Best Performing Arts Industry Books of 2026

Birnbaum's 2023 Walt Disney World is the ultimate guide to planning a vacation at the happiest place on Earth. With insider tips, detailed descriptions of attractions and resorts, and money-saving strategies, this guide ensures that readers get the most out of their trip. It also covers the latest additions to Walt Disney World, such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and the Disney Skyliner. The guide even includes a fold-out property map and coupons for extra savings. Overall, Birnbaum's 2023 Walt Disney World is an essential tool for anyone planning a trip to the magical world of Disney.

A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth is a must-have coffee table book for pop culture enthusiasts, students of hospitality, artists, art collectors, and Disney fans. The book, which is in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of Walt Disney World, features rare Disney theme park concept art, photographs, and ephemera. It provides a robust portrait of the Florida resort through vibrant voices, highlighting the resort's history from its imaginative and expansive design to its growth and evolution over the past five decades. This book is a treasure trove that celebrates the pulse of American leisure and serves as a backdrop for life's milestones both big and small, public and private.

The Imagineering Story: The Official Biography of Walt Disney Imagineering is an expansion of the highly acclaimed Disney+ documentary series. The book provides never-before-seen access and insights into the history of Walt Disney Imagineering, covering its entire legacy from day one through future projects. The book includes many insider stories, such as the sculptor Blaine Gibson's inspiration for Pirates of the Caribbean. The Imagineering Story is a must-have for Disney Parks fans and a perfect gift for Disney enthusiasts. Overall, the book is an enjoyable read that offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Imagineering.

How to Make It in the New Music Business by Ari Herstand is a comprehensive guide that offers practical tips on how to build a loyal following and make a living as a musician. The book has become an indispensable resource for aspiring artists who want to take control of their careers in the music industry. In this updated third edition, Herstand provides valuable insights on how to navigate the post-COVID era and the digital landscape, including social media and fan connection. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to succeed in the modern music business.

The New Comedy Bible by Judy Carter is a comprehensive guide for aspiring comedians looking to hone their skills and launch their careers. With 100% new content, this book offers 48 new exercises to help turn personal problems into punchlines, create 60 minutes of new material, and discover an authentic comedy persona. Carter’s proven methods have been used by top performers such as Seth Rogan and Hannah Gadsby. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to succeed in the performing arts industry.

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World, 3rd Edition is a must-have guide for anyone planning a trip to the park. With over 600 secrets revealed, readers will be amazed at how much they can miss during their visit. The book includes updated information on the latest attractions, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. It also uncovers hidden characters like Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse, as well as symbols left by Imagineers around the park. The author, Susan Veness, is an expert on all things Disney and provides a fascinating read for both first-time visitors and seasoned fans. This guidebook is like having a personal tour guide in your pocket and will inspire readers to relive the magic of Walt Disney World year after year.

Live From New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests is an incredible oral history of the iconic late-night show. The book is unfiltered and uncensored, featuring three decades of on-camera antics and off-camera escapades as recalled by a dazzling galaxy of trail-blazing talents. The authors, James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales, have updated the book with over 100 pages of new material, taking the SNL story up to the present. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in comedy, TV, and American culture.

Buying Disney's World is a captivating and well-researched book that tells the story of how Walt Disney World came to be. From the mystery surrounding the land purchases to the creation of a quasi-government municipality, author Aaron H. Goldberg weaves a tale of intrigue and secrecy. The book provides a unique perspective on the history of Disney World, including the acquisition of land during a high-stakes poker game. Overall, Buying Disney's World is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Disney and Florida's local history.

Walt's Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney is an immersive guide to the attractions and landmarks Walt Disney helped create in his original Magic Kingdom. The book takes readers on a journey through Disneyland, land by land, allowing them to experience the park as Walt himself did. Written by Marcy Carriker Smothers, the book is a must-have for Disney Parks enthusiasts and those interested in the history of Disneyland. Smothers' love for all things Disney shines through in the book, making it an enjoyable read for both casual readers and die-hard fans.

The book "Fundamentals of Theatrical Design: A Guide to the Basics of Scenic, Costume, and Lighting Design" by Karen Brewster and Melissa Shafer is a comprehensive resource for all levels of designers and directors. The authors consulted with seasoned theater industry professionals to provide an exhaustive guide full of sound advice and insight. With clear examples and hands-on exercises, this book illustrates the way in which the three major areas of theatrical design are intrinsically linked. The book offers an insight into the language and culture of theater and is a useful tool for educators and a guide for early designers through basic research methods, design skills, and navigating the production process. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in theater design."