by Stephen Carney

Created on: January 20, 2009

Having experience in the performing arts field, I have observed that it is quite a roller coaster of ups, downs, encouragement, discouragement, rejection, acceptance, and countless other emotive variables. Vast numbers of people accent the "show" part of entertainment and completely ignore the "business" portion of the title. In a way, most acting agencies approach their sale of securing a job in the entertainment industry in the same manner as casinos market big winners. These agencies understand that it is about selling a product. Once the buyers are found then it is up to the sellers to do anything they want to keep the buyers spending their money. If spenders gain the slightest bit of perspective that their actions are economically sound, then the business loses its buyers. As in any business, one receives in return whatever amount of resources they invest in their business.

Perhaps a more important mindset to adopt for parents who are so very proud of their child performers is to determine how zealous and emotionally durable their child happens to be. There can be amazing amounts of potential, talent, and ability to capture an audience in the dramatic prowess of a young performer, yet it is hardly the particular individual who is extremely talented who receives success in any business. In the end, the person who lasts the longest in the "rat race," who retains a great attitude, a great work ethic, and a great student mentality, that adopts a recipe for success in any endeavor.

In any business it is up to the business owner to do research, gain resources, market, formulate strategies, network, take inventory, and adopt the habits of successful individuals. In the music and acting businesses the information for success is available, yet the struggle with entertainment, in comparison with more data specific businesses, originates from within the psychological intricacy of actor or musician. In addition, the product that is being delivered to consumers is intangible. It consists of behaviors, instrumental and vocal technique, musicality, and artistry. Training is a vital necessity even before marketing can begin. One doesn't promote a product that isn't prepared or molded into a marketable entity.

In the end, depending upon the definition of "show business" and if it is translated into a small role in a community theater's production of Annie, or a leading role in Quentin Tarantino's next crazed blockbuster, resilient and dedicated focus is required. If a child displays this in his or her scholastic studies in a consistent manner, if they possess interesting attributes, if they can learn and practice a performing art, perhaps they can be convinced to enter show business.

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