your performance, but the rhythm of it too. Variations of pace make the dramatic journey an exciting one for the audience. If the rhythm and speed of your work stay the same throughout, the performance will all be on one level and lacking in excitement. Think about increasing the pace as you head towards the climax. Equally, taking more time in some scenes and the use of dramatic pauses can build tension and draw your audience in.
Pace is affected by structure too. Lots of short scenes, quickly connected, will create a fast paced, energetic journey for the audience. A series of longer scenes with a slower build towards the climax will be a different experience. Consider pace when structuring your play and when working scenes in detail.
Trying things out
A good way to experiment with the structure of your work is to write each scene and a brief outline of its content on some cards. Spread the cards out in front of you and rearrange them until you find a sequence that you feel creates an exciting and interesting dramatic journey through the narrative. Try things out practically to see how changing the structure changes the dramatic impact of your work. Feedback is very important at this level. You could try filming your work and watching it to analyse the effect that structural changes have on it.