Q&A for How to Design a Playbill

Definitely! There are a number of tools out there online (like Canva) that can help you put something together very nicely. What matters most, though, is that you include when the show is taking place, the name of the show itself, where it's taking place, box office information, and so on.

Normally, by Act. So it would be something similar to: ACT I: The kitchen in the Magrath sisters' home. (Afternoon) ACT II: The same kitchen. (Evening) ACT III: The same kitchen. (The Following Morning) Basically, you use this to inform the audience of any setting/time changes between acts.

The playbill lets the attendees of your play know what it's about and who the characters and actors are.

If that's all they do, you would list them as the Conductor. If they also put together the orchestra and ran the rehearsals, you can use Musical Director.

You should, and give the benefactors who gave the most money a top or middle spot.

List the name of the instrumentalist first, just like you would list the actor's name before the character's.

It depends on who's in charge of your show, but you can list things like your past shows and roles, as well as including a thank you to whomever you'd like. Never use "I" or "me"---phrase it like "Mary Smith is excited to play the Queen this year in her fourth show. She's also performed in Beauty and the Beast, as well as in Shrek the Musical and Fiddler on the Roof. She'd like to thank her friends for encouraging her to act." Keep in mind the character limit, if there is one.

The playbill will be your flier and advertising for the production you are putting on. Many people don’t realize the importance of it, but playbills are the best advertising tool.

There are plenty of different types of paper you can print your playbills on. Construction paper can work, because it is usually around the house. If you want something more suited toward the purpose of a playbill, you can use a type of paper called book paper. It is made for books and things you simply read, which would apply in your case. The last way is by using newsprint paper, a type of paper commonly used as a cost effective way to print the news, but also can work great on a playbill.