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belotte New user 63 Posts |
Hello, it's been a long time since I did the streets. But I plan on doing it again. So here's the question:
What do you find works better for geting the money, the funny lines ("every cent goes to charity... that's my ex-wife", etc.) or the sorrowfull plea ("I am an entertainer, and this is how I make my living. So if you enjoyed it at all, pleas put something in the hat." etc.)? Thanks, Richard |
drwilson Inner circle Bar Harbor, ME 2191 Posts |
Richard,
Here is what has worked for me. It is my approach to the advice given in all the books and DVDs that are heavily recommended here. Everyone has a different personality, so different approaches work for other people. I have a pre-hat line in the middle of the show before the cups and balls (the closer). I say, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am a street performer. I'm not being paid by the gallery, the restaurant or the town. I'm being paid by you. I am going to show you the best magic that I know right now, and then I'll ask for money. If you go to the movies, they don't tell you to give them some money on your way out if you liked the movie. They say, that'll be eight bucks. I am confident that you'll like this show, so that's why I'll ask you to give me what you think it was worth at the end." I have other hat lines built into the show, and the final hat line is very brief. I just say thank you very much, you've been a great audience, now it's time for a folding ovation. I hold out the empty hat, and they approach. Once the first person puts in, the others aren't shy. For me, it has been very important to let them know I'm going to ask for money, but also to do so in a fair way that asks them to compare this show to their other entertainment options. Funny is OK for some people, but I like to keep it straightforward. I can't stand listening to people whine for money, so I don't pull the heartstrings either. To me, that sounds like begging (well, it is). It's a simple transaction. You give them a good show, and they pay you. If they think about lousy films they have seen without asking for their money back, it sounds really fair. Yours, Paul |
Danny Hustle Inner circle Boston, MA USA 2393 Posts |
I think the good Dr. Wilson is right on the money.
Sincerity is what works best. If you are funny be funny, but more importantly be yourself. I do not want them to guilty, I want them to walk away feeling good, like they just did a good thing. I found a way that works for my character to do that. They should feel as though it is a fair exchange. They saw your show, and they think it is worth something. It is up to you to find a way to put a dollar amount on it without looking like you are pushy, or worse a beggar. I know it took me a loooooong time to find the right balance. Like the wise man once said, "Sincerity, if you can fake that the world is your oyster." Best, Dan- "MT is one of the reasons we started this board! I’m so sick of posts being deleted without any reason given, and by unknown people at that." - Steve Brooks Sep 7, 2001 8:38pm ©1999-2014 Daniel Denney all rights reserved. |
BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
I make it "contract" between us. But in a light hearted way. I present it as a "deal". For my part of the deal, I agree to amaze, amuse, confound, confuse, but mostly I will entertain them, and for their part, they agree to applaud with their wallets.
I make sure that they understand why I am performing before I start, use every opportunity to confirm that I am doing my part, "wasn't that amazing? yada yada..." And then at the end, I confirm again that I did my part, and that I appreciate them doing their part, as I pass the hat. "Were you amused? Were you amazed? Did you have a good time? Me too! Man! If it wasn't my show, I would have put a five or ten in myself! How about you? I used to set my hat down and step away. I felt like I might embarrass somebody who was putting in a small amount by watching (so I would act like I would in church collections, and not pay attention at all...) but then; DUH! I realized that it was my relationship with them, my response to them and the continued personal banter with them as they drop the tip that really made it work much better for me. And if somebody watched the whole show and can look me in the eye and drop small change in my hat, so be it! But I want to know who did that! BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
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Arkadia Special user Sweden, Sundsvall 866 Posts |
I use the following:
Note: In Sweden Street Performance is quite rare and people havn´t seen a whole lot. I finish my show with a SJ escape with chains. When I am looked in and chained from my feet to my head (well, more or less) I say: "Ladies and Gents, Before I make this extremely tough escape [paus] thanks to you lot over there [pointing to the ones who did the straping.]- I have something to say. I perform on the streets not only because I love you people - but also to earn a living. I don't get payed by the city, the festival, the community or some corporation. I get payed by the heroes who, by tributing with a 20 kronor bill at the end of the show, makes sure that street performance will keep on existing in this contry. And as you probably understand - you are one of these heroes! Enough said! Now to the escape." I almost finish the escape and while I struggle with the last straps I say: "Some people wonder how I do this. To that question I answer - I do it very well, thank you very much. Others wonder why I do it. And to that I answer - I do it for the money. You´re not laughing now are you!? Seriously - I belive that this escape alone is worth 20 kronor - so - if you enjoyed the show, pick up that wallet and remove that bill." Sometimes I add another hatline, leavline etc depending on the venue, situation. /Ark
Don't miss out on the great new mentalist magic: www.metalwriting.com
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bropaul Loyal user Florida 222 Posts |
Well it changes off and on, but the formula is the same. During the show I always make sure that they know that at the end I'm going to pass the hat. A key line for me is, "This is the way I support my family." It let's them compare what they do to "Support their family."
I usually borrow a finger ring during the show and trade them for a rope. (Setting up a ring on rope routine). Then I say, "To tell you the truth, I was going to pass my hat at the end of the show to get a couple of bucks from each of you, but as you can see, I don't need to. I think you owe (ladies name) a big round of applause of thanks for getting you off the hook..." (After the applause) "BUT if I have to give it back, you're all back on the hook again." Then at the end a quick thanks and you knew it was coming kind of thing. As I said in the beginning, it changes with the crowd. Sometimes I have to be harder than other times. There is a point in the show when I know that. Some crowds you just know are going to fill your hat. Others you just know you are going to have to pull out the gun. In any case, I do let them know what is expected and like most hats 50 to 70 per cent are going to reach in their pockets so it is important to draw that crowd, entertain them and let them pay. Give them a reason to stay and give them a reason to pay. |
Arkadia Special user Sweden, Sundsvall 866 Posts |
Cut from broPaul:
"Give them a reason to stay and give them a reason to pay." Well said! that's what it is all about. /Ark
Don't miss out on the great new mentalist magic: www.metalwriting.com
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a martini New user 5 Posts |
Yeah, giving them a reason is a great strategy; giving them more than one reason may
be even more effective, especially if it's sincere. Martini |
BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
Good reminder from Bro Paul!
Also, a good friend of mine often says; If it aint fun, I aint going! And I turn this right around to the street. If it aint fun, they aint saying! The hard part is figuring out what fun means to the specs. But once you figure it out, it is all about delivering it. BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
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bropaul Loyal user Florida 222 Posts |
Martini:
You bet. I love what I do. I give them the best magic show that I can and we laugh and play together for 10 to 20 minutes. When our time is through, and I ask for some money form them they like to give. It is just a way of energy exchange and a way to say thanks. My show comes from my heart and my love of the art. I chose this lifestyle and I am thankful for every cent that hits the hat. I keep it simple, direct and fun. It is a unique time that we share together and even if we meet again next year, with the same group of people, it will be different, so I just continue to enjoy every precious moment. So I agree with you Martini... Be sincere! It is the only way. If you're not, you're rippin' 'em off. |
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