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strat1227 Regular user Florida 189 Posts |
What's the best way to set up in an area where there are tons of people, but no traffic?
For example, every day on the college campus nearby there's a vegan group that comes into the plaza and serves vegan lunch, and it's reeeeaaally popular. Over the course of 2 hours about 300 people get served. Those 300 people usually grab their plate and plop down onto the lawn and eat, then hang out for a while (they usually have a good deal of time until their next class). I've never tried to busk that area because the way of gathering a crowd that I'm comfortable with is just ballying/pitching at people as they walk by. If they're interested they'll stop, and if they're not they'll keep walking. How would I begin in a situation where people aren't walking by/moving around? Walk around through the crowds advertising that a show will begin in a few minutes? Just stand by my table and start yelling and hope people get up and come over? I've read a few books on busking and none of them mentions this scenario. Thanks all |
Mario Morris Inner circle Mario Morris 2044 Posts |
Well you could try BBQ and bacon!
No for real, I suggest you play curiosity could be the key. Interacting with your set up as you banter to your self as opposed to yell at them "Bacon" |
Yellowcustard Inner circle New Zealand 1334 Posts |
I do what Mario said. I would lay out a rope, Open case pull out a few props then do something easy and open ended to draw people in. I a single rope routine or multiplying bananas for this. As you set up and start catch pepole watching and invite them in. do a trick to a small closed group and great a big reaction the group should soon double then triple.
A busker friend in OZ went around campsites this summer. The day or two before he put up a sign say what would happen and when along with a suggested donation. The crowds were waiting and ready and the hats were fat. This might work for you as its the same people every day. If people are sitting around and don't want to move could you do a workaround style.
Enjoy your magic,
and let others enjoy it as well! |
strat1227 Regular user Florida 189 Posts |
I considered doing something like that, but the problem is they eat on the main lawn, where many clubs meet up every day (such as the juggling club, dance clubs, slacklining club, etc), so for someone to show up with a bunch of stuff and set it up is nothing uncommon, so I doubt anyone would even glance up at that.
Was your busker friend's name Stefan? I know a busker who goes by Oz as well Thanks for the suggestions guys! |
Mario Morris Inner circle Mario Morris 2044 Posts |
Their are a tone of pitches where you have folk eating on the main lawn and in some cases turn out to be lucrative!
Sounds to me you may have an audience educated in the arts by your above description. I have been told I have a catch phrase witch is "Its one of Them" I have watched and played interactive Clowning at some of the biggest festivals in the world and still pulled large audiences! You do have to play a lot larger than life, when I say Clown I don't mean the augustine kind of clown. In fact you their aint face paint or a red noise in sight If not "its one of them" Make a bit of noise then, get their attention, disturb the peace and suck it and see. Perhaps the main hurdle hear is taken that big step, perhaps a fear of loosening your dignity or worse. If that is the case their aint no short cut, you just got to go and give it a go a real good go, or not! I know one thing you wont discover how in hear All the best |
strat1227 Regular user Florida 189 Posts |
Haha wise words! I know I need to just get out and test it and figure it out, I was just hoping maybe some advice would lead to less of making a fool of my self than if I just went out and winged it
I'll give it a go on Monday and report back |
Motley Mage Special user 572 Posts |
Hi Strat-
It sounds like you are putting yourself up against a lot of folks who are "performing" for free already, and college students ON CAMPUS can be very tight with their cash (as opposed yo on Spring Break, for example) so don't be surprised if the hats are small. But get out and do it anyway, just for fun and practice. Are you at UF, by the way? The scene you describe sounds very familiar, though it was 30 years ago that I was there. Go Gators! Motley Magr |
strat1227 Regular user Florida 189 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-02-09 17:26, Motley Mage wrote: Haha yep! When I busk in Turlington it's ok money, not very good compared to downtown on the weekends haha, but not terrible either. Just wanted to try hitting up the Krishna lunch though Here's a pic of busking downtown Gainesville tonight: http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-as......53_n.jpg |
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