Annie Kids - CMES Production
Creative Contributions to the CMES Annie Kids Production
Role
Lead Parent Volunteer & Designer
Collaborators
CMES, Charm City Players, Imagination 101, Carly Binnie, Kristin Richards
Scope of Work
Playbill design, half-page program, billboard creation, cast coordination, rehearsal support & event coordination.
Half-Page Program
Designed a condensed version of the full playbill for quick and easy reference.
Organized student cast lists by grade and role, as well as alphabetically for clarity.
Included a QR code linking to the virtual program, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.
Maintained a visually appealing layout while incorporating all key production details and branding.
Featured the show's logo and imagery, creating a polished and cohesive look that complemented the full program.
Gathered and edited 60 cast bios to fit space constraints while maintaining clarity and personality.
Cropped, retouched, and formatted 60 headshots for a cohesive, professional look.
Integrated sponsor logos in the appropriate size and format to meet branding requirements.
Organized playbill content in both alphabetical order and stage appearance sequence for easy navigation.
Designed and formatted multiple pages, ensuring a polished, engaging digital program.
Drafted the Acknowledgment Page, ensuring all contributors, volunteers, and sponsors were properly recognized in a thoughtful and professional way.
Virtual Playbill Design & Coordination
Billboard Creation
Designed and hand-painted a 5ft x 7ft billboard featuring iconic NYC landmarks to serve as a visual centerpiece for the production.
Incorporated 4x4” headshots of all 60 cast members, ensuring each student had a special place in the display.
Integrated the Annie Kids logo for a polished, branded look that complemented the production’s theme.
Event & Experience Coordination
Organized a group trip to the Hippodrome Theatre for cast members and families to see the traveling production of Annie, enhancing their connection to the show.
Managed logistics including ticket purchasing, transportation coordination, and communication with parents.
Helped create an enriching experience that inspired the young performers.
Reflection & Impact
Being deeply involved in the Annie Kids production at CMES was an incredibly rewarding experience. From designing key materials like the playbill, program, and billboard to wrangling energetic young performers during rehearsals, I had the opportunity to blend my creative skills with hands-on community engagement.
One of the most fulfilling aspects was organizing the group trip to see Annie at the Hippodrome. Seeing the excitement on the kids' faces as they watched a professional production of the show they worked so hard on was truly special. The printable gift ticket I created added an extra layer of magic, allowing families to turn the experience into a holiday surprise.
This project reinforced the power of design in storytelling and engagement—how a well-crafted program, a thoughtfully designed billboard, or even a small printable ticket can enhance an experience and bring a community together. It also strengthened my skills in event coordination, communication, and adaptability. Annie Kids wasn’t just about a school play; it was about fostering creativity, teamwork, and unforgettable moments.