Working on a 1860s medicine show and was hopeing for advice.
The "medicine" is going to be root beer, or, hot sause. the root beer is a buck cheeper. if that helps.

should this be a pitch, or a "free" to a tip over $X. ? I'm a busker and the tip thing is the norm for me but I have never pushed a product as part of the act, so I come to you, the guys who know this end of things.

Thanks

I would offer to sell the "product" but also say you except tips if you enjoyed the show. You might even be able to get venues to book out your show.

Hi Polie Poke !! I developed a medicine show using a wagon on a trailer back in the late 1980's and used the "product" as a sort of sponsor of the magic and ventriloquism show. Periodically, between acts, I would plug the product and would hold up a bottle -- Princess Arrowhead Tonic and Indian Maiden Salve --- and give a speil about it. The sponsor was offering the show "free" which was the magic numbers and vent routine. There are several medicine show acts out there - Doc Holcoum, Tommy Windsor, and many others. Check magic dealers and then use their search engines by typing in "Medicine Show" in their book section.

Also don't know if Tommy Scott's medicine Show is still operating out of Taccoa Georgia or not.