We have cruse ships in Key West all the time but the best one of them all was the nude cruse, hookers and porn stars. These people where a fun bunch and tipped really well. I wish they'd come back.
While sharing a pitch with Bike Boy last summer, I picked a kid as my volunteer that was standing with his obviously Middle Eastern family and seemed to be enjoying himself while watching the show.
As soon as I got him in the circle he just froze and really killed the energy; and from there on out the show tanked.
When I finished and walked over to sit down with Bike Boy he looked at me like I was an idiot and in such a way that he made me feel that I had broken the highest most holy law of busking said:
“Never choose the Lebanese kid!”
I must have missed that day at school.
Also when you first meet buskers from somewhere else in the world you will be judged on your Bike Boy impression, so be ready.
Dealing with passing teen males in groups of three or more it is always the lowest in status who will heckle usually the smallest. If no-one engages you leave them be but if they do be merciless on number three. It breaks up their dynamic but strengthens all above the omega.
In rare cases it's going to be the alpha full of himself, that's harder because your counter ridicule threatens the whole group.
Here's a good tip I have learned. When working Death Row and the inmates out number the guards 4 to 1, be sure to make fun with the prisoners not at them. That way you will be the only one not dying to get out of there.
When you ask for volunteers, never pick the kid who holds their hand the highest.
I kinda snapped once with a "repeat show" kid. I duct taped him to a pole that supported the outdoor stage roof. I place all my props within his grasp or on his person; since he knew my show, he handed me my props as I needed them. He was in my control and got to be a part of my show for 20 minutes or so. I let him squirm a bit after the show was over as I packed my props away. He did not come to any more shows.
And "heavy" is accumulative.
What doesn't seem heavy on your first day might eventually, after regular lugging, day after day, make your back spasm out and ruin your career for a year.
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