Scott Zeiger, Founding Partner of Base Entertainment Photo by Clint Karlsen. Myron Martin, President and Director of the Smith Performing Arts Center Photo by John Gurzinski. Steve Wynn, Casino Developer Photo by Clint Karlsen. George Maloof, Owner of the Palms Review-Journal File Photo Glenn Schaeffer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fountainbleu Resorts Photo by Craig L. Moran. Cindy Funkhouser, Arts Promoter Photo by K.M. Cannon.

When you talk about important figures in Las Vegas entertainment, most people can list a handful of prominent performers or celebrity chefs.

While Siegfried and Roy, Wolfgang Puck and Wayne Newton played important roles in the evolution of entertainment on the Strip, others behind the scenes had a hand as well. These people, whose names are not as familiar, are the movers and shakers, the visionaries who dream about big things and then make them happen.

The names change as the dreamers give hope and encouragement to bigger dreamers who take Las Vegas to increasingly higher levels of success. We don't have the space to list a comprehensive history of these people, so a panel of Review-Journal editors and entertainment writers came together and selected 10 who are making an impact upon entertainment as we know it.

SONYA PADGETT/REVIEW-JOURNAL

Andrew Sasson, nightclub impresario

Age: 36

Education: Attended Florida International University for one semester

When Sasson, a partner in the Light Group, opened Light at Bellagio in 2001, it signaled the birth of a new kind of club: the ultralounge. Since then, similar lounges have popped up all along the Strip. Late last year, Sasson opened Jet, the nightclub at The Mirage, and quickly drew a celebrity crowd. Will he create a new trend when he opens his own boutique hotel in Project CityCenter? Keep an eye on him.

Scott Zeiger, founding partner of Base Entertainment

Age: 47

Education: Bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida

The former head of Clear Channel's theatrical division, Zeiger co-produces "Phantom -- The Las Vegas Spectacular" at The Venetian. Next month, Base Entertainment, the company he runs with a partner, will produce Gordie Brown's show in The Venetian's new venue. The company also signed a deal to manage the 7,000-seat concert hall at the Aladdin (soon to be Planet Hollywood resort) and is finishing a 1,500-seat theater there, as well.

Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil

Age: 47

Education: No formal education beyond high school

As founder of Cirque du Soleil, Laliberté's impact on Las Vegas is considerable. People come to the valley just to see "O," "Mystere," "Love," "Ka" and "Zumanity." And fans have something to look forward to when Cirque produces an Elvis show at the MGM Mirage Project CityCenter.

Myron Martin, president and director of the Smith Performing Arts Center

Age: 48

Education: Bachelor of arts degree in music from the University of North Texas, a master of business administration degree from Golden Gate University

Martin's impact on Las Vegas entertainment is wide ranging. His accomplishments include bringing Broadway to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with the Best of the New York Stage series; co-producing the musical "Hairspray," which had a shorter-than-expected run at Luxor earlier this year; and co-producing a 9/11 benefit involving performers from across the Strip. In his current position, Martin is poised to have a major impact on Las Vegas entertainment and culture with the 2011 opening of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Gamal Aziz, casino executive

Age: 49

Education: Bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Cairo, Egypt

Aziz played a major role in Las Vegas' culinary revolution. As president and chief operating officer of the MGM Grand since 2001, he has overseen the opening of 11 restaurants, including those owned by chefs Michael Mina, Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck. He is rumored to be responsible for bringing "Chef of the Century" Joel Robuchon to the resort, marking the French chef's first foray outside of Europe.

Steve Wynn, casino developer

Age: 64

Education: Bachelor of arts degree in English literature from the University of Pennsylvania

The elder statesman and probably best-known member of this group, Wynn's influence on Las Vegas is far-reaching and long-term. The casino developer has left his imprint on every aspect of entertainment, including fine art, food, shows, shopping and architecture. But as a risk taker, not every endeavor is a hit. His nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas has been retooled a couple of times, while the Tony Award-winning show "Avenue Q" closed earlier this year after failing to build an audience. But don't count Wynn out, another Broadway show, "Spamalot," is scheduled to open at his resort next year.

George Maloof, owner of the Palms

Age: 42

Education: Bachelor of science degree in hotel administration from UNLV

Maloof has positioned his Palms resort as a major attraction for celebrities and athletes. He built the Real World suite, where the MTV reality show was filmed in Las Vegas. Currently, he is building a Playboy Club atop the Palms' new Fantasy tower. It will be the only Playboy Club in the world when it opens later this year.

Robert Reynolds, BAND MANAGER

Age: 32

Education: Bachelor of arts degree in English from Brigham Young University, a law degree from New York University

Reynolds, a Bonanza High School graduate, served as lawyer and now manager of the band The Killers, taking them from local band obscurity to international phenomenon.

Cindy Funkhouser, arts promoter

Age: 48

Education: Took real estate courses at the Community College of Southern Nevada

Owner of the antiques shop, the Funk House, Funkhouser founded First Friday in 2002. What started as a small gathering for artists and art fans downtown has grown into an eagerly anticipated event that has reshaped the way people view culture in Las Vegas. Her efforts continue to have an effect as First Friday has grown from 300 attendees and 15 participating businesses to more than 10,000 attendees and 70 participating businesses.

Glenn Schaeffer, president and chief executive officer of Fountainbleu Resorts

Age: 52

Education: Bachelor's and master's degrees in literature from the University of California, Irvine and a master of fine arts degree in fiction from the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa

A longtime casino executive, Schaeffer used his money and his literature background to make Las Vegas an important fixture in the literary world. In 2000, he was the force behind establishing Las Vegas as the first U.S. "City of Asylum," a project that gives oppressed writers a place to live and work after fleeing their homelands. In 2001, Schaeffer founded and funded the International Institute of Modern Letters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting oppressed writers.