Show Biz Not Show Fun

I'm astounded by folks in show business who don't know what's going on in show business, who then gripe that they have no work and that no one knows who they are. Kids, it is truly a business. And like any good business person, one must take time to read a newspaper or blog or an online magazine every so often and see what's going on in the show biz world. Here are some good ideas ...
Take a look at the ads in the Sunday New York Times. It comes out on Sunday and is cheaper than a Long Island Iced Tea. These ads are often quite large and colorful. They let you know what shows are happening and who is involved. Maybe you will find out that a person you want to work with is involved with a new, exciting project. If you don't like the feel of paper, read the Times online. Once a week. 
Take a look at TimeOut New York. They break down events into categories, for easy navigation. For instance, if you are a comic, sketch performer, or improvisor, you can go to the Comedy section and read about upcoming shows. You can see what your peers are up to. You can learn about exciting, affordable venues that you didn't know about. It usually takes about 10-12 minutes. 
If you are an actor, you can read the Theater section. The articles are always short and provide information that might come in handy somewhere down the line.
And if you are a singer or musician, get this, they even have a Music section that has big ads to let you know about upcoming gigs, CD reviews and performances.
If you don't like magazines, read it online. Once a week. Preferably when it comes out on Wednesday. The Village Voice also comes out on Wednesday -- and it's free. Take a look at the listings. Read a review or two. And when you are done reading and taking some mental notes on shows that interest you, you can leave it on the train for another artist to enjoy. Sharing is caring.
And try to follow what your friends are doing. Facebook is a wonderful tool to find out what's going on with your fellow artistes. Take a look at their walls every so often, and perhaps even comment or "Like" their status when they are doing a show. Putting up a show is hard work. Maybe you can even see the show. You might be inspired to set a deadline for your own show. You might get some great ideas that you can steal. And best of all, you really can learn just as much at a bad show as a good one! I learned from seeing "Spider-Man" that you should never kill the villain at the end of Act 1! Never knew that.
If you want to be on Broadway, good for you. It's easy to get there. It's easier if you know what shows are casting and which ones are in development and which ones are currently playing. Take a glance at Playbill.com or Theatermania once a week. Shows and job listings are posted every day for all sorts of show biz professionals. And if you auditioned for the show and were sore that you didn't get cast in it, go see it. Maybe you will realize why you didn't get the role after all and you can feel better about yourself.
Did I mention that many of the methods described above are free? They are. Free. Free information that could help you get a lead on a new gig. Information that you could use to see a show and be inspired by it. Information that is vital to any business person. Because it's a business. 
And, if you think you can't afford to see any shows, there are many ways to get discount tickets ... but I am going to let you figure that out on your own! Try Google. It is an amazing new tool to get you the info you need.
Break a leg!