Why don't my broadway programs say playbill on them?

[essicktroll]

Posted: 2/6/19 at 10:03pm

Let me start off this question by saying I've seen these shows in the last 2 months: 

Indianapolis - Book of Mormon, School of Rock

Chicago - Hamilton 

Detroit - Aladdin

Dayton - Chicago

Fort Wayne - Kinky Boots

However, only the shows in bold had "Playbill" designs and the others were not. What all does this mean? Why don't all venues print out programs in "Playbill" designs? Would it cause some licensing issue? I would assume that this automatically means the show I'm seeing is not necessarily "broadway quality". But is there merely equity vs non-equity shows? I would assume seeing Aladdin in a big market like Detroit on its first national tour would've provided a "Playbill". Heck, Aladdin and Chicago were both phenomenal. I just want to learn and understand.. thanks!

[orlikethecolorpurple]

Posted: 2/6/19 at 10:07pm

Program printing is handled by the venue and not all venues go through Playbill. No other reason. Not an indicator of equity or not.

[musicals1989]

Posted: 2/6/19 at 10:29pm

Playbill is a brand. If the venue chooses not to use Playbill to print their programs, that's their choice. It has nothing to do with the production. 

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 2/6/19 at 10:53pm

Those aren’t Broadway programs. Broadway shows are in New York City. You saw touring shows. You have touring programs.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/6/19 at 11:36pm

And likewise...shows dont even have to be professional to use the playbill logo...my hs program for our musical goes through them so they have the logo.

[John Adams]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 2:33am

Technically, Stagebill (now defunct) and Playbill aren't programs. They're national, monthly magazines. 

Because there is no charge for the magazines, revenue comes primarily from the advertisements in the magazines. Disney didn't want their patrons to see ads for cigarettes and alcohol (featured in Playbill), so when "Lion King" opened, they chose Stagebill instead.

But Stagebill went South (financially), and Playbill became more adaptable regarding customization of the magazine, so Playbill is used more often than others.

[trpguyy]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 10:25pm

John Adams said: "Technically, Stagebill (now defunct) and Playbill aren't programs. They're national, monthly magazines."

[obligatory "I only read Playbill for the articles" comment]