What’s Really Going On in the Entertainment Industry

(It's Not Good)

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed something in the entertainment world this past year that I’ve been talking privately with folks about, but I don’t hear people addressing publicly. Time for that to change.

The phones aren’t ringing like they used to.

In talking with colleagues—especially over the last ten months—it’s become clear that this isn’t just a “me” problem. Bookings are down everywhere. From what I’m hearing, most hypnotists I’ve talked to are seeing a drop of 30% to 50% compared to last year.

And it’s not just us. My agent represents about sixty different artists—musicians, comedians, magicians, and more—and all of them, particularly the live entertainers, are reporting the same thing.

Something has shifted.

Now, I’m not an economist, and I don’t want to pretend to be. I don’t have the data to pinpoint exactly why this is happening. Maybe it’s lingering economic uncertainty. Maybe live events are being replaced by more digital or hybrid experiences. Maybe companies and organizations are tightening budgets in ways that hit the entertainment sector first.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear that the old “business as usual” model isn’t working the same way it used to.

And that’s where I think we, as entertainers and small business owners, need to pause and take a serious look at our next steps.

For years, many of us have relied on a predictable rhythm of corporate events, schools, fairs, festivals, and theaters to fill our calendars. But if that rhythm is changing—and it clearly is—then it’s time to rethink the tune we’re dancing to.

This might be a moment to reconsider your entire strategy: how you market, who you target, what you charge, and even what kind of experiences you offer. It might mean adapting your business to include new streams of income— speaking, online programs, or other creative directions that align with your skillset and passion.

I’ll be honest: this realization has made me take a hard look at my own business model. I’m making some significant adjustments right now—not just to ride out a rough patch, but to evolve for what’s next.

And I’ll be sharing exactly what I’m doing in my next post.

Because I don’t think this is just a temporary dip. I think it’s a call to innovate, to get smarter, and to strengthen the way we approach our craft as both artists and entrepreneurs.

So stay tuned. In my next article, I’ll break down the specific strategies I’m implementing to adapt in this changing landscape.

Until then, I’d love to hear from you. Have you noticed the same trend in your bookings this year? How are you navigating it? Drop a comment or send me a message—I’d really like to open up this conversation.