Examples of What Dramaturgs Do - Part 4A - Media Packets - Press Release

A media packet is a packet that can be sent out to local media sources such as radio stations, television stations, and newspapers. However, it can be sent out to more places such as schools and organizations. Ideally, if media packets are sent out to schools,they will be sent out in time for the school to request educational packets about the production.

The university in the town where I live, McNeese State University, recently had a production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible on stage. If I were to make a media packet about this play, it would most likely include program notes, a press release, and a talk-back guide. It may contain more parts if those are wanted.

The first part of the media packet, the item that would be the first page people would see when receiving the packet, would be the press release. In the top left corner, it is going to say "Press Release:" then under that, it is going to say, "For immediate release:" After those are done, the title comes. This is a few lines under "For immediate release" and is also centered on the page. A catchy and clever title is a good thing. Possible titles I can think of quickly that probably aren't that good follow. So, it might say one of the following:

McNeese State University To Be Tried by Production of The Crucible Stagecraft To Take Place of Witchcraft when McNeese State University Presents The Crucible
McNeese State University Accused of Planning Presentation of Arthur Miller's The Crucible

Then the opening might start something like, "A group of girls dancing among nature seems completely innocent, but things quickly turn into a large trial over this activity and the people in the town that get in trouble aren't the ones that you'd expect." A little bit about Arthur Miller would then be given.

In the next paragraph, a little bit more about the play would be given. It would mention significant details of the play without giving the play away. It might say something about how the Reverend Parris finds his niece and her friends dancing and then how John Proctor thinks Abigail is still in love with him. It is likely that this paragraph will end with a question to get potential audience members interested in coming to the play, but it doesn't have to end with a question.

The next paragraph will give necessary information. For this play, it probably would have looked something like this:

Brook Hannemann directs McNeese State University students and Southwest Louisiana residents in The Crucible by Arthur Miller. The Guardian said, "Arthur Miller's drama holds particular significance in the current political environment." The Crucible runs for six nights from September 27 to October 1 at 7:30pm and one afternoon, October 2 at 2pm in Tritico Theatre in the SFAA on the McNeese State University Campus. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for McNeese Faculty and Sttaff, and free for McNeese and Sowela students with ID. Tickets can be bought on the McNeese Performing Arts Website, by calling the McNeese Box Office at 337-475-5040 or in person at the box office.