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DCURTHRABE New user Burbank, IL 78 Posts |
Good morning guys & gals, About 2 months ago I landed a monthly gig at a wildlife rescue which holds a monthly "Open House" for the public,to raise funds and awareness for North American wildlife.
I do 3-4 shows in a 6 hour period, though I do not hat the crowd (I'm taken care of by the owners)I still have to draw and hold a crowd using busking techniques. I have read Jimmy Talksalot book and studied the "Art of Busking" DVD series, and have picked up a lot of really good information here and on other forums. To date I have done about 8 shows for this organization and have realized the following: I have been doing magic profesionally for more than 25 years and have invested thousands of dollars in magic only to find out all I need is some napkins, rope, sponge bunnies,TT etc. The best audience reactions I have ever had come from using these simple props and a little know how. Simple entertaining routines with simple props will hold an audience, technical knuckle busting tricks will not(in most cases). Audience interaction is not only important but critical in keeping your audience interested in your show, I use volunteers in almost every routine except my opener and closer, I constructed my routines so that the volunteer is the one doing the magic, the magical happening is a direct result of the volunteers participation, in short the crowd loves to see one of their own succeed. All in all this Summer has been a real learning experience for me,the busking experience will show you the entertainer that you are... and the entertainer you need to become to be successful. Darren |
DoctorCognos Elite user 413 Posts |
Well Done. You have already learned what many never do...Entertain! Don't just show off.
Engaging the crowd though volunteering, or any other means is vital to their enjoyment. And having them be the hero, is the best way to do it. Good work. Now if you can go on the street, and get them to drop their appreciation into your hat, you will have it all! In the meantime, there is nothing wrong with taking the man's money to practice your busking act. Doctor Cognos
The Doctor Knows.....
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DCURTHRABE New user Burbank, IL 78 Posts |
That's what I was thinking Doc. It's a great place for me because I can not only practice my busking show, but with picnic tables full of guests I can also practice some close-up strolling type material. in the end nothing beats performing and refining your material in front of a live audience.
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solrak29 Special user NY Metro 936 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-08-09 01:03, DoctorCognos wrote: You will find that the streets are a different beast; or at least different than a venue that asked you to be there... but good stuff either way...
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RoadkillRon New user 22 Posts |
That's pretty cool DCURTHRABE, I do a lot of the simple props stuff myself. I like how you get the crowd to participate, I love doing the ashes in hands deal - I need to figure out some more stuff like that to do.
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DCURTHRABE New user Burbank, IL 78 Posts |
At least for me simple props along with entertaining presentations is the way to go, but it may not be everyones cup of tea.
I like the idea of the big build up for effects like, Sponge Bunnies, C&R Rope, T&R Napkin, etc. A big build, lots of comedic bits of business with the volunteer(s)then the payoff. As many have said in the past "It's not the destination, its the ride" it's so true. |
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