How to Generate Publicity for a School Play

(496 Words)
With anticipation, students put forth their best efforts to dazzle the audience of the school play. A full house is the goal of any high school drama department, with empty seats kept at a minimum. A number of steps can help generate publicity for a school play, and as many as possible should be attempted to maximize the potential crowd.
Promote the school play over the announcements
Most schools broadcast daily announcements right after school has begun or just before it is ending. Prior to the opening of the school play, a catchy announcement should be given. Students can even provide a little dialogue from the play so as to catch people’s attention. Pertinent details such as dates and times should also be included.
Ask the teachers to promote it
The school can ask that the teachers mention the school play to the students. They can discuss details and explain why it is important to support fellow students. In some schools, students even get extra credit for attending the school plays.
Place up posters promoting the school play
Students can design posters about the play to post up around the school. This can be a project for art students or for computer design students, providing a dual role. These should be large and eye-catching.
Send home flyers regarding the school play
Many schools send home a variety of handouts to the students. Among these you can include a flyer about the school play.
The cast and crew can wear t-shirts promoting the play
Many drama clubs make t-shirts for the different productions that they put on. You can have the students who are involved wear their t-shirts. Alternatively they can wear buttons, necklaces or other items promoting the play.
Promote it on the school marquee board
Most schools have a billboard or sign outside, which people in cars passing by can read. You can promote the play there, especially right before and when it is showing.
Place ads in local newspapers or newsletters
There are many local newspapers and newsletters where you can place an ad for the school play. Many of these offer small spaces for little or next to nothing. Some of them may even allow the school to post the ad for free as a charitable donation. You can also place ads in the playbooks of other productions such as community theaters.
Visit places where potential audience members might be
The crew or cast can promote the school play in places where there are people who would be interested in seeing it. For instance, if it is a children’s play, they can place up posters at a daycare or pediatrician’s office. Many senior citizens like to watch plays, so ads in a senior center may also help to gain potential new fans.
The more publicity that is generated for the school play, the more people will attend. The above methods can help provide the publicity to make your school play a roaring success.