Project PlaybillSummer Theatre at Niles Public Library

About Our Library District● 58,000 Residents / 6,000 Teens● Includes portions of Niles & Maine townships +

neighboring unincorporated areas● Borders Chicago + 4 other suburbs● Older Russian & Polish populations + recent immigrants

from India, Southeast Asia & the Middle East● 63% White, 25% Asian, 4% Black, 9% Other/Two+

A (Brief) History of Playbill

● Introduced in 2001 by previous YA Librarian

● Came on in 2007 with a different skill set

● 5-6 teens participated my first 2 years

● Grew to 15-25 teens through word of mouth

2012

2009

What Is Project Playbill?

How Playbill Works

3 days a week x 5 weeks = Crazy● Day 1: Introductions & Brainstorming● Day 2-3: Write the Play* ● Week 2: Auditions & Casting● Weeks 3-5: Rehearse & Build● Last Day: Performance & Party

*Yay, Google Drive!

Budget

Rehearsal Snacks: $50Props, Costumes & Paint*: $100-150Performance & Party Food: $75-100

*There’s no such thing as too much paint, especially when you’re painting cardboard

Who Participates?

● Theater geeks● Misfits looking for a niche● Bored teens who live in

the neighborhood● Friends and siblings of all

of the above

How Do Teens Benefit?● Develop Skills (creative, technical & social)● Build Resumes● Form Lasting Relationships (1 marriage to date)

How Does the Community Benefit?

● Free entertainment● Fewer bored teens disrupting library● Families come together● Role models for younger kids● Teens continue to help peers

Quotes

“You’re the first cast I haven’t hated.”“I can be myself.” “It’s not a play, it’s Playbill.”“You gave her a purpose.”“I want to thank everybody.”

My Tips

● Adapt program to your skills● Ask for help● Stockpile supplies● Schedule when there is a vacuum● Recruit at schools● Welcome bored kids & misfits