I have a couple questions about busking here they are.....

1)First, I am really interested in busking, but since im only 14, im going to wait until im 16. Is this a good age to start at? If it is, I plan on going every weekend.

2)Do I just set-up a table and perform a show, if so, what is a good way to get people to stop? I plan on juggling until I have enough people do do the show.

3) I plan on doing linking rings, then probly cups and balls, with a nice little filler routine in between, is this a good way to do a show?

4) What Book/DVD do you recommend on all the basic busking aspects (hecklers, patter, jokes)?

5) If all works out and I start to get good at busking, I want to perform at a festival. The last busking festival I was at was a traveling festival, where all the performers go from city to city. My question is, is this the way if works, or is there festival like that, and ones you can gust go to?

Thank you for help, I would love to get some help, and maybe here some of your busking stories (god and

First, look around this forum. There are some very skilled buskers here. The ones that jump to mind right away are DaveV and Paddy but there are others as well. Read what people here have to say in other threads.

Gazzo has a book on the subject (Art of Krowd Keeping). Celini has work on the subject as well. Also, Don Driver has a video on Building a Tip. DavidtheCryptic posted a review of this, which would we worth checking out.

Braady, the only way to get the crowds is PRESENTATION. You have to show them that you are a good enough entertainer for them to stop and watch you.

First make sure it is a good pitch, then set up. Juggling is a great crowd stopper. If I could juggle that's how I would build the tip.

Excellent show! In fact Chris Capehart used the rings as his finale in New York City and made a killing. Sometimes I use a 3 ring routine as a finale if other buskers are ending with cups and balls. I usually make bigger hats then.



Yes you can travel if you want. I know that no matter where I go I can, and do, make enough money to live very well on the road. I usually stay at a Motel 6 (because I'm cheap) but I make enough that I could afford the best place around if I wanted to. Usually I just work until I have made $150. Then I spend the rest of the day sightseeing and have a great vacation. If there is a festival in town I will stay the weekend and work it. Be careful doing that, I have been escorted off the lot by local police for busking without permission. But you will learn it is a lot easier to beg forgiveness that to ask permission/

Hope this answers some questions

Thank you, I plan on having tennis ball final loads (I will need a pouch), but I have a problem, my linking rings routine uses two spectators, won't they see the loads in the pouch? Also do you have any stories from busking (good or bad).

Also, this is some of the stuff I plan on getting.

Street Pouch - $79 : http://www.theambitiouscard.com/aitem.cfm?itemid=72

Added pockets for the Street Pouch - $20 : http://www.theambitiouscard.com/aitem.cfm?itemid=73

Small Busker's Table - $195 : http://www.theambitiouscard.com/aitem.cfm?itemid=11

Thats some of the stuff, I also plan on hetting some of the mini- soccerballs (like the ones Gazzo uses). And some street wands. I would post links for the balls and wands, but my computer is CRAP!!!! So later.

Braady wrote:


I have a couple questions about busking here they are.....

1)First, Im am really interested in busking, but since im only 14, im going to wait until im 16. Is this a good age to start at? If it is, I plan on going every weekend.

2)Do I gust set-up a table and perform a show, if so, what is a good way to get people to stop? I plan on juggling until I have enough people do do the show.

3) I plan on doing linking rings, then probly cups and balls, with a nice little filler routine in between, is this a good way to do a show?

4) What Book/DVD do you recommend on all the basic busking aspects (hecklers, patter, jokes)?

5) If all works out and I start to get good at busking, I want to perform at a festival. The last busking festival I was at was a traveling festival, where all the performers go from city to city. My question is, is this the way if works, or is there festival like that, and ones you can gust go to?

Thank you for help, I would love to get some help, and maybe here some of your busking stories (god and




1) You can go whatever age you think is right.

2) Get the Art of street performing dvd set from Cellini.

3) Choose one of the two. Don't do both.

4) Again get the Art of Street Performing dvds. Also check out Gazzo's Cups and Balls dvd if you think about doing the cups and balls. Its great also it will show you how to build a wonderful table thats alot better and cheaper than the one at the ambitious card site.

p.s. check out the sticky at the top of the page. it will teach you alot.

hope this helps.

Devyn

Thank you, I have already checed out the sticked thread.

Hi Braady,

I have a DVD out on 'Building a Tip" ( getting a crowd for busking) go to

http://www.magicpitch.com to see a clip and order if you want a copy.


Later,Don

Thanks Don, I looked at the video, and it looks like something I will be getting.

Do your best and you'll make out fine.

Read the sticky below you.

The Secret Art of Magic is an excellent book on busking, and also offers some advice on misdirection.

brady, that Frank Starsini is a beast.. his "Street Pouch" is very nice for the price.. you can see me using it all of my busking videos...

http://www.youtube.com/georgegilbertmagic

www.sidewalkperformers.com

Oh, thats the street pouch. I was wondering which one you use.

Do you have to get a business license or permit to perform on the street?