This tech project is for theatre students who wish to learn how to promote a show. Publicity Project displays are different from other tech project displays in that they are created to show a representation of a lobby display that the audience members see as they enter the theatre. Entries may be displayed as the student chooses, on a tri-fold presentation board, or on something more creative. However, if the project display is large, it is strongly recommended that students and directors contact the Area and/or State Festival Host(s) to ascertain available space first.
Students and directors are also to keep in mind the feasibility of the work, the cost efficiency, neatness, over-all effect, accuracy of information pertaining to the play and publisher, and, above all, creativity. It is these items on which you will be judged.
There are 2 sub-categories for this project: Novice and Advanced.
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Novice Publicity* – All entries in this sub-category must come from the List of Plays and cannot be from an actual school production. Project Books and/or Displays are to include:
1. An Original Poster designed by the student that is:
a. No larger than 18” x 24”
b. To include the follow information:
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playwright’s name and the publisher from which the play came
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the show’s logo, which is to be designed by the student
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dates, times, and location of fictional performances
c. To include artwork that can be hand drawn, graphically produced, or clip art.
2. Two (2) typed News Releases with the following guidelines:
a. One feature article
b. One informational article
c. These are to be printed on official school stationery or official school theatre program stationery.
3. A 2 column by 5 inch “Camera-ready” advertisement of the play.
4. A 5 ½ by 8 ½ inch Program Cover Design, using the logo of the show.
5. At least 10 written questions for a radio spot.
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Advanced Publicity– All entries in this category must be from an actual school production for which the student served as publicity manager prior to the area festival. Advance Publicity Projects must adhere to the rules governing Novice Publicity Projects with the following additions:
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Project Book needs to include newspaper cuttings of the actual News Releases submitted to the student’s local newspaper. Instructors must approve the final drafts before sending a release to local news outlets. Check with your local news editor to make sure the sample format below will be accepted. If not, learn and use your local paper’s preferred format. Date and name of the publication need to be included.
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Project Book and/or display is to include a choice of at least three of the following:
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Promotional items such as T-shirts, pencils/pens, table tents, buttons, etc.
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Publicity photos. The photos must include crop lines on the picture. If the photo is presented digitally (on a TV screen or laptop), make sure the cropping is already done.
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Samples of each type of tickets sold as designed by the student
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Video recording of a TV spot. You must provide the means, such as a laptop, so that the ad or interview can be seen.
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Pictures or laptop demonstration of a Web Page Design
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Audio recording of a finished, 30-second radio spot. You must provide the means, such as a CD player or mp3 player so that the ad or interview can be heard.
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Important Note: the publishing company that gives the rights for the show regulates original promotional materials for an actual school production. Students and advisors must check the royalty contract between the school and the publishing company before designing any promotional materials, including program covers, logos, posters, t-shirts, etc. All information required by the publisher must be included on the project. In addition, the section(s)s of the royalty contract that limit promotional design need to be included in the Project Book. Please call the State Chapter Director if you have any questions.
* - Warning! Novice Projects do not cover all legal issues involved in promoting an actual school production and should be done for FICTIONAL productions ONLY!
