Starting off...

[StarPixy]

Hi everyone, I'm back. I'm reposting my questions here.
Anyways, I've just graduated highschool and I'm ready to star off performing on my own. I've got my ideas for acts (tin whistle/celtic harp player for renfairs, bellydancer, living statue). Now what? How do I get out there? Any tips?

[Flo]

Follow the advice of "Nike"-----just do it. anywhere anytime anything.

"Better to ask for forgiveness than permission!"
CyBerSaM of the Cyberbuss


Flo :***~~~*~**~~*~*~

[ 08-13-2002: Message edited by: Flo ]</p>

[Butterfly Man]

The best advise I can give is to come to Motionfest (East or West)

Here is my personal copy of the handout I give to all my students ...
I will gladly elaborate on any given topic if time permits.


The Art of Street Performing


1.THE RIGHT STUFF- combine all your skills.
a) physical...what you can do ... be like Murph.
b) mental ......what you think about ...positive attitude.
c) emotional ..how you feel about it ...care about them.
d) theatrical...who you are ...impersonations / dialects.

2. MATERIAL- what works for you.
a) “street” is not “stage”...break the 4th wall.
b) the family show....appeal to the masses.
c) the Pizza Hut mentality... everybody gets the joke.
d) the “L” factor...”Likability”...how much they like you. *
e) character & personal style...be unique... you are: who?
f) technique...master your craft.
g) K.I.S.S....keep it simple stupid.
h) standard lines, tired bits....mistakes are stepping stones to failure.
i) ripping off... give credit where credit is due.
j) Houdini’s Rule: involve the senses...sight and sound together, + smell, + touch
k) the hat line...unique to the street...they pay you because they like you.*

3. DESIGN - your choice.
a) set...the look of your stage...banner / showtime sign.
b) props...and proud of it! ...your prop case display.
c) costume....neat & clean & durable ...“nice vest”.
d) sound systems....Mouse vs. Peavey, Anchor Audio.

4.SAFETY - think!
a) personal...if it hurts, don’t do it!
b) audience... “...ever hit a little boy in the face with a knife?”... ... “our client has...”
c) fire... shake those torches! OSHA approved fuel container...to ask or not to ask?
d) security....out of sight..out of mind!
e) travel...don’t fly with fuel, carry-on restrictions... (check those machetes!)... I.N.S.

5. THE SHOW - made up of bits.
a) packing...prop case + casters...two check-in, one carry-on, weight & size limitations.
b) structure....put it all together.
1. set-up, warm up...pre show.
2. crowd gathering...whistles, bells, yells...make a spectacle of yourself.
3. intro., hat line ...who you are...mention money, be funny.
4. bit...usually one prop or skit about 2-3 minutes long.
5. transition...segué...time between bits.
6. etc....create tension...relax tension.
7. Big Trick set up....what I’m gonna do for you...
8. hat line...what you’re gonna do for me....$
9. Big Trick...wow... “louder” ...WoW!
10. hat pass...laughter turns their money into yours.
11. benediction....thank you..thank you...both of you.
12. cool down, reset...turn around time.


6. CONDITIONAL PROBLEMS - beyond your control.
a) site selection... high traffic flow (people)...sight lines.
b) surfaces & sun... “the sun was in my eyes!...I stepped on a rock! ...it was the wind!”
c) pollutants: fumes, noise...construction, cars, children. (& the occasional fountain)
d) legality...Stephen Baird...learn the rules then break some.
e) weather... it affects the audience.
Butterfly’s Rule: 92-62.. over 92?... too hot... under 52?...too cold ......duh.
f) safety first again... re-read #4. ... this time, everything’s wet.

7. HECKLERS - friend or foe?
a) analysis ... listen to what they say.
b) action ...use what they say ... comeback lines.
c) resolution...it’s part of the act!

8. FOREIGN LANDS - your backyard.
a) people...loving the differences.
b) places...Waldo says: ”buy a ticket.”
c) things...border crossings, money woes, the best spots, Visa’s

9. SHOW BUSINESS - these days, it’s 1/2 show and all business
a) professionalism ...presentation is 90 percent of your act.
b) corporate identity...you, on paper ... your video!
c) public relations ...give them more than they expect...make those calls!
d) moneymoneymoneymoney...satisfy yourself, make a lot then use it to help others ... save for the future... don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

10. HORROR STORIES -don’t get me started!


NOTE: Many people who have taken this street performing
workshop in the past have asked for a copy of this handout.
This forum was founded in 1987 to strengthen
the art of street performing. Not a job for the faint
hearted, street offers the chance to fail gloriously, live
dangerously and succeed beyond wild dreams.
Armed with a strong show, all the world is your stage.

-Laura Green, The Juggling Queen
&
-Robert Nelson, The Butterfly Man

- your character is your destiny -

[Stretch]

Robert, any chance you can make it to the Great Clown Adventure in Las Vegas February 23-27th? http://www.greatclownadventure.com/greatclown4.htm


Motionfest west is in Reno on February 19-23rd ,2003 http://www.motionfest.com/index.html
Looks like top notch stuff to me. Would answer a LOT of my questions.

Walking tall, and trying to learn !

Bill "Stretch" Coleman

http://Stiltwalker.com/

[Mark Wessels]

starpixy,

this summer I just started learning the ropes. I wanted to be a street performer and I came on here and asked how. The answer I inevitably recieved was to perform on the street. I finally decided to just do it and I did. It's great. Do ANYTHING. getting out there is half the battle. When you embarass yourself in front of people it helps you learn fast. I can't wait to get back out there. just go out tomorrow and do it. Bring a friend if you need to and go!
Struggling happily,
mark

[StarPixy]

Thanx so much you gus..... [img]smile.gif[/img]

[StarPixy]

I mean , You GUYS..

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

Try this cool link:

http://www.performers.net/library/index.html