First Busking

[Tyler]

Hi everyone.

Recently at the Edmonton International Street Performer's Festival I had the pleasure of working in a workshop with The Silly People, and because of their influene I am looking to begin street performing. I am thinking about going busking at a Farmer's Market where I live. They allow free busking. I do mostly juggling, up to seven balls and four clubs. I count on good skills to be impressive as I'm not great at the comedy side of things. I am working at that though. Anyway, my question is: For entertaining people who may only stop for a few moments to watch a performance and drop some money, is it better to do a show (like a show you would see at a festival, audience participation, big climax, jokes etc.) Or is it better to just do your stuff, talk with people that stop, include people sometimes and crack a few jokes, do some cool stuff,a nd if people stay do something really cool? Anyway, thanks for the help.

-Tyler

[rsummer27]

Do a show man. When I was a kid, I use to stand on the beach just juggling and I made a few dollars. When I needed the money I started doing a full show, drawing an edge and working the big crowd. Everyone has more fun and I make more money.
Ralph

[Doctor Eric]

Do a real show. Period, make it shorter if you feel you have to, but do a show. My suggestion is if you aren't very good at comedy, and you are relying on skill, practice constantly. The reason you don't see a lot of skill shows on the streets is because it's real hard unless you're REAL good, but the guys I have seen that can do it are awesome to watch.

[Chris Griffith]

The sad truth

is that people really aren't that interested in watching someone juggle. Even other jugglers aren't all that interested.

In order to keep a crowd, you've got to learn to make it interesting to them - make them really want to see what you do. How? That's the million $ question. Everyone has a different way to go about it. Some rely on jokes, comedy, some on danger, some on physical humor.

Good luck - don't be afraid to fall on your face, and let us know when you do -- we'll either tease you mercilessly or help figure out what went wrong.

[em]

but heres the spanner...don't force any thing...many jugglin acts started by standin around jugglin, take it moment by moment...find your technique and street presence by doin it, you may find that natural comedy comes from simply jugglin? if however you find that you still are standing around just jugglin and that for you its not enough then start workin on a show BUT KEEP IT SHORT for now!!!!! try to use your own material rather than borrowin standard lines. Many people willl say using standard lines is a good way to start off but that has its own difficulties as they tend to stay in yer show for ever. You can weed them out eventually but it takes a bit of re-jiggin...

What sort of person are you? have you performed before? there are so many ways to spice it up so keep all avenues open for now

Finally, getting out there and doin it will provide a lot of answers....you don't have to be funny you can be downright weird too and that will become funny...Enjoy it...

xxx

[scot]

You should use these lines as soon as anyone says good job, or anything.

sometimes I wish there were more viruses
there he is… the nurse is here to pick you up now
(to heckler's friends) Does he pay you to hang out with him or are you just stupid?
(kid) It's people like you kidnappers consider a waste of money
be quiet or I'll call your mom (pull out a match book and look inside)
Are you deaf and dumb?
I know it's not "PC", but does anyone have a gun?
A-U-D-I-E-N-C-E, audience -- the "u" is silent.
One day, you're going to realize that you're an idiot. Until that day comes, leave.
Thank you for coming and sharing everything you know with us
Are you trying to outsmart the kid that works for change on the street?
I bet they love your jokes down at the arcade
That was funny, why don't you go home and tell that to your parents.

Scot