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jbays New user Topeka, Kansas 8 Posts |
Hi All...
I am currently in the beginning phases of writing a book on Busking. The focus will be more on "getting gigs" than on street corner performance (I will have some info on that as well...) I would love to ask you a couple open ended questions to the Magic community 1.) What is your biggest barrier to getting paying gigs (managers, time, money, price, travel, etc.) ? 2.) What are some things YOU would like to see addressed in a book like this ? 3.) What can I do to help you get and find gigs? Thanks Jeremy Bays |
starksanity New user 40 Posts |
If we're doin' shows, we gotta gig.
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jbays New user Topeka, Kansas 8 Posts |
Thanks Starksanity. I guess I was thinking more on the lines of setting up gigs in advance as opposed to working the strolling the street on a Tuesday because you are bored ( I have done both and each is fun it it's own way)
Does that make sense? Thanks Jeremy Bays |
AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
I cant be 100% sure, seeing that I am not your traditional Busker. But after reading so much on these forums, it seems to me like Busking is more than street performing for a lot of these people, its a way of life. I know many many of these guys are very talented, and I am sure some (if not a lot) of these guys perform regular gigs as well.
being able to go anywhere in the world and support yourself by performing something you are so passionate about, That has got to be a rewarding feeling.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
jbays New user Topeka, Kansas 8 Posts |
Thanks Andy.
I WHOLE HEARTEDLY agree. The independence of a life style that does not tie you to a desk is a great feeling. There are several "roads" to this destination as well. 1.) Busking as a living allows for travel, adventure, and change (some things certain people crave and others fear)but is highly dependent on the location. 2.) Gigging (as I used the term) does not allow for as much travel freedom, not as much adventure, and not as much change but their is still some of this going on. Where I live, Topeka Kansas, we have 0 tourist traffic and close to 0 new people, but I do busk at a Friday Night Art Walk in town. I think this is a different type of busking then going to San Diego (tourist everywhere), or France and busking there. The basics are the same, but location, location, location comes into play. So you need to look for local gigs at farmers markets, stores, schools, restaurants, businesses, churches, etc. 3.) A truely successful person will find the right combination that works for them in THEIR market. Thanks Jeremy Bays |
AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
Be careful busking in Kansas, Fred Phelps and his cronies may picket your pitch.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
jbays New user Topeka, Kansas 8 Posts |
I hate the fact that my city is known around the world by the Phelps wack-os. I was in Mexico and someone asked where I was from. I told them Topeka and they said, in Spanish, "Oh, Phelps lives there, correct?"
Another time, my pastor was in Bulgaria. He was introduced as being from Topeka. Afterwards, someone wanted to know if we knew of the Phelps. Oh, my Jeremy Bays |
noland Veteran user 350 Posts |
Jeremy:
I'm a little confused about the focus of your book, which you say is about busking. I live in the Washington, DC area. I perform magic as a living, mainly through paid gigs. When I am not booked, I also busk to fill in my schedule. Doing paid gigs, to my mind, has nothing to do with busking. Getting paid gigs is all about marketing. There are reams of books and materials on marketing one's show. I don't see how a book on marketing one's magic act overlaps with busking, which is the one form of magic that involves no marketing. |
starksanity New user 40 Posts |
Thanks noland, I thought that's what I said
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jbays New user Topeka, Kansas 8 Posts |
Thank you noland for the clarifications. Perhaps I should laser focus my plan a little better then. I really was thinking more of "marketing" type ideas so this is where I need to focus on.
This is why I value a community. Because I am wrong more times than not and it is nice to have someone say that (other than my wife)and offer some ideas. Thanks Jeremy Bays |
Octopus Sun Special user Wiggle Wiggle 586 Posts |
What's you experience?
work from there. If you have no experience I mean a few years at least. go out and work. How can one suddenly write a book with no true experiences to back up their assertions. I saw nothing bout busking on your website, just you in a scary clown outfit... |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-06-27 11:06, jbays wrote: Honestly, you are going to write a book on Busking, that is not about Busking. To answer your question about "getting gigs" that is easy. Research Target Market Marketing Selling Research to find prospects for your market. This entails you have a "show" and you know who you designed the show for, consumers, corporate, birthdays, etc. Target those topics. Now search for all these type of people and businesses. Market - design your sales pitch, advertising material to the market you picked. Now go out and sell in person or by telephone and mail. No one can go to your web site unless they have the web address. That is how you get work, it is hard work getting work in the magic business, every sale means your are unemployed again. There is no easy or simple process to get "gigs" it is all hard work. Hours and hours of work. If you do not think you are a salesman, and cannot pursue the sales process, then get a day job, and be happy with your part time magic experiences. Remember - if no one knows you exist, then how can they hire you. So you have to be "out there" as the product and service you are selling is "you". Yes, you have to actually talk to people face to face. The above is the basics, I have no desire to write a book on the subject, as every direction and course you take is different, just as every person (the product) is different. Magic or clowning is not the product, it is you and how you present yourself in a show environment. |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Include a link to each city's busking permit.
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imgic Inner circle Moved back to Midwest to see 1336 Posts |
Dig up Chance and have a chapter on "Busking as Protected by the First Amendment" complete with copies of Bill of Rights and court citations.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
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jbays New user Topeka, Kansas 8 Posts |
Thanks again for the recent replies.
I have much to ponder. Contacted my local city parks department and they will NOT allow any entertainment in the park for tips. I was told that I could make balloon or do magic BUT not ask for tips. If someone gave me a tip then that was OK. Weird ?!?! Thanks Jeremy Bays |
starksanity New user 40 Posts |
That's often the language of ordinances. And just as often it's ignored, unenforced, or unenforcable. In terms of the first amendment, as imgic mentioned, you are protected. It can be expensive and difficult to claim your freedom, but it exists. You can educate your audience that their right to tip (money is speech, thanks superPACs) is intact, even if your right to ask is impeded. What a ridiculous situation we find ourselves in. Good luck.
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imgic Inner circle Moved back to Midwest to see 1336 Posts |
Honestly. You want to write a book about busking: focus on the legal aspects. You're not going to top Jimmy Talksalot's book or others out there. I don't think there's a demand for buskers getting gigs as you define it. But there a huge demand in the community on legalities is busking. Where it's permitted, where it's not, how to handle ignorant police, stories of buskers and how they handled problems. Could make it a PDF or ebook and have links to various city permits and maybe court citations to used for examples. Would not only appeal to magicians but jugglers, musicians and other buskers.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
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