Attending a live concert or theatrical performance can be a thrilling experience. At their best, the performing arts represent the height of human creativity and expression. But the presentation on stage, whether it is Shakespeare, Beethoven, or The Lion King, depends on a business backstage.

This book provides an overview of both the product on stage and the industry that makes it possible. While the industry's product is unique--with unique supply and demand characteristics it is still an industry, with economic inputs, business models, competitors, value chains, and a...