Effect of street theatre on commerce & community

[Kim]

Does anyone know of a study into the effects of street theatre on society?
I was thinking it'd be a pretty handy document to have access to when talking to the powers that be, about encouraging them to support street theatre and lobby on our behalf.

[pablo]

On your mark, get set...

GO to the Library section of performers.net and read the article about "benefits to society".

[Kim]

It's a good article, and I'm sure most of us on here would agree the points Flathead makes, but it's not too useful if you're trying to convince a beurocrat that we add to an environment.

I'm thinking more of an actual study into the facts & figures... lots of stats and maths and graphs for the pencil heads.

Surely some spotty academic must have done a thesis on it???

[Butterfly Man]

spotty headed academic

Kim,
I think I might have some of what you need...

Years ago I did a feasibility study (with a coupla smarty artys) for a street fest. @ Pier 39 ... they bought it and they still have it going 20 years hence ... problem, is it was written on paper (remember that stuff?) ... it would take me forever to scan it but let me see if I can find it first ... back atchya'.

Let me see ... now where did I put that shit twenty years ago?

Alzheimer’s sucks

[The Amazing Beaumanz]

man, i would also like a copy of this info!!!!!!

[Kim]

Thanks Robert, that'd be great if you can find it...

How's the software that lets you scan a document and 'read' the words, converting them to digital?

It strikes me as a good document to have in the p.net library, for anyone having a big dirty fight with the authorities... I wonder who else is interested?

[grOmmet]

I shall be watching this space with great interest........
With so many local authorities here, in the UK being suspicious of busking, and preferring to have booked acts instead... it'll be useful to have some such work of reference!!

[stickman]

Add me to the list of interested parties. I've put together some adhoc (not faked) ones in the past. Most memorablly to convince the townsville bussiness' in Australia my show wasn't a finacial threat. It showed an overall increase of profits locally after a short period, though not during the actual shows. I left in the end, and don't have the paperwork anymore. Failed completly in Noosa however, even with the support of the bussiness'. Council weren't open to discussion.

Stickman

[worldwidese]

Why Not Get Paid?

With so many local authorities here, in the UK being suspicious of busking, and preferring to have booked acts instead...

Grommet- if these places prefer to use paid acts, why not go along with that? Do you object to getting paid?

[grOmmet]

Do you object to getting paid?

Hell, NO.....!!
I don't mind getting paid, and often AM paid this way these days....

BUT

It concerns me that some "powers-that-be" associate Honest old-fashioned street busking in the same light as aggressive begging.. homeless people, etc.. ..as something to look down upon...
I DON'T mind being paid.. after all it keeps the food on my table.

I AM a full time professional, and so have no other "job".. but it irks me IMMENSELY to think that ONLY booked / pre-paid / police checked / insurance compliant / risk assessment-toting / method statement carrying...blah blah... performers are viewed favourably by many..

In MY particular case, it WAS the busking street work which honed the skills I use now.. It was the ceaseless distribution of my A6 double - sided promo handbill/flier, [and a business card when asked for one].. which has led to the volume of paid work I now undertake.. I built my moderately successful business literally from the street.

I also LOVE to get back to busking whenever I am able.. It reminds me of the immediacy of the street experience.. the WYSIWYG way of engaging an edge.. and the recognition of my art, as guaged by coinage and notes!!

For me, the street is also a great showcase.. regardless of the hat outcome..
I am PROUD to say that I belong to the international community of busking STREET performers, and remind/inform my street audiences of the Noble history and tradition which we have... although oft-saddened to see the way some look down their noses regardless......

But, I always remember what my dearly departed Mother used to say.. "Opinions are like assholes.. we ALL have them.." .. and perform with equal passion and Spirit whatever the situation!!