Show Business (magazine)
 | |
| Categories | Performing Arts |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Publisher | David Pearlstein |
| First issue | 1941 |
| Country | United States |
| Based in | New York City |
| Language | English |
| Website | www |
Show Business is a performing arts magazine. Its editorial mission is to help guide young adult actors toward success in their performing arts careers. Show Business publishes contact listings for agents, managers, and casting directors, and entertainment-related news and information.
History
Founded by Leo Shull in 1941, Show Business was first published as a four-page mimeographed daily paper out of the basemanet of the Walgreens Drugstore located in the heart of Times Square, New York City. Shull, a journalism graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, came to New York with aspirations of being a playwright. Audition information at the time was difficult to come by for newcomers, so Shull came up with the idea of a casting publication as a means of bringing job information directly to actors.
In the early years of Show Business, actors such as Lauren Bacall and Kirk Douglas would pick up copies for 5 cents apiece and sell them at Sardi's and other establishments in the theater district.[1]
The operation grew to include several other publications, including resource directories for theaters, agents, managers, and producers.[2]
In 1960, Mayor Robert Wagner issued an official proclamation that declared April 25 - May 2 "Show Business Week" in New York City:
- "Through this theatrical publication, untold thousands of aspiring artists, young men and women who have adopted the theater as a profession, have been aided and guided in a realistic approach to this media."
In 1960, Show Business employees Allen Zwerdling and Ira Eaker left the publication to start a rival casting newspaper. Both are still published today.
David Pearlstein is the acting editor and publisher. In 2011, Show Business changed from a weekly newspaper to a monthly magazine format with a glossy color cover.
In pop culture
Alan Parker's 1980 film Fame, which follows students of New York's High School of Performing Arts, features characters reading Show Business.
In her autobiography By Myself, Lauren Bacall credits Show Business with helping her early career. As an aspiring actress, she also sold copies in front of Walgreens drug store on 7th Avenue and 44th St. in Times Square.[3]
Gossip columnist Cindy Adams worked for Show Business early in her career.[4]
References
- ^ Saxon, Wolfgang (2 April 1996). "Leo Shull, 90, Editor and Owner of Show Business". New York Times.
- ^ "WHO'S WHERE in Show Business 1956". Amazon.
- ^ Bacall, Lauren (2005-03-01). By Myself and Then Some. HarperCollins. ISBN 9780060755355.
- ^ Adams, Cindy. "Cindy Adams' Show Business Report on AGVA". Hungry Blues.