On Oct 10, 2018, LeoH wrote:
Mark:

I thought about this as well, and nixed the idea for the following reasons:

Many festivals/street fairs that we work prohibit blocking the walkways. I use banners on each side, in front and inside my EZUp tent to attract the specs. Also, I think the board might take up too much space in front of the joint where specs could stand. Add in the potential tripping liability and it is just one more dang thing to haul around!

On Oct 9, 2018, Dick Oslund wrote:
Mark...In carny slang, a "joint" is game, not a show (unless there has been a new "dictionary" printed!)

A sideshow, if it's a "single-O", usually uses a taped "grind". A "ten in one" usually has an outside talker, who makes an "opening", brings out some working acts, and does a bally. In the old days, freaks were never on the bally. Some shows, like "pickled punk" shows, operate as a "ding" show. They advertise a free show, but, once the marks are in the top, they are encouraged to "leave a donation"

Most freaks that I knew, were quite happy, as they got top money. The working acts, usually had to pitch something, to augment their salary.

Very few sideshows even exist, today. The only one that I know of, does not "work" on the carny midway. It operates as a free act. The fair manager "buys out" the show for the fair.

I have never seen a sandwich board to bring in the money, Most shows use a bannerline,

Many magicians have worked on a free act basis, quite successfully.

I hope this helps.