Busker Licenses Summer Festival weekends

[Harbourfront]

AUDITIONS FOR STREET PERFORMERS

Harbourfront Centre is looking for
NON-AMPLIFIED specialty acts,
jugglers, musicians, clowns, mimes
and other performers to be licensed
during the summer season.

For more information, call
(416) 973-4747.

Due to limited licences, auditions are
on a first come first served basis.

[harbourfront]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by Harbourfront:
AUDITIONS FOR STREET PERFORMERS

Harbourfront Centre is looking for
NON-AMPLIFIED specialty acts,
jugglers, musicians, clowns, mimes
and other performers to be licensed
during the summer season.

May 14th & 15th 10-6 p.m.

For more information, call
(416) 973-4747.

Due to limited licences, auditions are
on a first come first served basis.

[worldwidese]

I'm confused. Is this a gig where you pay us, or we pay you?

[harbourfront]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by worldwidese:
I'm confused. Is this a gig where you pay us, or we pay you?

There is a nominal fee for a license from June 2nd to October 8---you keep all busking profits.

I may have posted this in the wrong area!

[Chance]

"nominal fee"???

Harbourfront, you have now posted four times regarding the same venue. Why not just devulge all such details up front and in advance?

[Prof Willie B]

I must agree with chance, it doesn't sound like a gig "opportunity" to me. Perhaps it would be better in the "Busking Issues" forum under the title "Franchising" or something. There is obviously little "opportunity" here and it sounds like you might be better off buying a stall.
What is the fee and if we are paying to perform, what gives any-one the right to audition us?
Is this "discrimination in the workplace" or simply "restraint of trade". It would make an interesting legal discussion. Any thoughts?

[This message has been edited by Prof Willie B (edited 05-14-2001).]

[stickman]

I actually auditioned for them last summer. Wouldn't bother again. Guess they weren't impressed when I ran across the seats of the theatre and kidnapped one of the judges to use for a volunteer. Then again might have been stripping off my clothing untill I got down, to my costume. From their gasps I assume they didn't think I was wearing anything underneath the track suit. Had a blast at the audition, but they never bothered to call back. Some people just don't get into a good shock comedy routine. I won't be auditioning for them again. However if you actually want to, avoid any sence of humor.

Stickman

Http://www.weeble.org

[martin ewen]

I almost feel sorry for Harbourfront.
Its just following an accepted business practice. Bostons arguably largest venue has auditions (one measly week a year, making it technically in-house) Brisbane city council has one day a year for auditions, Perth city council don't have auditions but do charge a fee,Covent garden you get auditioned (or used to) by a cunning mix of their reps and your peers.
Simply, you audition if you think its worth your while.
The marketing or event arm of Harbourfont(or who-ever) also position themselves and this is what this is all about.
A dominant value conflict.
Essentually it comes down to the difference between a service and a product and there have always been romantic and rational arguments for and against.
One side says we charge you a fee and give you the opportunity for commerce on our premices, be that performance or vendor, its all the same to us, its all 'Product' as far as we're concerned We hold auditions and charge fees because our venue is our asset and its value to you we charge you for.

And the other side argues
We provide a service, that service has value both to our audiences and the venues we work in. We charge fees for our service relative to the value we add to the venue in terms of marketing potential and ambience.

If both parties have a measure of respect and open minds and refrain from kidnapping one another at auditions then its possible solutions can be found.
( Oh...and there should be no more war and everyone should eat)




[This message has been edited by martin ewen (edited 05-15-2001).]

[Orange]

really, it's the only place for a non-musician to busk successfully on an average toronto weekend, so it's kind of worth paying for a liscence if you live here.

[worldwidese]

It seems they have cancelled this event. Any comments? Kelly

[GlassHarper]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by Harbourfront:
AUDITIONS FOR STREET PERFORMERS

Where the heck is "Harbourfront?"

------------------
Peter (the New Orleans GlassHarper) Bennett

[stickman]

Where the heck is "Harbourfront?"

Harbourfront in this case refers to the harbourfront area in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. You can also work other areas, of Toronto if you purchase the permit behind city hall.

Stickman

http://www.weeble.org

[The Pretty Good]

I worked there for a few weeks this season and I think I liked it.

[Adam Gertsacov]

Harbourfront is in Toronto...