Do you have to have permission? Or do you just go and do tricks?

Jay

I would suggest getting permission from security. Maybe buy them some dough nuts or something to bribe them (jk). But depending on the location, they may kick you out for performing. Especially if you're truly busking... meaning you set up a table, perform a pretty lengthy show, and ask for money at the end. Odds are even if you ask permission, they still won't let you do this.

I'm not ready yet anyway but i was just wondering for future refrences.
Thanks for the post!

You have to ask mall management. The security guards really have no authority on this issue. It's up to mall management. So what you do is call the mall office, and simply ask what their stance is on the issue. That will answer your question.

Thank you very much!

has anyone done it though? here in this forum?

i have but i didnt get in trouble or anything

Were you actually busking or just walking around asking people if they wanted to see a trick?

Busking is a very specific form of entertainment David Blaine did not busk on his TV specials.

If you actually busk -- set up a performance area build a crowd, perform for 15-30 minutes, collect money afterward -- you better get permission. I seriously doubt anyone could busk in a mall without permission and get away with it -- unless you left before the security guards arrived.

There will be alot more to it than just asking the manager. Before they will even think about giving you permission you will need to get stuff- liability insurance being a big one. There is also a (big) chance you will have to pay to use that space, as a store or vender would... I highly doubt you would get the space for free.

I have worked the mall before, 5 times to be exact, though only once busking. The other times were for fundraisers and special events.

I feel that even asking if you need permission shows a lack of common sense and research on any front.

And busking... isnt just going and doing tricks. Theres a whole lot more to it.

This subject has come up so often that I am surprised David didn't lock it. I am at the point where I will tell anybody who asks about busking in a mall to go ahead. Start as soon as you can! The colder the weather outside the better.

You'll probably last about 15 minutes and then security will escort you outside, they will also ban you from ever performing again, and if you are really stupid and try it a second time, you will learn to like the food they serve in your local jail.

Malls are PRIVATE PROPERTY, they only want the customers that will spend their money at the stores and kiosks that pay rent. If you're in there busking, at least from their point of view, you are begging from the shoppers and driving them away from the renters. Malls exist to make money and by busking in them you are taking money from them. But what the heck, go be stupid and have fun calling mommy and daddy for bail money.

Malls are PRIVATE PROPERTY, they only want the customers that will spend their money at the stores and kiosks that pay rent

Thats the key.
Because they rent out space... if you plan to busk (in a means to make money) they (the mall) will want a cut of what you make. Well maybe not a direct cut, but they wont just let you use their space for free.

Plus the mall will probably be more strict in what you can do and what you cant do, and what you must have to have a "vending area."

Its best to just not think about doing it. Keep busking on the docks, the streets, the board walks, city parks, and so on.
In these general places you usually arent charged for the place, as they are public. Though in many citys you will need a permitt or liscence of some sort... the laws and rules varies from city to city, state to state, etc.
So it is your job to look these up and find out what the rules are.


The only time I have ever seen performers of any sort busking in a mall was for charity or fund raisers- non-profit... and even those have plenty of red tape.

I myself would rather busk out on the board walk (which is what I do), where I can busk for free... rather than have to pay for a space in the mall and obey all their rules plus the citys rules and regulations.

Why not get to know a store owner in the mall..like a toy store or hobby store....then work for them around the entrance to the shop or such ?

That's actually some good advice.

Better yet, make a pitch to one of the mall stores as a promoter. I was kicked out of a mall for doing balloon animals for free (promo stuff). I was later hired to promote a kiosk in the mall doing the same thing, and was allowed to accept tips at will (the tips alone paid about $40 an hour - hey how fast can YOU fold balloon animals?).