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How to Have a Playbill Made

When your organization is planning a theatrical event, it's customary to provide a playbill to all members of the audience, which helps them identify the people behind the scenes and on the stage. It also serves as a keepsake for the audience and play participants. Like program notes for a concert, a playbill provides information about the play and the performers. It takes a certain amount of experience with publishing software to create a playbill, but with a little effort, it won't be hard to find someone to do it for you.

Things You'll Need

  • Graphic artist
  • Art work
  • Play details
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find out what the budget is for the playbill, which dictates the length of the playbill and the paper to use for printing. The budget also puts limits on whom you hire to create the playbill for the performance. You also need to know how many to print as part of the budgeting process.

    • 2

      Find a professional typesetter or a printer who provides graphic design and typesetting services. You may also know someone who freelances who could help you make your playbill. Ask them what they charge for their services and whether it's a flat fee or hourly. If you're not familiar with their work, ask to see their portfolio or samples of other playbills they have made.

    • 3

      Gather everything you need for the playbill, which includes the graphics for the playbill and a list of the cast members and the parts they play, the producer, the director and anyone involved in the production. You also need to list the scenes and their titles, and credit the playwright along with a short biography. You can also include a synopsis of each of the acts of the play.

    • 4

      Provide the information to the designer, either by hard copy or electronically. You could fax all but the artwork, since faxed copies can be blurry and unusable in a formal playbill.

    • 5

      Work with the designer while he puts the playbill together. Take or email any drafts to the producer or manager for approval. Once everyone in charge approves the playbill, give the designer permission to print it.

Stage Productions

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