If you’re staring down rising print costs and tightening budgets for the upcoming season, you’re not alone. With paper, ink, and shipping expenses continuing to climb, many organizations are rethinking how they approach their program books. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice quality—or professionalism—to stay within budget.
At Onstage, we’ve worked with hundreds of organizations to balance print and digital, helping them look polished while spending smarter. Here are a few ways to reduce expenses without cutting corners.
1. Shrink Your Page Count—Without Shrinking Your Content
Do you really need 60+ pages in every printed program? Probably not. Many organizations carry forward legacy formats that no longer match the way audiences consume information. One of the easiest ways to trim your print budget is to reduce page count—then redirect the overflow content to a digital companion.
Use your printed program for essentials:
- Performance and cast information
- Leadership and donor recognition
- A select number of key advertisements
Then, expand digitally with:
- Full bios and program notes
- Multimedia content (audio/video)
- Interactive sponsor links and additional ads
We help clients identify what to keep in print and what to move online—so it feels seamless, not stripped down.
2. Print Fewer Copies (Yes, Really)
We often find organizations printing far more copies than they need. Between no-shows, repeat attendees, and patrons who prefer digital, your actual distribution rate is likely much lower than your total audience.
By adjusting your quantities based on real data, you can cut costs immediately—without hurting the experience. And with a digital version delivered by SMS, every patron still gets access to the full program content, no matter how they prefer to engage.
3. Level Up the Look (Even With Fewer Pages)
When you streamline your program, presentation becomes everything. A professionally designed layout, smart use of typography, and consistent branding go a long way toward making a leaner program look refined and intentional—not bare bones.
We specialize in designing condensed programs that still look polished and high-end. Whether it’s 16 pages or 32, every edition we build reinforces your brand and enhances your patron’s experience.
4. Let the Digital Version Do the Heavy Lifting
Digital doesn’t just save money—it adds value. With Audience Access, we deliver programs directly to your patrons’ phones via SMS—no apps, no passwords, no barriers. This opens the door for:
- Real time updates and announcements
- Clickable sponsor links (trackable impressions!)
- Surveys and engagement tools
- Marketing opportunities through SMS
With this model, print is no longer the entire experience—it’s just the welcome mat.
5. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Trying to guess what to cut and what to keep can feel overwhelming. But you’re not in this alone. At Onstage, we’ve spent over two decades helping performing arts organizations create smarter, more sustainable program strategies.
We’ll help you:
- Reduce your page count without losing impact
- Right-size your print run
- Design both print and digital programs that work together
- Engage sponsors across both formats
You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. But now’s the time to take the first step toward a program strategy that looks professional and works within your budget.Want a smarter program book strategy?
Answer four quick questions and we’ll show you how to reduce costs and increase impact—without sacrificing quality.
