If you have a new production coming up, you’re probably excited to start the show! That’s fantastic, but you have to prepare many things before you can open the stage curtains. If you are running a concert or production, you need to create a playbill or program that will detail the agenda for the night. This paper is crucial because it tells your audience what will happen throughout the night. So, how do you create these brochures? Find out more about creating a playbill for your high school production below.
Get the Tools of the Trade
Before you can start working on your program, you have to gather the right tools. For this project, you will need both hardware and software. We suggest using a simple software that’s easy to operate, like Microsoft Word. If you’re looking for something more modern, you can use a graphic design software that lends you more formatting freedom.
As far as physical supplies are concerned, all you’ll need is a printer and some heavy-duty paper. If your program requires multiple pieces of paper, you will also want to invest in a brochure stapler.
Why Make One?
There are many reasons why you’ll want to create a playbill. As stated earlier, it’s important to give the audience information so that they can follow along with the performance or showing. The agenda gives them something to reference if they’re lost or perhaps need to take a break mid-show. They’ll know what the program consists of, when the interludes are, and who stars in the show.
Above all, a playbill offers a way to provide credit for all the hard work that the students put in. It’s a way to acknowledge everyone’s work on the production, from those on the stage to efforts made behind the scenes. Even people that aren’t on the stage will have the opportunity to gain recognition, which is amazing. It’s always important to give credit where credit is due.
Additionally, these playbills demonstrate to the audience that this is a formal and professional performance. Even though you’re putting on a high school performance, whether it’s a button-down music concert or a black-tie musical, you need to be professional to succeed. These are just a few reasons you need to create a playbill for your high school production.
What Does a Playbill Consist Of?
How a production formats its playbill depends on the venue, expense budget, and program size. Smaller concerts or programs may only need a page folded in half with the name of the concert, date, and school, along with details about the program.
A larger playbill may use twice-folded paper to make a brochure in which you print important information on the front and back. These additional pages allow you to provide full details on the participants in the performance, background information about the show, and director information. Any music involved in the score the school performs should also be on this brochure.
What Software Can You Use?
There are different kinds of software you can use to design the playbill. The possibilities are nearly endless. You can go the simple route and use Microsoft Word or Google Docs, both of which have templates for brochures and the ability to input images. You can also use Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides, which can make it easier to include images.
There’s a ton of software for custom playbill creation that makes the process quick and virtually foolproof. One free option that allows for more design flexibility is Canva. The only drawback with Canva is that it may not be ideal for large programs. For that, you might want to consider making your playbill from scratch.
Step-by-Step Process: Making a Playbill From Scratch
If you want to make a playbill from scratch, here are a few tips for doing it effectively.
Determine the Playbill’s Size
First, you need to determine the size of your playbill. A few common sizes are four- and eight-page layouts that only require a stapler to create a small booklet. Again, an automatic brochure stapler is ideal for this sort of thing since it’s heavy-duty and won’t break down throughout the hundreds of necessary staples. Make sure you take your budget into account when you make your decision.
Design the Cover
Next, you need to design the front cover. This aspect of the playbill should include the title of the play and at least one pertinent graphic. Photos and illustrations are common on the front and should always be relevant for a play. Stick to the theme. The title font should also be analogous to the play. For instance, a period play set in the 1600s Europe might benefit from a font inspired by early letterpresses. Make sure that whatever font you choose is easy for your audience members to read.
Include the Right Information
On the inside cover, you’ll want to type up your director’s note to introduce the play and provide a synopsis. You could also list times and dates here. The general program and musical score should go on the inside cover as well.
The back cover can show financial sponsors and advertisements. It could also serve as an autograph page. Leaving this space blank allows the cast to sign the playbill for the audience. You can also place venue information at the bottom of this page.
You can devote other pages to the cast. You must list the cast within the cover simply because the audience must know who’s performing in the play. Ask the play’s casting manager for a list of actor names and corresponding character names to place next to them.
Don’t forget to create a list of the various scenes and acts, including interludes, so that the audience knows when it’s time for a break to refresh themselves. You can also write up a scene-by-scene breakdown if you prefer. The information you choose to include will determine how many pages you need in your playbill.
Once you complete the brochure, you’re ready to print!
In short, there are many different ways to create a playbill, but the general process is simpler than you might think. If you’re interested in getting a stapler to help you put together enough playbills for every audience member, shop with us at Salco Headquarters! We’ll take care of all your staple needs.
