Help on streetperforming

[JPete]

Hi everybody
I've thought about taking the big jump and start streetperfoming. Before I do so I have some questions I would like answered.

1) What kind of humor shuold I use in my show?

- I know that humor isn't univesal but nevetheless there must be some kind of rules. Is it good to have corny humor or should it be inteligent? How do people react to morbid humor. Fx. jokes about World Trade Center or people in the audience smelling?

2) Is it suicide to put up a scilent show in the streets?

- My force when performing is in my bodylanguage and I really love to use it but I'm frightend that I will not be able to gather a crowd. Further more I'm concerned that easily becomes some kind of childrens show (and we all know that children don't carry money).
- How do I build tension about the last big trick if I can't tell anyone about it? People will probably just wander off. Finaly it's also be hard to ask people for money if not breaking out of charater.

I know this is a often discussed topic but I hope some of you will take the time to share some of your thoughts.

JPete

[Greedybogle]

I'm a rookie myself, but I do feel I comfortable adressing at least one part of your question.

Silent shows are just fine - provided they're good, but that's true of any show. Hell, straight mimes can do it (gay ones too, I hear), so why not the rest of us?

My silent show has worked well in a theme park and on the street, and crowd gathering is no problem. I highly reccommend including music in your show, though, if at all possible. The sound catches people's attention, and can enhance elements of a show if done right.

Best of luck!

[le pire]

Hi JPETE,

The best way to learn how to street perform is to just do it and do it as often as possible.

You will learn which days / times of the week are best, in addition to what material works.

I have a good friend in Italy who works as a mime, he makes MASSIVE hats-- he does use music and has a fantastic costume (no white face) and I can't recommend this enough. It lets people know that you are doing a show and not just some weirdo out on a street corner.

good luck

etienne