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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Were you a paid magician or a Street Busker first? What got you into Street Busking? How was your first day/week Street Busking?
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I was paid first as a strolling magician at a ballpark.
When I was asked back the second year I decided that instead of just strolling, it would be worth it to me to set up a table, draw a crowd, make them stay, and make them pay. Magic-wise, it was the best decision I've ever made.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
I moved to San Francisco, with it's huge tourist crowd it's a natural for street performers (despite the harsh conditions...) Here I met Jerry Salazar, who has taught me a thing or two about busking in the past year or so.
My first week on Fisherman's wharf was my best week to date -must've been beginner's luck, because I have not seen hats like that since... I've recently taken a little break from street performing, I haven't been out much since early June...
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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D. Yoder Veteran user 376 Posts |
I was a paid family entertainer first before starting to busk here in Lancaster, PA, USA.
The money I make as a busker is quite a bit less than I make per hour as at parties, etc. I really do it more to support our downtown and because I enjoy it. |
rainbowrangers New user 4 Posts |
I needed to get in front of an audience and that was the easiest way. I worked Central Market in Lancaster and my first time out was a positive thing. I'm glad it was because my second time out was the pits. Because of the first experience I kept trying. From trial and error, lectures and books I've learned a lot in a year and now I'm performing every weekend. I'm rotating through several venues so my act doesn't get old for people. My hat is building and my show is improving. I’ve gone from lugging a ton of stuff that took a half hour to set up to practically nothing and a 3 to 5 minute set up. My wife (magician and balloon twister) and I have gotten other work because of busking and we feel that our magic careers are finally started. We’ve got a ton to learn but at least we’re out there.
May your days be filled with Magic.
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EVILDAN Inner circle 1279 Posts |
I started off doing a lot of seances and bizarre magic shows. I always loved street performers. When I lived in NJ I used to go to NYC to watch the performers in Washington Square Park. Then I saw Gazzo in Boston one year. Years later took one of his master classes. A few years later (this year, 5th of July to be exact) was the first time I hit the street.
I was gearing for a half circle show since I mostly saw circle and half circle shows. First hats were okay, but they added up to a decent take for the first time out and only an hour and a half of performing. I love the street. Always have. Always wanted to do it. Now I am.
by EVILDAN....
"The Coin Board Book" - moves and routines with the coin panel board. - http://www.lybrary.com/the-coin-board-book-p-827955.html "SLASHER - A Horror Whodunnit" - a bizarre close-up routine based on Bob Neale's "Sole Survivor." PM me for more info. "Zombie Town" - a packet effect about how a small town turned into zombies. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nzJhcoJtyOM |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-08-06 23:36, rainbowrangers wrote: Welcome to The Magic Café. |
T. Sebastian Loyal user Ozark Mountains, USA 223 Posts |
I started busking to get performance experience and to (hopefully) get work doing parties and such. I have gotten some gigs from busking, but I'm not really trying to anymore. I LOVE street performing. After ten years of playing in bands, trying to get gigs, dealing with booking agents and all the other hassles that come with keeping a band working, I'm just to tired and old to deal with it all. Busking is freedom. And it pays better. I will take to the stage when the right opportunity arises, but for now I'm very content on the curb. Lovin' it.
So sorry I soiled your precious eyes.
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Kevin Mc Lean New user Kevin Mc Lean 57 Posts |
I was a paid magician first and I read Gazzo's book on crowds, etc. and one thing he said was that you get good fast if you can hack it on the streets.
I wanted to develop more experience fast. So, I went out, pitched balloons, did the occasional street show. It paid off, I had a place to go when things were slow, gradually did more street shows, and a lot of people saw me and I got more bookings and lots of contacts. Enough to go professional (I stress that this is as a children's magician and festival entertainer). I have to say, I agree with what Gazzo said. You get an awful lot of experience quick. That's not to say it doesn't have the occasional bad moment - but, as the saying goes " no guts- no glory..." I still go on the streets when I can. It's a real education on what works and what doesn't for your personality. I do agree with Uncle Yodie, for me I make more doing other stuff than the streets - but, man, is it addictive and exciting... |
gaddy Inner circle Agent of Chaos 3526 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-08-09 04:56, Kevin Mc Lean wrote: Ah of course! How could I have forgotten that lecture !?! When Gazzo lectured in San Francisco a few years back is when it gelled in my head that I wanted to give street performing a try. It took about a year or so before I actually did it, but... When I saw that melon drop out of that Bowler Hat the first time, I swear it was like a religious experience! One of the most magical moments I've ever experienced!
*due to the editorial policies here, words on this site attributed to me cannot necessarily be held to be my own.*
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FunTimeAl Special user 987 Posts |
I saw a magician do circle shows at the Cleveland Rib Burn Off in the late 80s or early 90s. I had no idea what I was watching at the time. All I knew was that it was the coolest live performance I'd ever seen.
I've asked Shawn Greer & Tom Frank if it was them or if they knew who it was and niether had any idea. That's a mystery that drives me insane!!! Who was that guy? All I can remember was that he was probably in his late 20s or early 30s, dressed like a gypsy, used a table, and did a floating card (on the wand) gag. Can't remember if he had an accent. He did wear a gib and finished with the cups. Could it have been Gazzo himself? I don't know. Doubt it. This guy was good though. He had huge crowds, and a solid routine. I watched it many times! I was in high school at the time and didn't start performing professionaly for another 12 years...but that guy who did a show and then asked people to pay him at the end seemed like a genius I wanted to emmulate. |
EVILDAN Inner circle 1279 Posts |
Chad,
I think that was Gazzo's grandfather. The same grandfather that thought the bag trick was the greatest trick in the world and eventually taught it to Gazzo. EVILDAN.
by EVILDAN....
"The Coin Board Book" - moves and routines with the coin panel board. - http://www.lybrary.com/the-coin-board-book-p-827955.html "SLASHER - A Horror Whodunnit" - a bizarre close-up routine based on Bob Neale's "Sole Survivor." PM me for more info. "Zombie Town" - a packet effect about how a small town turned into zombies. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nzJhcoJtyOM |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Until July 10 this year my knowledge and interest with Street Busking was "0". As I was going to pick up Chris Capehart from the airport I was thinking about using Street Busking as my "safety net" when I travel to California. In other words, I was picturing using it to keep me working immediately until I get my marketing together doing magic shows. I asked Chris Capehart a lot of questions.
I fell in love with I learned from Chris Capehart's lecture and lecture notes. He even offered to let me come to his house to train me. I do not want to go to him empty handed. So, I asked you guys for support. You gave me a lot more than I expected. The main purpose I performed my first act was to get pictures to show you guys I was not playing around. The money was not the purpose. I was about to leave, but decided to give another 10 minute act because I liked the challenge. It was fun. I was about to leave again until an eleven year noticed me and got my attention at the festival. I did her birthday earlier this year. So I was about to do another act until the inturuption of a sergeant came. I did enjoy the experience. My biggest mistake was not bringing enough business cards. Several people had to put my number on their cell phones. I also added vendoring to my first time street busking. I sold balloon scluptures for a dollar each after my performance. |
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