Both a playbill and a program provide information about a theatrical production to audience members. However, there are some key differences between the two.
What is a Playbill?
A playbill is a printed program distributed to audience members attending a theatrical performance such as a play, musical, opera, or ballet. Playbills have been used since the 17th century and traditionally include information like:
- The title of the production
- A list of the cast and crew involved
- A synopsis of the story or plot
- Brief actor biographies and headshots
- Information about the theater company
- Advertisements
Playbills are often glossy, magazine-like publications with eye-catching graphics and decorative fonts. The most famous playbill in American theater is for Broadway productions in New York City. Broadway playbills all share a standard design and size.
What is a Theater Program?
A theater program is also a printed handout for audience members, but the term is used more broadly. “Program” can refer to a simple leaflet or pamphlet with basic information. Programs may include details like:
- The name of the performance
- Cast and crew lists
- A scene synopsis
- Advertisements or sponsorships
Programs come in many different formats depending on the theater company and production. A community theater show may have a single folded sheet, while a major opera company may have a booklet-style program. Unlike playbills, there is no standard size and design for programs.
Differences Between Playbills and Programs
While playbills and programs share some similarities, there are key differences that set them apart:
Playbill | Program |
---|---|
Used for Broadway and Off-Broadway theater productions | Broader term used by various theater companies |
Glossy, magazine-style publication | Varies in format from simple leaflet to booklet |
Standard size and layout | No standard format |
More detailed content like actor bios | Less detailed, focuses on basics |
While a playbill is a type of theater program, not all programs are playbills. Playbills are specifically associated with Broadway theater and have a distinctive, high-quality look and feel with more in-depth content. Theater programs encompass a wider variety of simple, informational handouts.
The Origins of Playbills
The use of printed theater handouts dates back centuries, but playbills as we know them emerged in the mid-19th century. In the 1850s, theaters in New York began printing and selling playbills to audience members as souvenirs. At first the bills were simple, but over time they evolved into more elaborate publications with detailed information about the show and cast.
By the 1880s, playbills started to take on a standard size and format that is still used for Broadway shows today. Advancements in printing technology also allowed playbills to incorporate color, illustrations, and photographs. The iconic, glossy Broadway playbill was perfected in the early 20th century. Off-Broadway shows later adopted similar playbill conventions.
Famous Playbill Publishers
Two printing companies have dominated playbill production:
- The Matthews Company: From the 1880s to the 1950s, The Matthews Company printed playbills for top Broadway productions. They established many of the key playbill conventions.
- Playbill Inc.: Founded in 1884, Playbill has been the leading producer of Broadway programs since the 1960s. Their iconic, rectangular playbills are collector’s items for many theater fans.
Today, Playbill Inc. continues to publish playbills and programs for over 95% of Broadway shows, as well as many Off-Broadway, touring, and regional productions. The company also operates Playbill.com, a popular theater news and ticket site.
The Role of Playbills vs. Programs
Both playbills and programs serve the same key functions:
- Providing information: They give audiences background on the story, characters, and artists involved in the production.
- Enhancing the experience: They help audiences feel immersed in the performance and follow along.
- Promoting shows: They generate buzz around productions and are marketing tools for theater companies.
- Generating revenue: Advertising in playbills and programs creates income for theaters.
However, playbills tend to have a more nostalgic role. Collecting playbills, especially from famous Broadway shows, is a longtime hobby. Playbills are treated like souvenirs from special theater experiences. Their stylish, glossy design also lends them a certain artistic flair.
Programs are more straightforward informational handouts. While some are carefully designed, many are simple text publications focused on conveying the key details about a performance. However, programs can have historical significance for major productions.
The Digital Age and Printed Programs
In the digital age, some theater companies have moved toward distributing only digital programs via email or online. This reduces printing costs and is more environmentally friendly. However, printed programs remain popular for several reasons:
- They can’t run out of battery or lack Wi-Fi access like electronic programs.
- Flipping through a printed program feels more like part of the theater experience.
- Printed mementos hold unique nostalgic value for patrons.
- Playbills especially have iconic branding in the theater world.
Many productions now release digital programs in addition to printed ones to satisfy both audiences. But for major theater hubs like Broadway, elaborate, printed playbills continue to be the expected norm.
Conclusion
Playbills and theater programs share similarities as informative handouts for audiences. However, playbills refer specifically to the stylish, magazine-format programs used on Broadway. Meanwhile, “program” has a broader use, encompassing everything from simple leaflets to booklets. While programs are purely informational, decorative playbills have an artistic flair and nostalgic appeal that makes them collectible mementos.