Disclaimers... Knives and children.

[upjuggler]

[img]confused.gif[/img] I received an email today from a festival that I did earlier this summer. The lady wrote:

"I had complaints to the ---- Festival office about you juggling the knives with children there. One lady said her young son was trying to do the same thing at home. Probably not a good routine for children. If you come again next summer, let's not do the knives, O.K.? Someone else asked if you get paid for doing your performances. They were told you do. They complained about you passing the hat. It's general knowledge that you do get paid, so please don't pass the hat. O.K.?"

I performed last year, and there wasn't a single complaint... In fact, over the 4 years that I have been doing this, I have never heard of anyone complaining until this year. Someone also complained at a gig I had last weekend.

I live in an area where there aren't too many shows to book during the summer months, so I don't want to not do a show because of a couple of people - and the winter months are pretty harsh -- not much to book Nov - May, except holiday gigs...

ANY advice would be appreciated. [img]confused.gif[/img]

[The Amazing Beaumanz]

most organized events that pay you, would rather you not "hat" the audience. However, this should be discussed when booking your show. You will find though, that most events don't want to pay you, they want you to pass the hat.

all aspects of your show should be discussed with the event coordinator as it is best to have no surprises.

Just like alot of us who perform, i place wate on the ground from a lighter fluid bottle. When i got to an event, i make it a point to even find the police and fire department and clue them in on what i am doing.

communication is the key!!!!

good luck

[The Amazing Beaumanz]

most organized events that pay you, would rather you not "hat" the audience. However, this should be discussed when booking your show. You will find though, that most events don't want to pay you, they want you to pass the hat.

all aspects of your show should be discussed with the event coordinator as it is best to have no surprises.

Just like alot of us who perform, i place water on the ground from a lighter fluid bottle. When i go to an event, i make it a point to even find the police and fire department and clue them in on what i am doing.

communication is the key!!!!

good luck

[Stretch]

My advise is to leave town, and get a gig at a big festival where they have some experience with this kind of entertainment. Sounds like it is time for you spread your wings.

After you get the gig, keep quiet about it until your small town festival calls you, then tell them you went to the big city to juggle knives.

(good thing you weren't juggling fire! No doubt Darwin is looking down kindly on the kids ma!)

If you are open to the idea, I reccommend you learn how to clean windows. A great business with plenty of freedom and a good income during those slow times. Has worked for me for 18 years.

Good luck!

Walking tall and stretching imaginations!

Bill "Stretch" Coleman
Home of Stretch and his 18 foot tall giant puppets, world stilt walking records and stilt performing related info from around the world!

[DonnyV]

Next time cut out the knives for the safy of the children....then for a finale drink a bottle of Drain-O.

[scot]

I was getting similar complaints from mothers for dangerous stunts repeated at home so I added a bit to my show where I kill my parents.

[ 08-04-2003: Message edited by: scot ]</p>

[jugglermatt1]

The police came up to me after a show in Granada (Spain ), carted me off to the station , put my passport details into their computer , and imprisoned my knives .And to be honest it felt like a relief and with the saving in weight was good for my rucksack .
Regarding hatting on contract gigs , I never do it , when the gig comes up , i only say yes , if they are willing to pay me enough . If they say yes , then theres no need to hat .