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Hi, I have decided to try my hand at busking and some street magic, I'm mainly doing this to get some experience and try some ideas. Now the thing I want to know is if I was going to perform for some teenagers or "chavs" (hoodies and stuff like that) because I want all kind of experience, what kind of tricks would you suggest I do for them. I was thinking of shock magic doing something like sean fields sick or saw because I think they would generally get bored and be impatient if I was doing card tricks. Would you suggest using shock magic or anything else. I would appreciate any suggestions, thanks.

Like you I am about to embark on street performing, and I got some great advice here. I was meant to go out last week, but I got some birthday party bookings. I was meant to go out today, but it rained all day. I stood on the street for two hours, getting wetter and wetter, with an acrobatic duo I was sharing the pitch with, and we put on no shows. But it will happen. Within the next few days.
When I perform for those troublesome teenagers there is one trick I tend to do, because it gets a great reaction. Cards across. After I have done cards across I have their respect, and any trick will do then.
Swallowing a balloon also gets a great reaction.

loljacob2 wrote:Hi, I have decided to try my hand at busking and some street magic, I'm mainly doing this to get some experience and try some ideas. Now the thing I want to know is if I was going to perform for some teenagers or "chavs" (hoodies and stuff like that) because I want all kind of experience, what kind of tricks would you suggest I do for them. I was thinking of shock magic doing something like sean fields sick or saw because I think they would generally get bored and be impatient if I was doing card tricks. Would you suggest using shock magic or anything else. I would appreciate any suggestions, thanks.

Humiliate one of them...the group love it...i do not mean make him cry to his mum but say make him look for his card to no prevail but hold his card in your mouth the whole time.

secondly.........................if you can not relate to them walk away from thsi subject....they might be all mouth but hte odd one or two can be violent if you do not know how far you can push it.
If you are an adult do not think "I was a kid once I totally understand them" that is the biggest load of twoddle ever.

I find mainly that the youth seem to like card tricks with shock factor...

Tricks I have succesfully used for teenagers (note my un derogatory word)

Mc donalds aces...
the above mentioned...
Card from mouth...
Make a slected card jump from the deck...
4 jacks burglars.

Some simple rope stuff can go down well...3 in 1 with a volunteer and cut and restored are both ones I have used.

Do not do anything to complecated as you correctely said they will get bored....

Finally do not make any derogatory comments as that will * them off big time and in making them loose your have failed miserabley as an entertainer...

Thats my part hope it is not all useless.

I Don't want to be killjoy but please make sure you have local authority permission to perform (busk) in public places.

Private places are different, you just need permission from the owner/manager of the pub/restaurant etc., but performing in public places does require local authority permission.

No matter how good you are, there are people out there who have no interest in magic. others see what you do as a challenge and will do everything to disrupt the performance and grab your props etc. so be prepared for all types of reactions and be very thick skinned.

Enjoy, and Good Luck.

Discombobulator wrote:I Don't want to be killjoy but please make sure you have local authority permission to perform (busk) in public places.

You don't always need it but you need to find out what the rules are. Different local authorities (UK) have different rules. Some require you to pass an audition while others don't. Some have designated busking spots while others don't. If you want the local gen, the best people to ask are the street wardens (or community support officers, or whatever their name is where ever you live). Don't bother asking the local police as they're generally pretty clueless when it comes to that sort of thing as the street wardens tend to deal with it.

For example, the local constabulary tried telling me I couldn't busk without a license despite the fact that the local city council (Notingham) didn't issue busking licenses at that time. It pays to know!

What ever you do, just don't start your pitch with "The Bullet Catch" OK? I know the cops around here get really pi**ed off when they hear gun fire ...

What if you're performing for free? Does that count as busking, in the eyes of the law? If you need a licence to busk in a particular area, does that mean that you would need a licence to perform for free too?

I'm thinking of performing around the West End in areas like Covent Garden, though I'd imagine they'd have pretty strict rules in such a busy and commercial area.

Devil's Tailor: Why would anyone WANT to perform on the street for free?

If anyone insists on free shows, there are thousands of nursing homes, hospitals, etc. available.

I think it would be a good way to sharpen my skills. And who knows, I might meet some fascinating people. I will give some thought to your suggestion...

I'm no expert but i think covent garden is THE number 1 busking spot in the UK. I think it actually costs you to perform there, thats once you have actually passed the audition. I know that you have to audition in Manchester, I do some busking further north in smaller towns where you dont have to audition. Just ring up the local county hall and ask to speak to someone in charge of street entertainment. To save that hassel I usually do card tricks in bars n stuff, the owners are usually well up for it cause lets face it...maigc is interesting and it brings in the crowds.

In terms of performing for teenagers my advice would be dont treat them like teenagers, treat them like anyother audience. I personally wouldnt approach a crowd drinkin 50 cans of cider, two bulldogs on a bit of string who are blatently p***ed. however, a group of 16 year olds in hoodies are usually alright and would apriciate the attention to be shown something a bit cool and freaky. No pulling bunnies out of hats but a very simple ID routine usually does the trick (excuse the pun).

And don't patronise them or they'll kill you.

Some good advice here.

I never really doubted you'd be able to buk in Covent Garden without a license but I'm wondering about performing for free. Are the busking laws so strict (and broad) that all kinds of performing - for money or otherwise - are classed as busking?

I know where your coming from. The laws on this kind of thing are really sketchy. For instance I'm perfectly allowed to go into a park and draw a picture of a tree, then as soon as I try and sell it its a different story. I think in real terms, if you go up to someone on a park bench and perform a routine of cards and mind reading... nothings going to happen to you and its perfectly alright...or so I would imagine. I think problems arise when you start gathering an audience or gathering a crowd. Like if you have a 15 minute set, and start by making people clap to gather a crowd...thats when authorities have guidlines I think.

Thank you for those thoughts. I think you're right. I was thinking of standing on a box and practising my Charlier Cut, or something, and seeing what happens. I doubt a crowd would gather. But you never know! I could soon be practising my Charlier Cut in the slammer.

Ha..I Love the idea of your sentece being read out... "Mr Tailor...We sentence you to 5 Years in the deadliest prison in England... for standing aon a box and playing with cards... You Evil child of the devil!"

lol Let us know how it goes

STREET MAGIC.

1. Devise several SHORT routines.
These need to be, VISUAL, able to be performed ANYWHERE and with NO
or very little reset.
They should create wonder, surprise, laughter and above all—Entertainment.
2. If you are using any tricks like the Cups & Balls ( the standby of busking
magicians for hundreds of years) then make sure you find a STRONG &
PORTABLE TABLE.
3. Wear something bright, colourful & distinctive; allowing for your age & style
In Edinburgh ( 1984) when we were performing at the Fringe, there was a wonderful , very skilful magician who wore a black shirt, black waistcoat with patches of bright, glittery, embroidered, colour on it and a gold earing.
SHOES. You are on your feet all day. Get strong, comfortable footwear.
Carry a bottle of water, throat pastilles, Sanderson’s Throat Specific (hoarse throats), plasters, a moisteriser (it is Open Air) and a container with some easily digestible food. Also a pak a mac & rain hat.
4. BE PREPARED for anything. When I worked the Hunstanton Fairground in
The early 60’s, on of my favourite routines was the Anti Gravity Glasses, the
original Davenport version with a book, a hanky and 3 plastic glasses.
Over the first week, both kids & adults would ask me to do the Upside bit
with plastic cups, ice cream cups, their hankies, and at the time a seaside
novelty which was a small piece of plywood with a cartoon & caption on it.
BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING. Even being interrupted in the middle of
your favourite routine.
4. READ ‘Street Magic’ by Edward Clafin for background.
5. IF you are really serious about busking then invest in the 2 disc advice
‘CROWDPULLER’ by Peter Warddell. You can get it from Merlins for £40
Don’t think it’s cheaper anywhere else.
It covers pretty well everything from Getting A Crowd; Building them, Pre
Show stuff, the correct props and where to get them, Routines, Passing the
Hat, Live performances etc. etc.
Even How to Apply the techniques to your Corporate or Trade Shows.
You are paying for many years experience and the investment, will save you many a heartache & worry.

Allen Tipton