A playbill is a small booklet handed out to audience members before a play begins. It contains information about the play, such as:
* Synopsis: A brief summary of the plot.
* Cast and crew: Lists the actors, directors, designers, and other key personnel involved in the production.
* Biographies: Short profiles of the cast and crew members.
* Production information: Details about the theatre, the production dates, and other relevant information.
* Sponsors: Businesses and organizations that have supported the production.
* Advertising: Advertisements for other events or businesses.
Sometimes, playbills also include:
* Articles or essays about the play or its themes.
* Historical information about the playwright or the play itself.
* Promotional materials for upcoming productions at the theatre.
While not always the case, playbills are often seen as collectibles, especially those from famous or historic productions.