How to identify a first printing
- 1984–c.2000 (TCG book program era; nonprofit founded as a theatre service organization in 1961, trade books from the mid-1980s): publishes single plays, anthologies, and theatre-craft books. First printing is indicated by a descending number line on the copyright page, the lowest digit being the printing; a line that includes 1 is a first printing. The wording First TCG edition, MONTH YYYY is frequently stated. A separate note of the play's production or premiere history often appears and is not an edition point.
- c.2000–present: continues the descending number line, lowest digit equals the printing, with First edition, MONTH YYYY on the verso. Distribution credits (the book has been carried by trade distributors and, more recently, made available digitally via Drama Online) appear on or near the copyright page and are not edition points.
Notable points & cautions
- Nonprofit theatre service organization founded in 1961; the leading publisher of contemporary American playwrights such as Kushner, Wilson, and Vogel.
- Copyright pages note the play's premiere or production history; that is a performance note, not a printing point. Rely on the number line and the First edition / First TCG edition statement.
- A number line reaching 1 together with a First TCG edition statement indicates a first printing.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: TCG Books, TCG Translations, American Theatre (magazine), New Plays / TCG playscripts. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Theatre Communications Group (TCG) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1984–c.2000 (TCG book program era; nonprofit founded as a theatre service organization in 1961, trade books from the mid-1980s): publishes single plays, anthologies, and theatre-craft books. First printing is indicated by a descending number line on the copyright page, the lowest digit being the printing; a line that includes 1 is a first printing. The wording First TCG edition, MONTH YYYY is frequently stated. A separate note of the play's production or premiere history often appears and is not an edition point. c.2000–present: continues the descending number line, lowest digit equals the printing, with First edition, MONTH YYYY on the verso. Distribution credits (the book has been carried by trade distributors and, more recently, made available digitally via Drama Online) appear on or near the copyright page and are not edition points.
Does Theatre Communications Group (TCG) use a number line?
c.2000–present: continues the descending number line, lowest digit equals the printing, with First edition, MONTH YYYY on the verso. Distribution credits (the book has been carried by trade distributors and, more recently, made available digitally via Drama Online) appear on or near the copyright page and are not edition points.
Is a book-club edition a Theatre Communications Group (TCG) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Nonprofit theatre service organization founded in 1961; the leading publisher of contemporary American playwrights such as Kushner, Wilson, and Vogel.
What era does this cover?
This covers Theatre Communications Group (TCG) (1984–present (org since 1961)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.