The duration of involvement of a guest artist may vary, from separate short-term acts with fees per concert to fixed temporary contracts for several seasons.
In the early days of the pop music industry the bands were relatively stable units, and while guests were not uncommon, they were seldom given credits on album covers.
The custom of guest appearance has become especially prominent in rap music, and this influenced rock musicians as well.
In a TV series, a guest star is an actor who appears in one or a few episodes (sometimes a story arc).
The first regular cast member in a TV series to be credited as special guest star was Jonathan Harris in Lost in Space.
[8] In theatre and ballet, guest appearances diversify actors' repertory and experience under different choreographers, and give more acting opportunities.
Conversely, a guest star benefits the receiving troupe, bringing new inspiration and technique.
It is also associated with multiple stress factors: from jet lags to close calls due to unanticipated travel delays.