Conventional wisdom holds that John F. Kennedy was the first celebrity president, in no small part because of his innate television savvy. But, as Kathryn Cramer Brownell shows, Kennedy capitalized on a tradition and style rooted in California politics and the Hollywood studio system. Since the 1920s, politicians and professional showmen have developed relationships and built organizations, institutionalizing Hollywood styles, structures, and personalities in the American political process. Brownell explores how similarities developed between the operation of a studio, planning a successful electoral campaign, and ultimately running an administration. Using their business and public relations know-how, figures such as Louis B. Mayer, Bette Davis, Jack Warner, Harry Belafonte, Ronald Reagan, and members of the Rat Pack made Hollywood connections an asset in a political world being quickly transformed by the media. Brownell takes readers behind the camera to explore the negotiations and relationships that developed between key Hollywood insiders and presidential candidates from Dwight Eisenhower to Bill Clinton, analyzing how entertainment replaced party spectacle as a strategy to raise money, win votes, and secure success for all those involved. She demonstrates how Hollywood contributed to the rise of mass-mediated politics, making the twentieth century not just the age of the political consultant but also the age of showbiz politics.

'THE BUSINESS OF SHOW: A Guide to the Entertainment Business for the Performing Artist' contains vital information for the career-driven performer venturing down the professional path. More than 90 successful actors, singers, dancers, directors, choreographers, artistic directors, producers, agents, and casting directors contribute current insightful facts about working in today's entertainment industry. A wealth of topics-marketing, networking, type, strategy, auditions, education, where the work is, rejection, contract negotiations, rehearsal protocol, understudies, unions, agents, managers, tax deductions, professional conduct, survival jobs, career longevity, career transition, and much more-are made accessible through humor, real stories, and to-the-point advice. With a fresh and honest focus, THE BUSINESS OF SHOW will prepare you to pursue your dreams of working in "the biz" with passion and, more than ever, a comprehensive understanding of the business side.

Stephen Baldwin reveals his unbelievable change from a hardcore party boy to a hardcore follower of Jesus Christ. The core of his message: "You must be willing to try faith God's way, not yours, and when you do you will find a life beyond anything you could have dreamed."

"Entertainers and trainers have a lot in common. Both require an audience. Both require a polished, professional delivery. And both must attract -- and keep -- attention. Or else the show is over. Unlike the audience at a show, training participants are often disinterested and easily distracted. In order to keep them tuned in and help them retain information, trainers are constantly in search of new ways to engage learners. Grounded in the latest adult learning and training theories, "Show Biz Training" provides creative techniques that use comedy, props, magic, theater, and music, giving readers all the tools they need to perform the many activities found inside. The book uses specific examples and provides step-by-step instructions, resource lists, and worksheets to help trainers support and further learning by engaging emotion, building rapport, creating the proper atmosphere, and crafting lessons out of a host of entertainment-inspired ideas. Packed with fun, original concepts for serious educators, "Show Biz Training"is a highly informative way to set the stage for exciting, effective learning."

Showbiz is really two words.#13;There's the show part and there's the business part.#13;Without the business, there is no show. Without the show, there is no business.#13;Tom Becka brings together his experiences as a stand-up comedian, radio host, teacher, sales manager, and columnist to show you the powerful techniques entertainers use to engage their audiences. Want to know how you can use these surprisingly simple techniques in your sales career?