The World's Your Stage

December 1, 2015

Baker (director, Bernard L. Schwartz Ctr. for Media, Public Policy & Education, Fordham Univ.), who teaches a class at the Juilliard School on this subject, Warren C. Gibson (economics, San Jose State Univ.), and Evan Leatherwood (Slifka fellow, Bernard L. Schwartz Ctr. for Media, Public Policy & Education, Fordham Univ.) offer a "guide to the business aspects of the performing arts." Historically, performing artists have struggled to pay the bills, and this is illustrated in the book through vignettes on Dmitri Shostakovich and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as well as Beverly Sills and George Gershwin. Providing a more current view are managers of the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, and American Ballet Theatre. Featured artist-entrepreneurs (e.g., Loni Landon and Gregory Dolbashian of The Playground) exemplify how to become successful. The book also discusses topics such as understanding financial statements and fundraising and shares advice on auditions and agents, including the story of Baker's daughter Angela. Practical information helps the reader understand the performing arts as an industry and how the digital revolution has affected it. Marketing, networking, and business plans are also covered. "Keynotes" conclude each chapter with questions to readers, tips, and exercises. VERDICT This book is valuable for career collections, especially for libraries in need of an update on the topic. Performers looking to plan their artistic trajectory--and still pay the rent--will find it helpful.--Barbara Kundanis, Longmont P.L., CO

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