Hi all,
I'm trying to collect tricks and stunts that look possible with a great amount of skill, but I'm actually cheating.
they are for my busking routine, not for bars. so they should be big.

example: blindfolded juggling.

anyone have more ideas? resources?

thanks.

If you can balance things...well things made of lightweigth material but made to look like heavier objects looks impressive, and you can give away the gaff after you do it or not depending on your routine and philosophies.

On the same note, you can gaff items to make them easier to balance or do other tricks. I have seen people fill vinyl balls with some sand or liquid about 1/3 to do head rolls, catches and back catches. I haven't done this yet, but I was told it helps. Making something that is bottom heavy (like those kiddie puching things) can make for some interesting balancing and be totally hilarious.

There is always fake sword swallowing. Although some really look bad.

Broken glass walk, bed of nails are very popular.

But scaress didn't we just go through this exercise two days ago. Was not my answer, and the answers of others what you were looking for? Why are you repeating a question when not everybody has had a chance to respond to the first time?
PUZZLED
Al Angello

I just noticed the other thread?!?!

Bill baby
Come on Bill be a sport and answer the other question too?
Al

Not my fault!

I posted this one in the 'betchas' section and they moved it here. I thought they would have had some good ideas there, and I wanted to get some non-juggling ideas. guess I should be greatful they didn't move my post to the gardening section.

I'm still using your 9 ball idea.

I thought about the glass for fire walk, but it would be too hard to set up while busking. bed of nails might work. or sword swallowing. thanks mr. bill!

Scaress
I have been holding this back long enough, do you really busk in Utah, and do people in Utah tip? The glass, and nails are OK, but please don't sword swallow, and don't ever eat, or spit FIRE. Mr Bill isn't serious, and we don't want you to die young.
Al Angello

Thanks for the concern Al.

I'm still an amatuer (I only know of one person making a living busking in utah, he's a musician, but you can tell it's not a very good living).
And there aren't many places you can draw a good crowd, but when you do the tips aren't bad at all.

don't tell this to anyone else, it'll be our secret, I've only ever given a few performances in my whole life. I'm still looking for my 'thing'. that's why I ask a lot of questions here at the Café.

Scaress
You know there wasn't a magic Café when I got started. I was like a man stumbeling around in the dark trying to figure things out. Now here is our little secret after 18 years of slowly ploding along I wasn't very good. My last two years at the Café has been like an explosion of information all at once. I have many DVD's, and books in my office right now that I have only scratched the surface of. You have come to the right place my friend.
ENJOY
Al Angello

Ping pong ball balance on nose via rubber cement.

a stack balance with objects that velcro together ie tennis racket, balls, and can. or you can gimmick it with wire or magnets.

spinning ball on umbrella with string holding the ball in place.

if I can find the time I'll try to look through some books. patrick page's visual comedy book may have some things like this.

Charlie Frys Eccentricks, 1-3, great source for all sorts of stuff like that!

also, try Jeff McBride's Manipulation Without Tears

-Steve!