talkmagic.co.uk

Hey guys!

I've just finished my degree, and next year I hope to do an MSc in Psychology and Research Methods. I'll have a job to put me through, but will still have a day or two spare, and am thinking to myself that one area of magic that has always fascinated me is that of street magic - that of proper street magic, with crowds etc, not the tv Blaine style stuff.

I think, if memory serves me correctly, that TonyB did/does this style of street performance, so it would be yourself that I am seeking advice from.

Basically, I have never performed on the street before, and think that it could potentially be something fun to do one day or so a week, just to widen my abilities - or if only to say that it is something that I have done in my magical career!

So what advice can you give? Anything from performance, to picking your spot. Any decent resources out there that you would recommend? Anything else I should be aware of?

I'm mainly after real-experienced advice, rather than armchair-theory advice if possible as well!

Thanks in advance!

Hi Chris.
I'll do my best.
The first thing I will say is that I tried this during a recession, and that definitely depressed the hats I was earning. However after a number of days on the street here is what I have found.

You need to pick your spot carefully - somewhere with plenty of foot-fall, and a good wide pavement where people can stop. Town squares and pedestrianised streets are ideal. And the weather needs to be good, or people will not stop.

The first thing is your equipment. You are either doing small ten minute shows for a few people, or trying to draw a crowd and give them twenty five minutes of fun. That seems to be the more profitable approach, and is what I aimed for, so I will talk about that. Most pros recommend using a table, as it gives you a sort of stage or focus to your show. I use a small folding card table with my briefcase on top. I also have a small fold-up stool in the briefcase, which I stand on. This gives me height, and helps draw the crowd.

You need to consider amplification. Last year I used two eight watt waistband amplifiers attached to one round the ear microphone. It worked well enough, but the best street performer I worked with had a small amp, the size of a paint pot, which blew me away. This year I am using a small rechargable 50 watt amp with a built-in radio mike (E220 from Maplins).

Your first job is to draw a crowd, and this can be difficult. During festivals I just stand on my stool, and shout like a circus barker that the show is about to begin. But as a busker it is not that easy; at a festival they know they will not be paying at the end, so are more inclined to stop. What I found worked was to scan the faces until I saw someone curious, then offer to show them the world's quickest card trick. This led to some gags, then a rapid card trick. Normally someone else will stop to look, and I draw them in with a slightly longer card trick, getting louder all the time. If I have a nucleas of a crowd by then, I jump on my stool and begin the show.

I kept it simple. beginning by offering two guys the chance to win fifty euro by beating me in blowing up a modelling balloon. This gave plenty of scope for gags. Then ID or Bang On, then a silk to panties trick using a thumb-tip which always got a good reaction, then cards across, then I ended by eating a balloon.

Here is the important part - asking for the money. It took a while to get this right, and I am still not there. Half way through the show mention money for the first time, but in a jokey way. Then before the final effect, I stop and deliberately address the audience. This is my pitch, and goes along these lines.

Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you are enjoying the show. I do not get paid to be here today. But this is how I make my living, and feed my family. I bring theatre to the streets. If you have enjoyed the show, please show your appreciation in a few moments. If you think that I was worth the price of a cup of coffee, throw that into the hat. If you think that I was worth the price of a pint, throw that in the hat. If you think I was worth twenty pounds, I will follow you home and wash your car! Of course times are tough, and if you cannot afford to throw something in the hat, at least smile and say thanks if you have enjoyed yourself. Consider this show a gift from me to you (makes you sound like a nice guy!).

I saw all the above with some gags thrown in. You have to be that blunt in your pitch, or you will get damn all. I have listened to the really good guys, and that is how they do it.

I then do the final effect, the balloon swallow, and then I stand there with my hat out (don't leave it on the ground and expect them to come up).

I am doing this in Ireland during a recession, and am averaging E35 a hat, which is not fantastic. However the guys in the know tell me that I would be doubling that three years ago. Three seventy euro hats for two hours work is not something I would sneeze at.

I have not been out yet this year, but the tall ships race is coming to Waterford soon, and I have been reliably informed that I could make several hundred a day during that. I hope they are right.

Best of luck Chris, and if you take anything from the above, let it be this: ask for the money or they will not give it to you!

Some good resources

Books

Art of Krowd Keeping - Gazzo
Royal Touch - Cellini
Lure With Spectacle - Jimmy Talksalot

Dvd

Art of Street performing Vol 1 - 3 - Cellini
Tales From the Street - Kozmo
school of busking - mario morris

A question to TonyB:

1st I really enjoyed reading that. Its not something I have ever thought of doing, but you made it sound really enjoyable. Who knows what the future holds! But on to my question: Do you need a license of some sort, and if so, how much does this cost and where do you obtain it?

And best of luck for this year! Hope you have many a full hat.

Kev

I think you may need a Street Performers licence which can be obtained from you County/ City Council (at least that's where you get them from if you live in Warwickshire!).

However, I'm not 100% sure what the requirements are for it. Best thing to do would be to ring your Council and find out.

I believe it is council specific. For instance, I enquired about it in Cardiff (just for curiosity) and they allow it free and unlicensed as long as you follow a set of basic and fair rules.

Also, the rules can change during special events so if you are unsure check with them.

DaveM wrote:I believe it is council specific. For instance, I enquired about it in Cardiff (just for curiosity) and they allow it free and unlicensed as long as you follow a set of basic and fair rules.

Also, the rules can change during special events so if you are unsure check with them.

I see. I've just been on the Warwickshire County website to find out some more information, but can't find anything at the moment.

I think it would probably be best to check with your local council though- just to make sure.

Kev, in Ireland you don't need a licence. But you can be moved on if you are causing a disruption or blocking a street. I was moved on at a big festival last year - when I had a big crowd around me and was about to pass the hat!

I am not aware of the situation in the UK.

Thanks very much. I'm thinking of trying a few different things in a couple of weeks and go from there!

I regularly perform in the street and as far as I know there is no lisence needed (at least in Newcastle.) However, if you're worried about being moved along then perhaps street performance isn't for you.

However it is a very easy way to get performance experience for any of you looking for it and I often use it as a proving ground for new material before I use it in paid gigs. However, word of warning, be prepared to get heckled alot more than at other gigs because some people like to disrupt shows. A good way to get around this, I find, is to get the crowd on your side from the start (should be your job anyway ) and then have them all tell them to shut up, this usually gets a good laugh if anything