How to identify a first printing
- 1998-c.2021 (independent era): Play-licensing publisher of acting editions, founded 1998 by Doug and Jonathan Rand with its catalog launching in 2000; focused on contemporary and educational/youth theatre. Acting editions are continuously reprinted and printings are generally NOT bibliographically distinguished. Identify by the copyright year on the verso and the standard Playscripts perfect-bound acting-edition format with production/royalty notice; for a new contemporary play, the Playscripts edition may be its first printed appearance.
- c.2021-2025 (Broadway Licensing Global ownership): Playscripts operated under Broadway Licensing Global; copyright and back-cover branding shift to Broadway Licensing contact and royalty terms, which serves as a dating tell.
- 2025-present (Concord Theatricals ownership): Concord Theatricals acquired Broadway Licensing Global and its imprints, including Playscripts, in 2025; newer copies may carry Concord branding. Identification conventions are unchanged.
Notable points & cautions
- Modern play-licensing acting editions; like Dramatists Play Service and Samuel French, often the true first printed text of a contemporary play.
- Ownership chain: independent (founded 1998) -> Broadway Licensing Global -> Concord Theatricals (2025); cover/verso branding is the era tell.
- Printings are not bibliographically distinguished; date by copyright year and imprint branding rather than a number line.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Playscripts, Broadway Licensing / Concord Theatricals (parent). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Playscripts, Inc. book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1998-c.2021 (independent era): Play-licensing publisher of acting editions, founded 1998 by Doug and Jonathan Rand with its catalog launching in 2000; focused on contemporary and educational/youth theatre. Acting editions are continuously reprinted and printings are generally NOT bibliographically distinguished. Identify by the copyright year on the verso and the standard Playscripts perfect-bound acting-edition format with production/royalty notice; for a new contemporary play, the Playscripts edition may be its first printed appearance. c.2021-2025 (Broadway Licensing Global ownership): Playscripts operated under Broadway Licensing Global; copyright and back-cover branding shift to Broadway Licensing contact and royalty terms, which serves as a dating tell.
Does Playscripts, Inc. use a number line?
c.2021-2025 (Broadway Licensing Global ownership): Playscripts operated under Broadway Licensing Global; copyright and back-cover branding shift to Broadway Licensing contact and royalty terms, which serves as a dating tell.
Is a book-club edition a Playscripts, Inc. first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Modern play-licensing acting editions; like Dramatists Play Service and Samuel French, often the true first printed text of a contemporary play.
What era does this cover?
This covers Playscripts, Inc. (1998-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.