Playbills from opening and closing nights of important plays have an audience. The condition of the item is important, so care should be taken to preserve it. In addition, autographed playbills, especially if the signers are famous actors or directors from the play itself, are considered highly valuable and are pursued by collectors.
Photographs of actors performing in stage plays provide the same interest as do photographs of movie stars, television performers, and musicians. The condition of the photograph is important, as is whether or not it has been autographed. If it is autographed, verification that the autograph is original and not a reproduction, is crucial to the interest it will generate.
Merchandise and other promotional material from theater productions is rather limited because of their scarcity. Posters, in mint condition and for historically significant productions, or by well-known artists, are coveted. Disney memorabilia from its Broadway productions holds a steady value – not because it has a theatrical tie-in, but because Disney items are among the most collectable of all memorabilia.
Depending on the significance of the production, or who is involved in the production, promotional material such as ads, flyers, and brochures are sought by collectors. Autographed items have a greater cachet than unsigned, and original material is preferred over that produced for revivals. Promotional material for theatrical events that won awards have greater value than those that did not.
Like props, wardrobe items from television programs are desirable if they have achieved iconic status (Fonzie’s leather jacket, for example). For wardrobe items not at this level, if they are from famous programs or were worn by well-known performers, they will be sought by collectors. Documentation enhances the value, as this provides proof of the item’s significance.