"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."

This title draws on the expertise of top-flight trainers and consultants to present a comprehensive toolkit of the best training activities, group learning exercises, assessment instruments, handouts, and other essential guides for today's busy training and performance professional. The sourcebook offers fully reproducible tools contained on the accompanying CD-ROM.

'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.

Executives from The Second City—the world’s premier comedy theater and school of improvisation—reveal improvisational techniques that can help any organization develop innovators, encourage adaptable leaders, and build transformational businesses. For more than fifty years, The Second City comedy theater in Chicago has been a training ground for some of the best comic minds in the industry—including John Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, and Tina Fey. But it also provides one-of-a-kind leadership training to cutting-edge companies, nonprofits, and public sector organizations—all aimed at increasing creativity, collaboration, and teamwork. The rules for leadership and teamwork have changed, and the skills that got professionals ahead a generation ago don’t work anymore. Now The Second City provides a new toolkit individuals and organizations can use to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by speed, social communication, and decentralization. Based on eight principles of improvisation, Yes, And helps to develop these skills and foster them in high-potential leaders and their teams, including: Mastering the ability to co-create in an ensemble Fostering a “yes, and” approach to work Embracing failure to accelerate high performance Leading by listening and by learning to follow Innovating by making something out of nothing Yes, And is a must-read for professionals and organizations, helping to develop the invaluable leadership skills needed to succeed today.

The first complete entertainment dictionary to be published, this work contains entries on acting in film, professionalism in acting, verse technique, and more. An invaluable index of subjects by category covers 17 topics, including lighting, commercials, contracts, drama, professional organizations, the media, and theater.