116 Part 2 · Entertainment Discipline Overview Show control is (as we discussed way back in "What is Show Control?" on page 6) simply connecting more than one entertainment control system together. Simple in principle, this interconnection can offer amazing sophistication and precision to a wide variety of types of performance. Because show control is about connecting systems together, much of this book is related to the topic. However, in this chapter, we will discuss some general and design issues related specifically to show control that are not covered elsewhere in the book. W HY S HOW C ONTROL ? There are myriad reasons to connect systems together, but the key reasons for me are: · To increase cueing and synchronization precision beyond human capability. · To allow the performers to interact with the technical elements. · To maximize the productivity of available labor. Moving Toward True Interaction As computer systems have grown more powerful and cost effective, the potential for both audience members and performers to interact with show systems has increased exponentially. With the tools available now, there is really no reason not to free (at least to some extent) the performers from the constraints of rigid time-based or "canned" systems and, instead give them as much freedom as a show's storyline allows. This is a particularly exciting develop-