From tickets and playbills to large-format signage, Swift Printing helped set the stage for a student production with a purpose.
The East Rockford Middle School (ERMS) Drama Club recently took the stage with Breaking News, a student production that brought together young performers, dedicated volunteers, and a community ready to support the arts.
Directed by Taylor Funk, with assistance from Hannah Curtis, the October 22–23 performances gave middle school students an opportunity to showcase their talents while raising money for a much-needed sound system.
Listen to T.Funks radio interview with Shelley irwin here and see the WoodTV’s story leading up to the play here. Also, read the clip in the Rockford Squire here on page 3.
At Swift Printing, we had the pleasure of helping bring the production to life through something we know best: print!
The Details Make the Experience
A great theater experience begins long before the curtain rises. From the moment guests receive their tickets to the final round of applause, thoughtful printed materials help create a polished, memorable event.
For Breaking News, Swift Printing produced three key elements:
Haylee, pictured above, sold tickets for the production. Her older brother was “Roger” in the play.
Tickets That Build Excitement
We printed 550 tickets, including general admission and premiere seating options. A printed ticket does more than grant admission. It creates anticipation, helps organize seating, and gives families a little keepsake from their student's time on stage.
Pictured is Grandma Jo working the fundraising booth.
Playbills That Celebrate the Cast and Crew
We produced 550 printed playbills for the production. A playbill is more than a program; it's a way to recognize the students, directors, and volunteers whose hard work makes the show possible.
For many families, that playbill will find its way into a scrapbook or memory box, becoming a lasting reminder of their child's performance.
Large-Format Signs That Set the Scene
We also printed four large-format foam core signs, including Breaking News displays and signage promoting the sound system fundraiser and concessions.
Foam core is a wonderful option for school productions and special events. It's lightweight, sturdy, easy to display, and gives an event a professional appearance without requiring a large budget.
These signs helped welcome guests, direct attention to important information, and reinforce the fundraising mission behind the production.
Pro Tip: Have the cast members sign the foam core signs and present them to the directors as a keepsake! If you’ve ever been involved in theater, you know how close-knit a cast and crew can become. It’s a meaningful way to preserve the memories of the production while giving the signs a second life beyond wayfinding and event signage.
More Than Just a School Play
Beyond the costumes, rehearsals, and performances, Breaking News had another important goal: raising funds to improve the sound system in the ERMS cafeteria.
The space presents some acoustic challenges, including brick walls and tile flooring, making it difficult for audiences to hear performances clearly.
Through ticket sales, concessions, and community support, the production raised nearly $1,000 toward a new sound system.
The play also gave students valuable experience in teamwork, communication, creativity, and leadership, both onstage and behind the scenes.
A Standing Ovation for the ERMS Community
Congratulations to director Taylor Funk, assistant Hannah Curtis, the talented cast and crew, and everyone who helped make the production possible.
A special thank-you to Maggie Slabbekoorn-Kreger for leading fundraising efforts and to the many families and volunteers who helped with setup, cleanup, ticket sales, concessions, and everything in between.
At Swift Printing, we believe the smallest printed details can make a big difference. Whether it's a Broadway production or a middle school play, professionally printed tickets, programs, and signage help elevate the experience, celebrate the people involved, and create memories worth keeping.
Because when it comes to putting on a great show, every detail deserves its moment in the spotlight.
Bravo, ERMS! 🎭
