I wasn't sure where exactly to post this, but what do you think about scaling/card throwing in an act, and how would you introduce it, I thought perhaps a continuation of an ACR?

I don't think card scaling would work very well in a busking act, because the setup time to gather all of the thrown cards would be too great between sets.

Actually, I love scaling cards. And I have seen and learned from some of the best in person; McBride and Rick Smith Jr. And as a magician, who can stick a card in plasterboard at 20 feet (My wife gets really ticked when I do it at home...) I seriously think you would have a tough time impressing spectators enough to make it worthwhile.

It is fine for showing off for magicians. But I just think there are a lot more exciting things for lay spectators.

And if you didn't pick up the cards, the police and local business folks would make it hard for you to come back to that spot for a repeat appearance.

Important rule for the Busker: Be a good citizen, and don't make anyone mad at you.

BroDavid

Nothing is impossible on the street, maybe as a knife throwing act! It means bringing targets with you. Whitch maybe more than you would like to deal with.
And always clean up after your self.

I like the target idea. "Not just heaving a card forth, oh no! Marksmanship I tell you, marksmanship. Started out with just a big circle, got so good I had to add the middle rings later to make it interesting." Plenty fun to be had here. Large target would be quite the eye catcher too. What do you make the target out of? I dunno. Throw old cards with your info on them. Offer something, I don't care what, just something. Let those watching know about the offer on cards. Should help with the clean up/gee I wish I could get my name and info out to the public, problem.

I lie kthat idea, an intersting way of getting your business card out

You could have a lot of fun with this. Use a spectator from the audience as the target. Just before you throw the first card, put safety goggles on him. Then keep adding protective gear until he is really bundled up.

This has remarkable comedy possibilities.

MM something to bear in mind when I can spend more money on an act, at the moment Im thinking Full medieval plate armour

Wow, I havent been on this site in almost two years. I use card scaling in my act everyday. Use it for a whole bunch of different reasons. You can use it throw a card away when you guess wrong, or you can try and do some kind of card stunt, and have there selected card end up in an apple or a watermellon, by throwing it into it. You can also use it if you learn to be accurate to give your business card out by throwing them or if its a kid show at the end of the performance give someone a chance to win $1000 if they can throw further than you. Those are just a few things that I do all the time. Hope all is well in the magic community of card scalers.

Rick

Wow is that the Rick Smith :-o? Thanks for the suggestions, but I'm not sure about the last one, I doubt I can throw a card quite as far as you!
Another Rik

I like Bill's idea with the safety equipment. I have done this once before where I cut a Carrot in half. My favorite part is when you put an oven mitt on the spectators hand, then hand them the vegtable to hold. They have no idea what's up, but they start getting nervous. Always good for a laugh.