Boca Raton native Alana Udwin, 23, has had a life-long interest in the live entertainment industry. While at Cornell University, the Pine Crest School graduate was selected through its Independent Study Program to participate in an interview-based study to explore her passion.
For two years, Udwin conducted interviews with those in the business, culminating in the publication of “The Business of Partying.” During her research. Udwin learned many misconceptions about the entertainment business, such as its reputation for licentious behavior.
“Nightlife venues are serious businesses,” says Udwin. “I think many readers will be shocked to read that most nightclub professionals don’t actually drink alcohol and are often taking water shots.”
She published her book during the onset of the pandemic as the entertainment industry came to a screeching halt, something that also meant putting her career on hold. After graduating from Cornell in May 2020 with a major in Communication and a concentration in Hospitality, Udwin took a job with Known, a marketing company in Manhattan.
While the last chapter of her book offers a glimpse of what she hopes to change and improve in the nightlife world, she has many chapters to go in her life. “I’m thrilled that my book is out, and I definitely have plans to continue making an impact in the industry,” she says.
“The Business of Partying” is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.