'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.

Scott McKain has discovered what the entertainment industry has always known--to be successful, companies must create an emotional link with their customers. This guide shows how to create an atmosphere and experience that will make clients want a repeat performance.

Throughout the United States, businesses compete for the attention of buyers by presenting their products in striking, often outrageous, ways at trade shows. In Show Business, ex-trade show photographer Ron Schramm presents a collection of black-and-white photographs displaying the theatrical ways in which these products are marketed to American businesses, and to America. The images in this volume include selected exhibits and photographic editorials that visually reported the shows for trade newspapers and show organizers. Because trade shows are an integral opportunity for businesses to sell their goods and services, businesses are willing to do just about anything to get peoples attention. Sometimes quirky but always interesting, Schramms images present the spectacles that come with the trade show experience, from twenty-foot-tall cola bottles to a van display surrounded by women dressed in spacesuits. Show Business is a distinctive compilation of images that offers an insiders look at businessand creativityat work.

Every day your organization - and you - are in the spotlight. Your employees are performing and the audience - your customers - will love the show, hate it, or worst of all ignore it. Scott McKain has discovered what the film, television, and music industries have known for years: to be successful, you must create an emotional link with your audience. In a recent survey, Scott says, more than 70% of shoppers said they would tend to switch where they buy things if it were "more fun" to shop somewhere else. You can get customers to switch to your business by making them enjoy dealing with you. In straightforward, practical language and plenty of real-life examples, ALL Business is Show Business tells how to create experiences that will make customers want to do business with you again and again. Tell your story well. It will make you a star. Have a short, powerful, and unique high concept statement. It worked for Jaws and it will work for you. Practice the eight essential acts your customers want you to perform. Your employees are the stars of the show. Treat them that way. Create the Ultimate Customer Experience, and you will acquire amazing loyalty and unlimited referrals. "No matter what your business," says Scott McKain, "you are always on stage. Make your performance one that leaves your customers with a feeling of Wow!"

This madcap comedy follows three actresses across the footlights, down the rabbit hole, and into a strangely familiar Wonderland that looks a lot like American theatre - the resemblance is uncanny! As these women pursue their dream of performing Chekhov in Texas, they're whisked through a maelstrom of "good ideas" that offer unique solutions to the Three Sisters' need to have life's deeper purpose revealed. In the tradition of great backstage comedies, Anton in Show Business conveys the joys, pains, and absurdities of "putting on a play" at the turn of the century. -- Publisher's website

Drag celebrates the fabulous current and historical influence of drag, and its talented and inspiring performers. Since man first walked the Earth...in heels, no other art form has wielded as unique an influence on pop culture as Drag. Drag artists have now sashayed their way to snatch the crowns as the Queens of mainstream entertainment. Through informative and witty essays chronicling over 100 years of drag, readers will embark on a Priscilla-like journey through pop culture, from television shows like The Milton Berle Show, Bosom Buddies, and RuPaul's Drag Race, films like Some Like It Hot, To Wong Foo..., and Tootsie, and Broadway shows like Hedwig and the Angry Inch, La Cage aux Folles, and Kinky Boots. With stops in cities around the globe, and packed with interviews and commentaries on the dramas, joys, and love that "make-up" a life in wigs and heels, Drag features contributions from today's most groundbreaking and popular artists, including Bianca del Rio, Miss Coco Peru, Hedda Lettuce, Lypsinka, and Varla Jean Merman, as well as notable performers as Harvey Fierstein and Charles Busch. It includes more than 100 photos--many from performers' personal collections, and a comprehensive timeline of drag "herstory."