THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT!
From circus acts to movies, and popular fiction to popular music,That's Entertainment! spotlights a broad range of mass entertainment by portraying innovative figures that helped democratize this field. Far from the highbrow, these figures brought often-inexpensive entertainment to new kinds of audiences.
Historical Figures in 2008
P.T. Barnum portrayed by Jeffrey Smith. Born July 5, 1810 in Bethel, Connecticut, Phineas Taylor Barnum was remembered best for his most lasting legacy—his circus; however, he had already achieved great fame, financial wealth, and a reputation as a showman well before entering the circus business in 1870. Barnum believed he performed a great service to humanity through his shows. Good, moral entertainment was a social pressure valve, bringing brief happiness to “those needful [of] proper relaxations and enjoyments.” While Barnum never missed an opportunity at self-promotion, he also played the role of idealist and crusader, traveling the country to deliver inspiring lectures and promote positive legal reform. 
Walt Disney portrayed by Bill Worley.
Walt Disney stands out as very possibly the most influential individual shaping American society in the middle third of the 20th century. Innovating in such aspects of filmmaking as animation design, sound and color filmmaking, wildlife photography and amusement park design, Disney excelled in the mediums of film, phonographic recording and television. He was born in Chicago, IL in 1901. His golden period occurred between 1905 and 1910 in Marceline, MO where he experienced a childhood filled with farm animals and elaborate escapades. Enduring his share of ups and downs in life and work, Disney still managed to maintain a positive and creative attitude that led to his ultimate success as one of the most well-known cartoon film producers of all time.From Snow White to his final vision of EPCOT, Walt Disney never failed to entertain viewers and create interest as he made an unsurpassed contribution to the entertainment industry. Disney died in 1965 in Los Angeles, just missing the release of his final animated production in 1967, The Jungle Book.
Thomas Edison portrayed by Hank Fincken.
Quite a bit can be said for Edison as an inventor extraordinaire of the 20th century, holding 1,093 patents over his 84 years. The Ohio native proved himself a rebel, an incredibly successful inventor and a conservative businessman, with enormous contributions to the technological advancement of society—from the phonograph to the telegraph. Throughout his inventing career, Edison was known for his extremely strong work ethic and great leadership skills. He was particularly praised for his ability to delegate responsibility to those assisting him in his inventive endeavors. Edison had high standards, demanding that his men keep accurate notes, to determine possible new directions, and to win patent battles. He saw himself as overseer, guide, and inspirational leader.Edison died on October 18, 1931 as a man that had embodied a truly American attitude. He continues to enlighten many with his inspiring words: "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."
Margaret Mitchell portrayed by Debra Conner.
Born in Atlanta in 1901 as a granddaughter of the Old South, where stories were passed around like platters of fried chicken at every family gathering, Margaret Mitchell took her storytelling abilities to another level and had Gone with the Wind published 35 years later. In her late teenage years, Mitchell had many male admirers and spent the next few years investing time in romantic relationships and with family at home, as opposed to focusing on writing. But she soon committed to utilizing her talent for storytelling and eventually submitted Gone with the Wind to a New York talent scout at an Atlanta train station. Not even a year later, Mitchell’s story was in print and subsequently began shaping the way Americans—and people throughout the world—view the Civil War and Reconstruction. Apart from the Bible, no other book has sold more copies in hardcover.Despite the public's hunger for a sequel, Mitchell would never write another word of fiction after she finished Gone with the Wind. She died at age 48 as a result of injuries sustained after being hit by a speeding car while crossing an Atlanta street.
Host Communities in 2008
Click on the name of the city for Schedule information.
Community Applications to Host in 2009
The downloadable application materials are now available for communities to apply to host THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! in 2009. The application deadline is May 21, 2008 to provide successful applicants with a year of lead time.