Summer brings a rare pause in the performing arts world—a moment to reflect, reset, and reimagine how your organization produces and delivers its program books. It’s more than just a break; it’s a strategic window to streamline your workflow, tackle budget inefficiencies, and set yourself up for a smoother, smarter season ahead.
Here’s how you can use this time to your advantage—and why Onstage’s Managed Program Book Services may be the turnkey solution you’ve been looking for.
1. Learn from the Previous Season
Every season leaves behind a trail of insights—some encouraging, others revealing. Did content delays push print deadlines? Was overprinting a budget drain? Did last-minute changes overwhelm your staff?
Now’s the time to unpack those issues. Talk with your team, gather patron feedback, and ask the tough questions:
- What worked well?
- Where did the process break down?
- What needs to change?
Our managed program book clients often come to us after seasons marked by chaos. We help translate those pain points into action—whether that means clearer production timelines, fewer internal handoffs, or smarter delivery formats.
2. Rethink Format & Delivery
The way you deliver your program book can make or break your season’s efficiency.
For some organizations, a fully printed program for every show may still make sense. For others, a hybrid or digital-only format might be more budget-conscious and patron-friendly. Either way, the format should fit your goals—not force you into a corner.
That’s where Onstage comes in. With our Managed Program Book Services, we don’t just execute—we advise. By analyzing your print run, audience preferences, and performance schedule, we’ll recommend the ideal mix of print, digital, or hybrid to meet your goals and stay on budget. The result? A seamless experience your audience will appreciate—without overburdening your team or overspending.
3. Audit Internal Workflows
Your program strategy is only as strong as the workflow behind it. Ask yourself:
- Who’s in charge of content gathering?
- Where are the delays?
- How much time is your team spending on formatting, approvals, or printing logistics?
Onstage’s Managed Program Book Services take the heavy lifting off your plate. We handle design, layout, production, and delivery coordination—so your team can focus on the performance, not the paperwork.
4. Plan Proactively
Summer is your best opportunity to map out a season-wide production plan before the chaos begins. Build a content calendar now—aligned with print deadlines and approval checkpoints—to avoid surprises down the road.
Better yet? Let us do it for you.
Our onboarding process starts with four simple questions about your season. From there, we build a customized program production timeline aligned with your performances, deadlines, and internal resources.
5. Line Up Your Critical Vendors
Waiting until the last minute is a guaranteed way to overpay—or miss out entirely. Whether it’s printing, design, or ad sales support, locking in your partners early gives you better pricing, more availability, and a smoother experience overall.
At Onstage, we work as an extension of your team. By partnering with us now, you avoid the seasonal scramble and gain a dedicated production schedule tailored to your season. Plus, early commitments allow us to secure the best rates from our print and production partners—savings we pass on to you.
Don’t Just Reset—Upgrade
Summer isn’t just a pause; it’s your launchpad. With Onstage Managed Program Book Services, you can turn this downtime into a strategic pivot—away from reactive scrambling and toward a streamlined, professional, and future-ready approach.
Let us help you plan smarter, save time, and deliver a program experience that reflects the quality of your performances. Answer four quick questions to get started—and we’ll take it from there.
Let’s make next season your most efficient, stress-free, and impactful yet.
