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Aus Special user Australia 996 Posts |
Hi guys, even though I’ve been in magic for some time now I will admit that this whole street busking thing is unknown territory for me so naturally I have some questions.
I was watching this youtube clip and at the stage of the final trick and where he says he will soon announce his hat line afterwards, a large section of his audience break off and walk away. Two comments under the clip ask make some interesting observations. The two comments are: “We think this can be a good lesson for street performers not to announce when it is their last trick/event. And especially, that they will be passing the hat soon. In our opinion, it is better to "pass the hat" spontaneously at the end of the performance - at least more people will be there...Fortunately, in our observations, many people do tip the street performers, and to them - thank you!!! “ “People often feel sand bagged at the last minute like that. It is better to mention that you are going to pass the hat a couple of times during the show. Part of the job of the street performer is to educate the crowd.” So here we have two opposing views. Which is the better way to go? Whats your view on this? The clip in question is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EebVfUuqmIQ Magically Aus |
KerryJK Special user Northampton UK 621 Posts |
I too am green to the intricacies of hatting (but very eager to learn), but another question I found myself wondering there is if the transition was at fault, if the hat-to-come line came at too conclusive a moment. I noticed that many of those who left waited until his back was turned before sheepishly sneaking off - thinking of what might be going through their heads at that point I figured something along the lines of "that was great, but now I've seen his show and this next trick might not be good enough to wait around for, especially if I then have to pay for the privilege, so I'll leave before he gets going". Could something maybe have been held back as a tease, to tip the worth it/probably not worth it decision in favour of staying?
I loved the bonus coin trick during the hatting itself, along with his hatlines. Bummer about the people leaving, but he kept going regardless (even making a joke of having to carry on by himself for a while) and did a great job with the people who did stick around. |
HerbLarry Special user Poof! 731 Posts |
The lady in blue with the kids was turning to leave before he said anything about the hat. IMHO he should have acknowledged them leaving in some manner. That could have influenced the others.
After getting verbal confirmation that they liked my 1st trick I comically mention it is my job. After the second I tell them they liked the 1st one and also the 2nd and they will like the next one cause I saved the best for last and it's my favorite part of the show. Then after the last trick I hat them in a special way that keeps the happy flowing. So yeah, I'm in the tell them what's up camp. I think one could just as easily not and do well. IMHO there is no hard & fast correct way. This is not a copy the other guy endeavor, it's a be the best you you can be endeavor.
You know why don't act naive.
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KerryJK Special user Northampton UK 621 Posts |
Quote:
After getting verbal confirmation that they liked my 1st trick I comically mention it is my job. After the second I tell them they liked the 1st one and also the 2nd and they will like the next one cause I saved the best for last and it's my favorite part of the show. Then after the last trick I hat them in a special way that keeps the happy flowing. That's going in my file of useful quotes - what a wonderfully positive way of approaching it, especially the last part. Many thanks! |
HerbLarry Special user Poof! 731 Posts |
Your welcome Kerry. Please don't overlook the importance of acknowledging the walk offs as they can turn your tide if ignored. People think it's an OK thing to do, and we know it's really really not. Also take note of what happened right before they do so you can attempt to correct the moment.
You know why don't act naive.
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Rotten Special user 829 Posts |
Tonight I had a group of four walk off just as I pulled the hat. So I hollered to the rest of the audience, "I don't want those people to feel guilty, they'll do that all on their own." I must have read or heard it, not sure. It just popped out. But it worked.
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Dimitri Mystery Artist Veteran user Israel/Ukraine 355 Posts |
Hi, I started doing street magic shows last year so I still consider myself quiet new and the hat lines are one of the diffuclt parts for me to adjust
I personally not announce that I will pass the hat, but I am also not doing it totally out of the blue. my last effect is card across before the climax " I announce that I will make 2 cards travel, I invisible transfer the cards and claim: "great, I've done it!" I take off my hat like I am waiting for them to put money inside, they smile at that point and I say "it doen't work like this here" I go on to the climax and close the show I think this is a lighter approach to "now I will pass the hat", they are ready for the moment but because of the humor, it doesn't scare the public and I don't remember people scatter around at that point, also the phrase "it doesn't work this way here" hopefully make them understand that it is correct to give money for a good performance and for someone that worked hard to give entertainment. I do risk that after the climax they will runaway (some will!, but I believe, those people would go away anyway if I had put some pressure early on, the difference is that they might drag alone, some people that actaully WOULD tip in the end). dima |
Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
A while ago I had a couple leave just before I did my hat so I yelled out "Welcome to the U.S. Hope you enjoy your visit" Then I turned to the crowd and said in a very loud voice "They must be from canada...You know the difference between canadiens and a canoe? Canoes tip!" Yes that is one of Gazzo's lines but the just frosted my butt the way they left, it worked I got more 5's and 10's from that show than the rest of the night.
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solrak29 Special user NY Metro 936 Posts |
After watching the video (great performance btw), I got a sense of completeness after that act, where some people might be like; cool, that's the end. After being to many
lectures and schools (i.e. Mario's) and reading blogs, I've learned that you have to educate the people and as mentioned above you should not ignore those walking away and have a line or two for them, "hey I didn't leave when you got here" -- celini video. If you don't tell them what to expect, how do they know if its the end. Not everyone gets it...automatically.
To Find Me On The Pitch, Follow me :On Twitter
Checkout my pseudo blog : The Sidewalk Performers Forum "I intend to live forever, or die trying" - Groucho Marx |
DoctorCognos Elite user 413 Posts |
It is my opinion, and you can take it for what it costs if you choose. And since it costs nothing, you can leave it even if you take it..
But, after spending most of my adult life in public speaking and sales, and now years of busking, I can tell you that you need to tell people what you expect of them. If they see a lot of buskers, and tip a lot, then they already know that is how it is supposed to work. But most people don't see a lot of it, so they just don't know how it is supposed to work.. And if you just run out, do a few tricks, and expect that they know that they should tip you, you will flat out be disappointed. It really isn't that they don't like the show, or that they are bad people, or Scottish, it just means that they don't know that it is their job to tip. That is why, early on in my act, I explain the "contract". My job is to perform and entertain them, and their job is to applaud with their wallets. So if I do my job, and they are entertained, they are not surprised that my hat comes out, and their job is to put money into it. Another tip for the new busker. Don't just plop your hat on the table. I say this for two reasons, One is because it can blow off very easily. (Been there, done that...) So drop a deck or two of cards into the hat. It reinforces the fact that something goes into the hat, and it keeps it from blowing your tips everywhere when it blows off the table. On the other hand, I find it more productive for me, to hold the hat, and make eye contact with a smile, and engage my audience, when holding the hat, just as I did when performing. The Doctor
The Doctor Knows.....
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Brent McLeod Inner circle 1792 Posts |
Watch a few You tube clips of 1 of the worlds best
Nick Nickolas. -His hat lines dropped in throughout his world class act are all tied in so the people at the end knows what to expect He makes a deal with the crowd during the cups.......... Cheers |
DanielMooncalf Regular user Kansas City 113 Posts |
It's dark, he's in a poorly-lit pitch, and he's doing card and coin tricks. Few can see what's going on, so it really doesn't matter when he does his hat lines.
Played in the daylight, or under an intense street lamp, he'd have done way better. |
Brent McLeod Inner circle 1792 Posts |
Check the International festival clips loaded by Nick himself & Interaction-especially the Cups
his hat lines as part of his act show that as well.... -I don't know what your watching..... Hat lines as part of the act as we all do are critical but if you add a bit of humour-hopefully bigger hats!! |
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