! Buskers and circle acts's topics - tribe.net

It's me

2008-05-08T20:17:30Z

Just wanted to show off the new sight
www.pokie-poke.com

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Circophilia!

2008-05-06T19:39:43Z

~~ CALLING ALL CIRCOPHILIANS ~~

Zirk Ubu invites you to join us at Circophilia!

Our premiere appearance at Rich's Nightclub produced in conjunction with Tattoo Mike Productions.

Rich's Nightclub is located at 1051 University Avenue, San Diego, 92103.
Zirk Ubu performs on May 20.
Doors open at 9pm. Two totally unique shows at 10:30 and 12.
Drink specials.
$10 cover

Come on out for a night of freak-show fun! Featuring Zirk Ubu's unique fusion of Irrepressible Bedlam, Sultry Performance Art & Vaudevillian Cirque!

Don't be shy! Join in the fun yourself! Absurdist attire is strongly encouraged!

Zirk Ubu takes the stage for two different Circophilia! shows, at 10:30 and 12 midnight.

Our usual bizarre procession of acrobats, freakizoids, sword-swallowers, dancers, puppeteers, comics and jugglers will construct an unpredictable, otherworldly evening of entertainment for your delectation.

Wait, you want dancing, too?
DJs 20 Meat and 6 Fry will be spinning beats to let you shake your groove thing.

& Rich's nifty drink specials will lower your inhibitions!

! WE EXPECT A FANTASTIC CROWD FOR THIS UNFORGETTABLE, HIGH ENERGY NIGHT !
!! BRING YOUR FRIENDS !!
!!! ALL OF THEM !!!

Zirk Ubu is a theater of urban inversion, where the unimaginable and the possible dance together in the night air.

Please come out to support your local circus and performance arts!

Check us out at: http://www.zirkubu.com
Join our mailing list at: zirkubu@gmail.com

Please forward this message to any friends or groups who will enjoy a night of good-natured mayhem

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Looking For Some Help

2008-05-06T13:55:23Z

I am in the process of researching old time Medicine Shows. I want to write a script and put together an act to market to living history events and trade shows etc.

I have found a number of sources but any extra input will be welcome.

I am cross posting this so apologies in advance.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 2 replies

What's happening in LA/So Cal ??

2008-05-06T09:12:09Z

Hello !

Just moved to LA and wondering what's happening around here ?
Any circus skill shares ??

Also any advice on street performance in Hollywood or Venice ?
Permits, police ?????

Any one up for starting anything up ??
Skill shares ?? circus jams & meet up ?? Mutual support ??

Z

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 1 reply

The Only Circus magazine in the WORLD!

2008-05-04T10:13:20Z

(X-Posted - and you can do it to!)
Step right this way, ladies and gentlemen, and enter the Big Top! A place of wonder, delight and whimsy, a place of dreams and desires!
A place called home. (link here for the ADD krew – bigtopmagazine.com )
This site began as a vision of mine somewhere around a year ago, and though it has been met with many challenges in it’s creation – with more to come, I’m sure – here it is, for you.
One of the primary goals I have for it is connecting us, all around the world. The artists, the dreamers, the people who have the power to change the world through beauty – and do. That’s absolutely everybody as far as I’m concerned, but maybe someone just needs a kick in the ass to get them going.
Please push and post this site everywhere you possibly can think of; It is the first and only of it’s kind out there as far as I know, and maybe someone has been looking for it – which is where the seed for this dream was planted. I was that person not too long ago.

Though I wish to keep away from political issues, I do want to address the numerous ways we can improve the world around us. Red, Black, White & yellow – with a Green tint. Dig what I’m saying?

SO – please check out the site, promote it to everyone, everywhere, and most importantly, enjoy it.

www.bigtopmagazine.com

With lots of love,

~ kSea flux

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

bounce juggling question

2008-05-02T13:56:51Z

what would be the best semi portable bounce juggling platform to use at a renaissance fair? They said they would make it for me i just need to tell them what to make it out of.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 2 replies

New Jersey boardwalks

2008-05-02T13:53:54Z

Does anybody busk here? I'm going to try this out for this summer, and the Fourth which will be on a Friday should have a TON of foot traffic.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 4 replies

new orleans circus scene

2008-04-28T23:35:15Z

I’m new to tribe and I’m trying to get the word out about what’s going on now in New Orleans for Circus Arts. The scene revolves around the Whirly Bones Circus Collective. We have a large studio just outside the french quarter and we offer free skill shares in circus arts and aerial classes five days a week! We offer hooping, acro, conditioning, juggling, yoga and clown lab. For fifteen dollars a month (yes, I said fifteen dollars) members can train and teach in the space. Next month the collective is putting on a showcase which includes acro-balance, aerial, juggling and more. Aurora Aerial is also based out of the space and will be holding auditions for an autumn run of shows on September 1st. There is a new aerial yoga class at Swan River Yoga Shala uptown as well. To learn more, visit our myspace at www.myspace.com/whirlybones or www.myspace.com/ravenhinojosa. Come check out or join our growing circus scene!

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 1 reply

Looking for Performers for Monthly Event in SF

2008-04-26T20:52:04Z

The Tingel Tangel Club is held the last Wednesday of the month at the Bubble Lounge in the Financial District of SF. I'd love to have a busker / street performer that could perform in the street and on the sidewalk in front of the venue. Should be something visually arresting that signals to passersby and our audience that there's something different going on at the Bubble Lounge on our night.

more information at www.myspace.com/tingeltangelclub

feel free to email me off tribe. earldax at mac.com

~ earl

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Penn station

2008-04-24T12:37:44Z

Has any body here busked at Penn station in NYC? You have to go though a try out but the tips are great I here.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 2 replies

"Call to Artists" Santa Cruz Performance Invasion

2008-04-21T18:41:31Z

Call to Artists

An all day performance event is being planned for May 31st in Santa Cruz starting early noon and continuing until sun down. This event will happen at San Lorenzo Park, an outside public space adjacent to downtown Santa Cruz and surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The intention of this event is to explore interventionist performance art and create space for collaboration and improvisation. By interventionism we bring performances outside the theatre space and place them in a public setting for the creation of community. Collaboration and improvisation will support the role of the performer, dropping the role of audience member.
The blueprint of the event encourages spontaneous performance areas and will include:
• An open forum for artists whose performances call for a more spontaneous, site specific environment
• A main stage
• Band creation area – with musical instruments and encouraged experimental band performances
• Workshop area
• Task oriented improvisational scores to participate in and perform for one another
• Trade area for artisans (non-monetary)
• Artists who have still-art are welcomed to install their work within the space
Those who contact ahead of time will have the choice to be scheduled into the main stage area and are also encouraged to take their performances outside the main stage for a shift of interaction. Even though this opportunity is offered, our hope is that it will not subtract from the spontaneity of the event or create separation between audience and performer.
We encourage those who perform to teach a workshop during the day to share ideas and art disciplines. The content of the workshop can be connected to your specific performance but is not required to be. There will be a workshop board to write down the time and content of the workshop. Do not be discouraged to perform if you would prefer not to teach a workshop, the workshop is not required but appreciated.
This event is free. Please do not expect to pay for performances, workshops, and entry; or to be paid. This space is for all to share performance and empower one another through teaching and critiquing.
Due to the size of the space and structure of the event we are asking for there to be no amplified music. Sorry if this comes as an inconvenience for some.
If your performance contains fire or open flame please contact us for further notice.

This is a collaborative effort and we want to hear your ideas as well. As much as this email might make the organization sound centralized this is a non-centralized event and we invite all too participate in the functions of making this situation manifest. This event is for all of us and more, so please send your questions, comments, ideas, critiques, and concerns to spacieface@gmail.com. Let’s get ideas spiraling.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Kenya??

2008-03-29T08:59:01Z

U guys think that wat was going on in Kenya was straight?

Check this out

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=16500179

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

booking more circuses in more cities...

2008-03-28T04:24:58Z

Hey I posted a little while ago about booking a show in san francisco. I got a lot of good info out of it so thanks. Now I was wondering if people had the similar information for Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, Denver/boulder, Seattle or Portland, Oregon. Thanks!

Here's the original message:

Hey everyone,

I am part of a 10 person circus/music performance group called Criss Cross
Circus. We are based out of Hampshire College in western Massachusetts and this
summer we are planning a 4 week May-June tour from the east coast out to
Seattle in our veggie bus. One of our stops is San Francisco.

I was wondering if anyone had any information regarding venues that would be interested in booking a small circus show, or bands that would be interested in sharing a show (we do a lot of work with bands in western Mass, so we have a lot of experience with being general crowd winder-uppers and visual entertainment). We would be pretty adaptable but the place would need a semi-legit stage (not just a foot and a half thing in the corner of a bar).

Our website is: circusfolkunite.googlepages.com/cr...cus

please contact me at jnf04@hampshire.edu if you have any information that would be at all useful.

thanks! --Juliana

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

[BOS] Living Statues needed! Thurs. April 3rd

2008-03-20T16:17:32Z

We’re putting together a living statue tableau for our benefit auction on April 3rd, and we need as many adventurous souls as we can get!

more info about the auction here
http://www.ensmb.com/ENSMB_auction_ad.html

Our plan is to create a thematically unified piece and then scatter individual statues throughout the event. We promise it will be a challenging and unusual piece, and we’re happy to fill you in on the details when you get in touch with us. There’s a fair bit of work to be done in the time frame we have, so don’t hesitate, get in touch today!

Email Emperor@ENSMB.com to find out more and to get in on the fun!

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Booking a circus in SF

2008-03-19T12:49:32Z

Hey everyone,

I am part of a 10 person circus/music performance group called Criss Cross
Circus. We are based out of Hampshire College in western Massachusetts and this
summer we are planning a 4 week May-June tour from the east coast out to
Seattle in our veggie bus. One of our stops is San Francisco.

I was wondering if anyone had any information regarding venues that would be interested in booking a small circus show, or bands that would be interested in sharing a show (we do a lot of work with bands in western Mass, so we have a lot of experience with being general crowd winder-uppers and visual entertainment). We would be pretty adaptable but the place would need a semi-legit stage (not just a foot and a half thing in the corner of a bar).

Our website is: http://circusfolkunite.googlepages.com/crisscrosscircus

please contact me at jnf04@hampshire.edu if you have any information that would be at all useful.

thanks! --Juliana

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 1 reply

Rotterdam + Gent Street Festival in July 2008

2008-03-19T09:00:09Z

Hey !
Searching for a cheap place to sleep on one of those festivals ...
offer in return !
thanks a lot

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

giant puppet builders and performers needed in CT area

2008-03-17T13:23:53Z

Waking Dream, the performance company that has brought giant puppets to the Starwood Festival for the last five years, is seeking artists interested in helping us build and perform new work at this year's Starwood Festival, and at other regional gatherings this summer.

Experience not necessary, however we are looking for people who have confidence making things and performing in front of people. Must be will to challenge ones self and be willing to perform in bizarre, sometime uncomfortable costumes.

Our studio and workshop is located in Greenwich, Connecticut, about 45 minutes from New York.

www.wakingdream.org

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 2 replies

Busking in Austin ?

2008-03-10T22:37:06Z

I will try to perform on the street of Austin next month for the fist time any suggestions? Good spots?, your experience in Austin? Anything will help please share with your stories?
Do you need a street permit for Austin to perform if yes can anybody send me a link where to register?
Love Anna

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 4 replies

Circus Skill Share Space

2008-03-09T02:38:02Z

Hi.

I currently have acquired a medium sized warehouse, and would like to converted in to a circus skill share location. I would like some advice and suggestions. Such as, building, safety, and efficiency. We are thinking mirrors, spanish web, and trapeze.

Any feedback would help.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Massachusetts??

2008-03-08T16:30:27Z

Anyone here from Boston, or Cambridge area?
If so, what do you perform?
Any musicians here?

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 1 reply

First day, ya?

2008-03-04T05:31:03Z

Just as I was drawing a huge interest, a theatre major from my school decides to attempt to steal the show, I couldn't quiet him, he stole my shit and ran off, I went to get it and lost what could have potentially been a high$$ show.
My heart was lost, I made 15$ in one hour and called it quits.
I bought ice cream and organic milk and blueberries.

Lessons learned:
Brush up on baton skills if I'm going to take it out with me (yes, I dropped it)
Know what to do when dumbass theatre majors show up
feather boas shed.
don't be afraid to ask for money

The way I got the most money??
Drunk tourists
annnnd
doing a physical character of an old, stooped man, coughing and coughing, holding out the hat, and eventually dying, not getting up until they tipped me.
Heh.... kinda mean

I'll have more planned next time.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 5 replies

Strobe Glow balls for sale

2008-02-28T17:14:39Z

Ive been using these props for a year now and i still havent changed the batterys, i recently accuried new glow balls for my birthday, and i want to get rid 6 of mine to someone who could use em

Lighted stage balls are filled vinyl balls illuminated by an LED and ordinary watch batteries. They give off a bright glow which is very impressive in total darkness. A rotating switch allows you to easily turn each one on and off. Batteries are good for approximately 10-20 hours of continuous use, 3 of type LR44 included

Slightly flexible, these lighted balls keep their round shape, and have a similarly pleasant feel as a DX Ball, with a soft finish. Light glows evenly around the surface of the ball, for a very professional look. The faint sound of plastic filling inside gives the ball almost a "Russian ball" feel. These balls are not intended as an everyday practice ball, but should be used for special occasions in the dark.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 2 replies

Breaking into busking

2008-02-19T17:06:34Z

Hello! I'm a member of Oberlin college's O!Circus, and I'm considering the possibility of busking in DC this summer (I live in MD). I do poi, staff and fire, and will perhaps have picked up some contact juggling by summertime. I have no experience performing on my own, and I have no idea about DC's busking regulations. How much does it suck to get 'registered' or whatever? How much trouble do you get in for performing without being registered? If I use fire, where do I find a safety and how much should I pay them? Etc. etc. Thank you!!

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 6 replies

Fuck the Police

2008-02-18T21:09:07Z

Was busking at Pike Place Market today without a permit and the pigs took my money. Welcome to the police state. Kind of sad.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 6 replies

First weekend working S.F. Fisherman's Wharf..

2008-02-11T05:52:40Z

And had a blast.

I've been a lurker in this tribe for a bit. I am mostly known in Faire and Dicken's tribes.

I have been a performer since I was 14 but not on the streets. I made a good living doing corporate shows and kids parties. I am a magician, juggler (used to be the fatter half of Too Skinny Guys with John Gilkey), former oral fire-manipulator, sword swallowing/bed-of-nails/geek stuff and mentalism. Now mostly ventriloquist.... and absolutely 100% Pirate.

I got out of performing after 22 years and became an animator for Atari...then EA, then Sega...and various companies producing commercials and flying logo animations ...yadda yadda...good money..but layoffs at a whim...and a corporate world and a box you live in many too many hours a week.

After being laid off yet again...I decided enough was enough...this time to the place I should have started years ago.

I started on the Wharf this weekend as a test and had a good time, though a winter crowd. Made not bad hats for being VERY rusty at closing the deal.

This tribe has been a great inspiration.
Thanks mates.
Ace-
Captn Jack Spareribs

www.pirate4hire.com

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Va-Boom's Valentine Punk Cabaret! Feb. 16th in Downtown Oak-town...

2008-02-08T18:51:07Z

Feb. 16th @ "Your House" in Downtown Oakland.
-Can-Canibals
-Keep Sweet
-Members of La Fuego Familia
-Mykee Ramen Solo
-Tit4Tat
-Sekret Cirkus / Cirkus Pandemonium
-Hobo Gobbelins

... Don't know where this is??... Just ask!!

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

The bally, the build- help!

2008-02-06T13:38:02Z

So, for the entire time I have been performing, I've been doing a gold fan-spinning/living statue act- hold a pose, have a sign saying "see the statue dance! Only $2," do my bit of dancing for a minute or so, strike another pose. All in all, absolutely no speaking.

I have recently branched out in my repertoire a bit and would like to start putting together a non-miming act, but I've found that when it comes to verbally drawing a pre-performance crowd, I'm stumped. I'm so used to relying on movements, expressions, physical imitations to draw people in, but that will only work up to a certain point for a circle act. I need to learn to be a talker, and fast.

Any tips?

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 1 reply

NEED PERFORMANCE ACTS for FEB. 10th Show in Downtown SF

2008-01-21T07:22:24Z

NEED PERFORMANCE ACTS for FEB. 10th Show in Downtown SF
Nightclub------GOOD PAY!!:>

Hello my fellow circus freaks and performance familiars!

I am in need to 14 fabulous 20 min or less acts for a large event on the
eve of Feb. 10th. 2008. This will definelty need to include a few fire
performers, stilt walkers, jugglers, belly dancers, contortionists, hoop
dancers etc etc and any other acts involving hot females or death defying
feats :>

Willing to pay for creative performances and beautiful people, so get on
this.....

Please email me at spekticalet@gmail.com with a few pictures, short bio
and an idea of the show or act within that time slot you might need... Get
back to me quickly please! Corporate event so please only respond if you
are truly a professional, on time and reliable.

~~ash
Spektical Entertainment
7204956913

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

looking for performers/bands...

2008-01-15T19:13:53Z

for a monthly balkan, gypsy, punk night at amnesia in San Francisco.

anything goes, ability to get down and dirty in the crowd a plus.
pays in cash and good times.

hit me back with a pm

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

New Busking and Street Performing Docu-Comedy!

2008-01-11T02:46:21Z

New for 2008!
They're at it again...this time performing in the World's First Docu-Comedy in glorious High-Definition! Lots of buskers in this Special Edition movie!
www.BuskerAlley.com

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 4 replies

Need Performers for the Punk Rock Cabaret Febuary 16th in Downtown Oakland

2007-12-18T23:23:30Z

Check out the Punk Rock Cabaret Tribe for more info:

http://tribes.tribe.net/punkrockcabaret

Let me know if you can perform, what you can do, and how long it takes!

Thanks!

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Seeking Cape Cod/Boston Area Magicians For A Possible Open Mic Night

2007-12-17T17:35:15Z

The owner of the Blackspot Cafe in Hyannis MA http://www.theblackspotcafe.com/ is interested in hosting a Magic Open Mic perhaps starting in February.

This would be on a monthly basis as is the poetry open mic he also hosts.

We had discussed the possibility of incorporating magic into the regular Wednesday open mic but the feeling is that the crowd might not be receptive. Magicians are of course welcome to perform any Wednesday as is any one else.

Micah the owner of the Blackspot is a magic enthusiast and would be interested in booking acts in the future as well.

So if you are interested then please get back to me and I will pass the word to Micah and set up the first date.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Looking for the warmth

2007-12-14T03:06:01Z

Does anybody know of some Busking spots that are warm and profitable, it is getting cold here in Boulder CO and I'm looking to Busk south for winter. I have a few places in mind however it would be great to get the scoop from y'all.

Thanks

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 5 replies

Ban on Music near Market & Powell in SF??

2007-12-04T18:22:39Z

I was told that I had to stop playing by SFPD yesterday evening(about 5:30pm). They said that the higher-ups wanted the musicians out of the shopping area on Market, but that if I went further north up Powell Street all would be well. I packed it in for the evening, but am going to check out the north of Market later today.

Has anyone else experienced this over the last few days?

Who would I go to to question the legality of this(because it seems wrong) or otherwise complain about it?

thanks in advance for any info.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 3 replies

Auditions for Performers NEXT WEEKEND! Dec 1 & 2

2007-11-26T17:39:08Z

I am passing this along from myspace.

These auditions are happening next weekend Dec. 1 & 2, so if you've been meaning to tell someone about it or to sign up yourself, DON'T WAIT, do it now. :)

Click Here To View Event http://events.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.detail&eventID=384629.31144

Calling all freaks! Actors, dancers, aerialists, contortionists, jugglers, acrobats, puppeteers, hula-hoopers, stilt walkers, acrobalancers, object manipulators, sideshow spectacles -- if you have a talent and a desire to perform, we want to see it!

The Madcap Rumpus Society is holding auditions for our spring show, to be performed in late April or May of 2008. The exuberant and talented Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band, a fifteen-piece circus band gaining notoriety on the Greater Boston scene, will accompany us. The profits from the show, which come from a weekend run of 2-3 performances, will provide compensation to be shared among the cast and crew, as well as help to build a foundation for future productions.

We are looking for soloists & groups to create acts to fit into our show's framework, as well as ensemble members to work intensively as a group to create that framework. All performers should be able to work both independently and cooperatively with other artists and under the supervision of the show’s creative directors. Ensemble members will rehearse twice a month until March/April, when rehearsals will be held more frequently.

We are particularly seeking dancers, actors, and other theatrical & physical performers. Regardless of whether you have circus experience, if this project sounds interesting to you, we encourage you to audition.

Auditions will be held on Dec. 1 and 2. Email ringmaster@ensmb.com to schedule an appointment, or to find out more. Please bring a 3-5 minute piece demonstrating your technical and creative talents, as well as resumes, description of performance experience or artist’s statements if you have them.

Please spread the news far and wide!

http://www.ensmb.com/

http://www.ensmb.com/circus.html

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 1 reply

fire juggler/dancer/spinner in New Orleans needed tonight 11/24

2007-11-24T18:50:07Z

New Orleans area, baton rouge, Etc.
If anyone in the area is availabletonight, call me at 310 720 7201
there is pay too. and a guaranteed interesting time!
Bash~

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

A Busking Story to Share

2007-11-18T01:23:08Z

This past weekend we were approached while busking on the Pearl Street Mall by an older gentleman and his wife along with another couple of similar age. I say older, because they were clearly older than we are;-)

Both couples bought both of our CD's after listening to us for a bit. We began conversations, as we often do, asking where they were from etc., and one of the men began telling how the sounds of the didgeridoo reminded him of a time in the 1950's when he was a correspondent for Time Magazine. Turns out he witnessed the Dalai Lama and his huge entourage escaping from Tibet into India where he and others just happened to be, right on the border, and in the very location where the crossing took place. He described the scene as somewhat mystical in that there was a mist partially obscuring the mountianside from which the Dalai Lama's escape was being closely chased by a large contingent of Chinese troops. Everyone was cheering & screaming for the the escapees and Tibetan horns could be heard periodically penterating the mist. Needless to say, we were mesmerized hearing the true story from an eye witness. His name......Connery.....(as in Bond).....Don Connery.
A big world made smaller that day.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 3 replies

[BOS] Auditions for Circus, Dance & Theater Performers

2007-11-11T18:37:06Z

Calling all freaks! Actors, dancers, aerialists, contortionists, jugglers, acrobats, puppeteers, hula-hoopers, stilt walkers, acrobalancers, object manipulators, sideshow spectacles -- if you have a talent and a desire to perform, we want to see it!

The Madcap Rumpus Society is holding auditions for our spring show, to be performed in late April or May of 2008. The exuberant and talented Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band ( www.myspace.com/ensmb ), a twelve-piece circus band gaining notoriety on the Greater Boston scene, will accompany us. The profits from the show, which come from a weekend run of 2-3 performances, will provide compensation to be shared among the cast and crew, as well as help to build a foundation for future productions.

We are looking for soloists & groups to create acts to fit into our show's framework, as well as ensemble members to work intensively as a group to create that framework. All performers should be able to work both independently and cooperatively with other artists and under the supervision of the show’s creative directors. Ensemble members will rehearse twice a month until March/April, when rehearsals will be held more frequently.

We are particularly seeking dancers, actors, and other theatrical & physical performers. Regardless of whether you have circus experience, if this project sounds interesting to you, we encourage you to audition.

Auditions will be held on Dec. 1 and 2. Email ringmaster@ensmb.com to schedule an appointment, or to find out more. Please bring a 3-5 minute piece demonstrating your technical and creative talents, as well as resumes, description of performance experience or artist’s statements if you have them.

Please spread the news far and wide!

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

dog story from genii forum

2007-11-06T19:52:11Z

This sounds much like a slightly different story that I heard from a couple of street performers who roamed around the Southeast. But in this case, it was their own trained dog who was able to carry a hat in his own mouth and go up to each person so that they felt compelled to put money in. Real cute, and to buskers, worth a whole lot of money.

I have a tape-recorded interview with this guy somewhere in my office, from Mardi Gras 1995 in New Orleans, when I was down there for a couple weeks busking with all the other hardcores.

Well, this couple was a guy who played banjo and a woman who played washboard, and they traveled around in a motor home. When they were driving through Orlando, though, they had a head-on collision with a Greyhound bus; the driver had fallen asleep. The buskers were taken to the hospital, but when they woke up and asked for the dog, the medical personnel were at a loss.

"What dog?" they asked.

Police went back to the accident site but found no sign of the dog. The assumption was that immediately after the accident, the dog wandered off, perhaps looking for his owners. The local media picked up on the story, and it became a sensation, tugging at people's heartstrings. (You could probably find the whole story in the archives of the Orlando Sentinel; I looked it up and found the story a few years ago.)

When the buskers got out of the hospital, they called local animal shelters every day, to see if their dog had been picked up. They scoured the neighborhoods around the accident. They would not give up.

Finally, they called an animal shelter and were told:

"Oh, that animal was put to sleep yesterday."

They had called that animal shelter every day for a couple weeks, and had mistakenly been told that there was no dog by that description at the shelter. Finally, after being unclaimed for a couple weeks the animal shelter put him down.

How's that for a story that will make you feel bad?

And to answer your question, Harry J. in Houston, that's another way to make big money: Get a genius cute pet to help you. Because this dog was very smart.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Seeking Buskers for event... Philadelphia PA USA

2007-11-06T17:13:37Z

Hi there,

I am looking for buskers for an event near Philadelphia PA in a town called Phoenixville.
Details:
Firebird Festival
December 15th 2007
4pm 'til you get tired and pack up
last year 3000 attendees
town pays you 50$ and your hat is yours
The event is centered around the burning of a 30 ft tall phoenix
http://firebirdfestival.com/

Please email me if you are interested, or have questions
kimberlieodell@aol.com

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Mime Awareness Day!

2007-11-05T17:31:32Z

As you may or may not know, Mime Awareness Day took place in Boulder back in May sponsored by Busker Alley. It was kinda foo nee when the media suddenly showed up demanding mimes because they had hurry back to their tv station by 4pm. Little did they know this was an all day event.
What resulted was not only 9 News coverage but also exclusive coverage of mimes when they finally did show up at later that day.
Enjoy the videos!
www.MimeOverMatter.com

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

NYC busking locations for acrobats

2007-10-12T00:13:34Z

Hello all,
I've just started a partner acro/adagio routine in NYC. My partner and I have done a few shows in Washington Square Park, but we were wondering if any of you had good recommendations for other spaces with a better crowd/hat potential. We use a little more space than a yoga mat, and we have no bulky equipment. I've heard that the Seaport has some kind of system for performers, but have no idea how to get more info on it.

Thanks,
Kerry

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 1 reply

Selling CDs is protected free speech in NYC

2007-10-09T17:13:45Z

This is very interesting. A fellow busker told me about this, but it seemed to be too good to be true. Then again, I've never been hassled for selling CDs on the streets of NYC, so maybe it is true.

SELLING ART ON THE STREETS OF NYC: The Legal Basics
ByRobert Lederman, President of A.R.T.I.S.T.
(Artists'Response To Illegal State Tactics)
contact:artistpres@gmail.com (201) 896-1686
[Pleaseonly call me between 10 AM - 6 PM]
Groupwebsite and newsletter
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NYCStreetArtists/
ForARTIST videos showing the history of our movement go to:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=artistpres

Here'sthe most basic information about vending art in NYC written in a question andanswer format. Please share it with your fellow artists and vendors.

1.Are there any restrictions on selling art?

Dueto the rulings in the ARTIST lawsuits, those selling visual art on publicproperty in NYC now have the exact same Constitutional protections as someoneselling a book or a newspaper. Nevertheless, we are still legally consideredvendors and are subject to a few specific time, place and manner restrictions.If you violate these restrictions, you are subject to a summons. In someinstances, you may also be subject to confiscation of your art or arrest. Notethat these NYC vending restrictions only apply if we are using a vending stand,which means using a table, an easel, a rack etc. If we are holding art in ourhands and selling it; if we have a display that does not rest on the ground (inother words we hold, wear or carry it); if we are only displaying art on astand and are not selling it or offering it for sale; or, if we are onlycreating art there are no restrictions on time, distance from a door or whichstreets we can sell on. The list of streets that are restricted to artists onlyapplies if you are using a vending stand and are selling art. See the NoStanddocuments in the FILES section of the website. Also see No Stand vending videoswith examples of how to do this at:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=artistpres
Nostand vending ONLY applies to First Amendment protected vendors. It does notmean you cannot stand in one place. It does mean you cannot use a stand thatrests on the sidewalk. There are also official NYPD documents on No Standvending in the FILES section of the ARTIST website.

2.What are the basic vending law rules for artists?

(Note:The full text of the NYC vending laws is 60 pages long. This is only a partialsummary for your convenience.)

Artvending stands must be located at least 20' from a door (10' from the door ofan exclusively residential building), 10' from a corner and must not touch orin any way be attached to a fire hydrant or other item of street furniture suchas a parking meter, sign, lightpole or telephone booth. There is no requireddistance from a fire hydrant, only that you may not touch it (See hydrant lawsin FILES section). The size limit of an art vending display is 5' in height, 8'in length and 3' in width. There is no specified limit for a display of artthat is not offered for sale. The sidewalk must be at least 12' wide in orderto use it. You cannot legally place art against a wall, on a store window or ona fence unless you have written permission from the property owner. You cannotlegally lay art on the floor or display it on your car. While you can legallysell another person's art, one person cannot sell from more than one standunless the total size of the combined stands is 8' or less. Individuals sellingfrom two or three full-sized stands or from a grossly oversized stand areviolating the law and unfairly denying other artists and vendors space on thestreet. The City requires all vendors including written matter vendors andartists to have a sales tax ID and carry it with them while vending. In theFILES section you can download a form to apply for the tax ID.

Othertypes of vendors (disabled veterans, food vendors, general merchandise licensedvendors) have very different legal rules and street restrictions. If you wantto be sure what the current laws are and want to have authoritative proof ofthem to show a police officer, get the vending law documents noted above.

RestrictedStreets
Artistsmay also sell on an otherwise completely restricted street, such as FifthAvenue in Midtown or Prince Street in SoHo on Saturday and Sunday if a disabledveteran vendor is set up there. In the files section there is an official NYCdocument to this effect. You will want it with you if you intend to do this.

Exigentcircumstances
Oneother important law you need to know concerns "exigentcircumstances." Police can cite exigent circumstances and then order youto close up an otherwise legal vending stand IF there is an accident, fire,parade, protest, fire or other emergency. If a sidewalk becomes "unusually"crowded they can also cite exigent circumstances. Exigent circumstances is atemporary emergency condition. Police cannot lawfully cite exigentcircumstances just because someone in a store or apartment house made acomplaint about a vendor or artist.

Whatdo I do if my art is ever confiscated by the police?
Ifthe police ever confiscate your art or art display for violating vending lawsit is crucial that you get a voucher from them describing in detail whateverthey took. By law, you can get everything back within 24 hours at the precinctit was taken to regardless of the outcome of your summons case. If you have notgotten a voucher you will likely get nothing back. The police are required bylaw to give you a voucher. If they refuse, make sure to get that on tape! It is100% legal in NY State to tape record, videotape or photograph the police. Inthe links section see State by State, Rules for Taping Conversations.

3.Are you allowed to sell someone else's art on the street?

Allthe rights and laws concerning NYC street artists apply equally to artistsselling their own works and to art vendors selling someone else's work. Underfull First Amendment protection, someone selling a book, a newspaper or makinga speech need not be the author. The essence of why you can sell on the streetunder the First Amendment is that you are expressing ideas. Anyone expressingideas is similarly protected whether or not they originated those ideas.

4.Where can I find the entire texts of the NYC vending laws in writing?

Onthe opening page of the ARTIST websitehttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/NYCStreetArtists/ along the left-hand side of thepage is a section of links, files and photos. In those sections you can findthe full text of all the laws of NYC concerning vending, as well as many otherimportant documents. (Note that only subscribed members with a valid Yahoo I.D.can access the files. It is free to subscribe and join.) Vending laws areregulated by the DCA (Department of Consumer Affairs) located at #42 Broadway.You can get a printed copy of the entire 60 page vending law from DCA, on the5th floor. Ask them for the separate, "List of Streets Restricted toArtists and Book Vendors", which is also available digitally at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NYCStreetArtists/message/477

Inthe NYC vending laws, artists are always referred to as Written Matter Vendors,not artists. Only those laws which apply to written matter vendors apply tostreet artists. There are many details, variations and exemptions to the lawsthat are not described here. I'd suggest that you carry the entire vending lawwith you whenever vending. Also please read the articles on our website if youwant to fully understand the complex legal and political aspects behind thisissue.

5.Why are visual artists allowed to sell without a vending license?

Before1997 NYC street artists were required to have a vending license. None wereavailable. From 1993 until 1996 thousands of NYC artists were arrested and hadtheir art confiscated by the police. In 1993 an advocacy group was formednamed, ARTIST (Artists' Response To Illegal State Tactics). Since 1996 whenARTIST won its first two consolidated lawsuits [Bery/Lederman et al v City ofNY] NYC street artists are exempted from any vending license and are subject toonly those restrictions that apply to First Amendment-protected written mattervendors. In 2001 ARTIST members won two more lawsuits [Lederman et al vGiuliani/Bach et al v City of NY] which eliminated the Parks artist permit requirement.Today artists need no vending license or Parks permit anywhere in NYC. You canread the rulings and full history of these cases at the website.

6.What does the City of NY consider ÒartÓ from a legal perspective?

Inthis narrow legal context, a 'street artist' is anyone selling visual art.'Visual Art' is broadly characterized by current NYC vending law as paintings,prints, photographs, sculptures, videos, DVDs, and CDs - but at times may alsoinclude other items with expressive content. Being handmade is not what makes an itemprotected by free speech. Please note, these definitions of what is or is notart are the CityÕs, not ARTISTÕs.

7.Permits, concessions and art shows

Therights we won in our lawsuits are different from, and superior to, thearrangements artists in other cites have where there are public art shows thatonly a few artists are allowed to participate in. In some US cities such as SanFrancisco and Venice Beach California, there are one or more limited areaswhere a handful of street artists with a permit are allowed to sell theirworks. Artists are forced to navigate a very elaborate system of getting apermit and then entering a lottery to win a space. The right to sell art canthen be taken away by city officials anytime they desire, including for theslightest infraction of the rules. Under our system you need no one'spermission and your rights cannot be taken away. It is a Constitutional right.

8.Are vending spots reserved?

Manystreet artists and vendors mistakenly believe that a vending spot belongsexclusively to them once they have set up there over some period of time. Thisbelief has no legal basis. It directly contradicts the laws about free speech onpublic property. A vending spot on public property is not a bank account. Youdon't earn interest by staying in it over time. Nevertheless, we advise newstreet artists to proceed cautiously in selecting a vending spot. Be sensitiveto the fact that those who routinely set up in an area have established apecking order. Going out of your way to take a spot from someone who believesthey own it causes conflict and resentment. Artists who claim ownership of avending spot should read up on the First Amendment and educate themselves aboutthe real meaning of public space. Such claims of ownership directly contradictall the legal rulings that
madeit possible for you to sell art on the street.

9.Where and when call I sell art?

Whilemost street artists still cling to a few areas such as SoHo, Union Sq. Park andthe Met almost every street in NYC and every single NYC Park is open to vendingby artists, so there is more than enough space for us all. You can sell 24hours a day on most streets. Night selling is often more profitable than duringthe day and there is much less competition for spaces. The ONLY places youcannot sell are listed in the document, Streets Restricted to Artists and Bookvendors in the FILES section of the ARTIST website. Chelsea is now home tohundreds of galleries and is an ideal place to meet art collectors.

10.What are the vending laws in NYC Parks?

TheNYC Parks Department has slightly different vending laws than those which applyon the street. If you read the actual text of the Park laws it still says noone can vend without a Parks permit. This is true for all vendors EXCEPTartists, due to the rulings in the ARTIST lawsuits. Vending stands in Parks arelimited to 8 feet in length and may not block a pathway, or block or touch abench. Please use common sense in interpreting what "blocking" apedestrian pathway or bench means. Nothing may be attached to trees or otherParks property. No tables, stands, spot markers or other property may be leftunattended. Both on the street and in Parks artists should try to cause aslittle inconvenience as possible to pedestrians. In the FILES section is athree page document from the Parks Department on Park rules that apply to FirstAmendment vendors. Note that this is their list, not ARTISTsÕ. It is just thereso you can see what the Park police are working from.

11. Are calligraphers and name paintersprotected by the ARTIST rulings?

A controversy over this issue in Parkshas recently been unofficially resolved (For the media coverage of it do asearch for within the ARTIST archives or look in the FILES section under theword calligraphy.) The Parks Department Commissioner has now publicly statedthat such artists are protected by the ARTIST rulings, however, he has so farnot officially changed the policy in writing.

12.Do I have to I move my vending stand if a storeowner, resident or landlordtells me to?

Ourright to vend is about free speech on public property, which is the curbsidesection of the sidewalk. Landlords, storeowners and building residents haveunique rights within their private property, which extends a few feet from thewall. It's always a good idea to have a harmonious relationship with propertyowners, but they have no authority to order you to do anything while you are onpublic property alongside the curb. Every time an artist abandons a legalvending spot because a store owner told them to, they have encouraged furtherharassment. Please do not set up anything, including your chair, on privateproperty unless you have the ownersÕ permission.

13.How should I deal with the police?

ARTISTmembers are urged to try to get along with the police as best as possible andto act politely and respectfully whenever dealing with them. Our struggle isnot with the police but with the wealthy and influential people who send themto harass us. Unfortunately, NYC has a longstanding politically motivated policyof harassing vendors which results in the NYPD and other enforcement officialsbeing deliberately misinformed about the vending laws. In many instances theyare ordered to illegally harass street artists. This is due to politicalpressure from real estate interests such as BIDs (Business ImprovementDistricts), and landlord groups like the SoHo Alliance. This politically andfinancially motivated harassment of vendors never ceases, and much of it is completelyillegal. What can you do? The way for individuals to protect themselves hasthree parts.

a.Know the vending laws, carry them with you and be prepared to show them to thepolice. If you are following the law not even the police have a right to moveyou. You will find from experience that most police know very little about theactual vending laws.

b.Tape record, videotape and photograph all conversations, enforcement actionsand interactions with the police, including them measuring your stand. This is100% legal in NYC, with or without their knowledge that you are taping. Theyare instructed in their own rules (the NYPD Patrol Guide) to not interfere withyour doing so. You can legally use these tapes and photos in your defense incourt, and they will help you beat any false charges. Likewise, you can andshould document any gallery, storeowner or resident ordering you about. A videocamera is the very best protection you can have on the street. Videotapes,audiotapes and photographs make the very best evidence in court.

c.Never plead guilty to any summons if you are not guilty. Sue the city fordamages if they harass you. ARTIST members have won many lawsuits against NYC,which is the entire reason you can now legally sell art on the street and inParks.

14.Should I participate ARTIST protests and rallies?

Asa group ARTIST periodically engages in protests in order to pressure Cityofficials to back off on illegal harassment. When City officials try to createnew laws to take away our rights, as they are preparing to do right now, wefight back by using our First Amendment right to nonviolently protest, engagein letter writing campaigns, testify at hearings and to lobby electedofficials. When we have the next protest or other action, please participateand try to get other artists to attend as well. If you have the time and energyto sell on the street, you should feel an obligation to help us defend theserights.

Overthe past decade ARTIST has successfully stopped every effort by electedofficials to create new vending restrictions on street artists. NYC officialshave never voluntarily "given" anything to street artists. Everythingthey try to do is about taking our rights away. When there is unjustifiedpolice enforcement we also engage in spontaneous immediate protests. Pleasehave a sign saying STOP HARASSING THE ARTISTS or something similar at yourstand so that you will be prepared to help your fellow street artists ifneeded.

15.What should I do if a reporter or City official wants to interview me aboutvending?

Talkto them, but be very careful about what you say. Most NYC newspapers and TVstations are politically aligned with powerful landlord and business protectiongroups that have been trying to eliminate vending for decades. Reporters willfrequently try to get you to say something negative about other vendors or tosupport the need for new vending restrictions. City officials routinely engagein this same technique during private meetings with vendors and in hearingsabout vending before the City Council. These City officials get huge campaigncontributions from the landlord groups that are the most committed opponents ofvending. They are not interestedin your ideas on improving vending but only on getting you to testify againstother vendors. They will also try to get you to say how much you make on thestreet and then use that as justification for supporting a vending license, newtaxes on vendors or other new restrictions. If you choose to talk publiclyabout vending, don't let yourself be exploited by the media or by electedofficials in this way. When interviewed or when testifying before the CityCouncil most vendors say all the wrong things, giving our critics exactly whatthey are looking for in the way of damaging statements about the vending scene.Please refer all reporters and inquiries from elected officials to the ARTISTwebsite and give them my phone number so they can get the full picture on artvending. Also, let them know you are a member of ARTIST.

Inthe archive of our website you can find more than 1,000 articles on thepolitics behind vending, including most mainstream news articles on it from thepast ten years. You'll also find links for maps of NYC, the weather, copyrightinfo, search engines, legal archives and a great deal of other information thatwill be of great value and interest.

Thereare daily challenges and obstacles to be overcome for all vendors in NYC.Drastic new vending laws are right now being proposed by real estate interests,City officials and even by some misguided vendors who, for financial andterritorial reasons, want to restrict other vendors from the street. ThereÕs alot more you need to know than just the basic vending laws if you want to havea good experience on the street. Our ARTIST newsletter is where you will getall this updated information as needed.

16.How do I subscribe to the ARTIST newsletter?

Ifyou want to know what's going on with enforcement and want to help defend the irreplaceablerights the members of ARTIST have already won, subscribe to our free emailnewsletter by sending a blank email to:
NYCStreetArtists-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Noother artists in the U.S. have the rights we've won here. Let's hold on to them.

ARTISTPOWER!
RobertLederman, President of A.R.T.I.S.T.
201896-1686
[Onlycall 10 AM-6 PM]
artistpres@gmail.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NYCStreetArtists/

Forvideos go to:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=artistpres

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

I'm on youtube again

2007-10-09T17:04:40Z

I do seem to wind up on youtube a lot. Here's a long
video of me playing a couple of tunes in Union Square Park, NYC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6Oy8FaBirQ
and here's an interview in which I'm slouching
terribly:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT56auxMT74

These videos and many others of NYC buskers can also
be seen on the videographer's website here:
www.concretebeat.blogspot.com

Enjoy.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

AUDITIONS- Phx Az- Adult Variety Cabaret Show

2007-10-07T21:04:17Z

Message us if you wish to audition for the successful production, Romantasy Cabaret. Not sure what it is? Been hiding under a rock? Been out of the country, out of the universe, out of touch? Look at our photo albums to get a glimpse into our naughty little adult circus show and decide if you'd like to bring your chops to the table.
We are open to all disciplines of performance and most especially are looking for:
Burlesque (classic and modern ok), contortionists, knife throwers, bullwhip artists, singers (naughty lyrics a plus), aerial artists, magicians, ballet dancers, tap dancers, jazz/modern dancers, showgirls, midgets, freaks, and anything you would find at an entertaining circus-sideshow-vaudeville-burlesque showcase for adults.
What we do not currently need: Fire performers or bellydancers.
Come run away with the circus!
HUGS n JUGS
Lucy Morals

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

SIRCUS: Cleveland Juggling Festival

2007-10-03T13:09:49Z

Hey all, coming up on the weekend of Oct. 27 and 28 is an awesome Juggling Festival in downtown Cleveland. I am bummed that I'll be gigging elsewhere at the time, but you should go if you can. This festival always has wonderful people and mad skills. Prop manipulators of all kinds are welcome and encouraged, even if you are not a traditional "juggler."

Also, they are currently seeking folks to perform in their show and teach workshops.

Enjoy.

-Bonk

The 'tails:

Juggling,
Workshops, Vendors, Games, raffle, open stage, and other fun

Sat. Oct. 27, 2007 10:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.
Sun. Oct. 28, 2007 12:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.
St. Ignatius High School
1911 W. 30th Cleveland, Ohio.

Russ O’Brien 330-688-4822 or MisterO4@aol.com
Ben Becker 216-651-0222 x 240 or BBecker2@ignatius.edu

More information at www.rubbercityjugglers.com

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 1 reply

---------->Looking for PERFORMERS w/ act or costumes and skills to PArade "How Berkeley Can you Be?! -----The show must go on!

2007-09-19T19:06:38Z

Hi,
I have a spot reserved in the How Berkeley Can you BE? parade~ and I would like to perform along side a group that allready has worked together. Perhaps, at least 3 or 4 other people. I just want to have fun and I can work around your act.

This is to perform and parade this Sunday Sept. the 30th. I would really like to perform and I allready have some Puppets and masks created and ready to go. another option is, if you have allready signed up for the "how berkeley" parade, I can cancel my registration if I have to and join you.

I have paraded in alot of protests, street performances, rallies, etc.... at Burning Man, and with Bread and Puppet theater in Vermont, (through and internship)
I am a percussionist / puppeteer / performer/visual artist who is working more clowning and dancing into my performances.

here is a link :
www.davidavidson.artistportfolio.net ---- art, puppets
www.myspace.com/summerhilltribal --------music
www.myspace.com/hoptripsoundscape

i have lots of ideas, and can improvise quickly. We could meet once or twice before and then parade at the end of the month.
I have some people who can show up and be extra hands but it would be GREAT to accompany someone who allready has a group, costumes and act together.
My troupe from this summer has moved there own ways now that fall has started, then I got sick, and now.... The show must GO on. : )
I am trying to use the spot I have reserved and ... I just want to have fun parading.... I would like to throw a puppet mask on... then dance and clown around. Please reply soon, as we should meet up this week or next and I need to contact the Parde people w/ changes.

some Options and possibilities:
dancing, acting, clowning, stilts, juggling, flags waving and spinnning, poi juggling, sorry no fire allowed in this specific parade, (not sure why)
I can make an animal costume... like on Fellini's CLOwns, the traditional 2 person cow or horse

and here are puppets and masks I allready have----- www.davidavidson.artistportfolio.net
davidavidson@gmail.com

I would be so happy if you helped me and I could help perform. I allready paid the fees for the parade and everythiing.

Sincerely, David Davidson

---------->Looking for PERFORMERS w/ act or costumes and skills to PArade "How Berkeley Can you Be?! -----The show must go on.
I would like to help you help me PARADE in How Berkeley?! Can you BE... Parade ...the show must go on

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 3 replies

Look Ma im on TV!

2007-09-14T14:51:33Z

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=658595

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Video of the month!

2007-09-07T18:46:15Z

A new addition to www.BuskerAlley.com is the video of the month. This enables you to watch a premium busker clip without having to search thru all the alleys.
Ta

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 3 replies

Any circle pitches Eastbound through Wisconsin-Quebec?

2007-08-28T18:06:51Z

I'm looking for an adventure to take my street show next year, I plan on making it to the fringe fest but I want to travel through the great lakes and make my way north east to Montreal or Quebec? Are there any pitches on the way? thinking of any city in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine? I can adjust my show to the laws like Amp and fire restrictions. THANKS!

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Best way to tell kids...

2007-08-27T23:18:39Z

I was performing at a 6yr old birthday party. Magic, Juggling, Fire Juggling ect... I need to let these kids know not to play with fire at home... I sugested School. but Serously im not looking for a 1 liner I would like to ask your opinion?

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 7 replies

Video! Pure Cirkus @ Freemont Parade

2007-08-17T21:56:40Z

Pure was banned previously for throwing hooks, but were let back under specific guidelines...I don't think Xavier cares? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z9uGGABar8

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Improvised Humor Coach

2007-08-10T02:11:46Z

While at the World Magic Seminar I came to a humbling realization. I'm not half as funny as I think I am. Or to be more to the point, I am the only one who finds most of my humor funny. It's genetic actually, my father and I once defined true Frank humor as humor that only the person who's telling it gets. . . make sense?

I asked Steve Ameden to be my humor coach while at the convention. I would spew some stupid shit I thought was funny, then look at him and say "Funny or Not Funny?" at which point he would tell me, matter a fact which it was. The purpose of this was to identify what was and was not funny. There were a few bugs in this system, as comedy is highly subjective and what is funny to some may not be funny to others.

This experiment continued last weekend as I street performed at the market. Jake was standing around watching me and I asked him to do the same thing. I let in a few of my audience members and before long they were actively participating in this strange "on the fly" evaluation of my act.

This experiment (which started out as a joke. . . that I thought was funny) blossomed into it's own sort of thing. In Gazzo's booklet "The Art of Krowd Keeping" he explains the problems of starting a show too soon. This has always been a bit of a problem for me. Last weekend, I did my card tricks to gather the crowd, I would start to go into the cups, when I would break character, look at the crowd and confess to them that I am not as funny as I think. I asked them to help me in an theatrial experiment in the understanding of comedy. I explained to them the whole funny, not funny thing. I further explained that at any point I may point to someone in the crowd and ask them, "Funny or Not Funny". I added that they did not need to wait for me to ask and they could offer up their opinion at any point.

I was amazed at how well this worked! Not only as a bit, but as an actual way to help me understand what is and isn't funny to most people. The biggest unexpected benefit was, that I was connecting with my audience in a new and profound way. It opened my show up in a new way and slowed me down.

At the end of the weekend I tried a few shows using all of the data from these experiments to remove all the jokes that were not funny.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 6 replies

canada

2007-08-07T18:22:56Z

good busking there?

what about fire?

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 5 replies

Seeking Submissions for new Indie-Circus & Art Magazine!

2007-07-20T16:05:57Z

(x-posted everywhere)

BIG TOP Magazine – “Broadcasting the Worldwide Indie-Circus & Art Revolution”

Dearest performers, artists, writers, makers, designers, and creators,

There’s something incredible going on, and I think we all feel it. All over the world people are gathering together to create art, to perform, to do whatever they can to knock the mundane off of it’s axis, to wake the sleepers up, to show, through example, where this world needs to go in order to survive – and what we’re doing about it.

We are creating a magazine that will connect us all and bring the world to our fingertips, as we’re all in this together. It will be the place to go to find out what is going on absolutely anywhere, what people are doing, how the world is changing, as well as the place to read about the latest gear for whatever your medium is, check out some kick-ass circus-styley (and other) fashions, find out about related music, read reviews and check out photos from events all around the world, find vendors, dive into exquisite art, read about tech tips & trick for rigging & set creation, *find out how to make things as Green as possible* – and more. Much more. Everything happens under the Big Top.

Big Top Magazine will initially be published solely online, but as it transforms and becomes more structured, (and when we are able to save up enough capitol to do so), I’m planning to go to print – using as much post-consumer material as possible.

We are currently seeking submissions for our first issue.

Yes, that’s RIGHT! *You* can be a part of history in the making! We want to look into the world of the circus and/or performer, we want to hear about what happens behind the scenes. We want to know what makes you tick, and read it through your words or see it through your images. I want “appropriately themed” fiction, I want fact. I want reviews of shows from all around the world. I want tons of images and creative writing. I want to know what you’ve done, and what you *plan* on doing – and if possible, how you plan on making it more ecologically friendly, or more “Green”.

I want it all – and I want to share it with everyone else.

with love,

~ kSea flux

Ringmaster, Editor
~ Big Top Magazine ~

Deadline for submissions is August 15th.

Please send submissions to:

bigtopmag(at)gmail(dot)com

and include the following information at the top of the page:

Name:
Email:
Phone:

Please include artist/group bio where applicable.

Thank you!

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 3 replies

The End of an Era

2007-07-17T14:11:11Z

Hank Lee will be closing his retail magic store in Boston after more than 30 years in various locations around the city.

http://hankleesmagicfactory.blogspot.com/

I can still remember my first visit to his store back when I was in high school. You had to climb two flights of narrow old stairs past an old manual operated elevator that rarely if ever had an operator.

On arriving you found a cramped dusty space crammed full of every magic trick you could imagine. For someone who knew only the joke/magic shops in Boston this was a revelation. That a shop could be dedicated to magic only.

For that teenage nerd it was pure heaven.

Greater still was the discovery that one never knew who you would meet there. On my very first visit Phil Goldstein (max Maven) was there helping Hank lay out his first catalog.

At any moment local magicians might wander in and give you a bit of advice on what to buy or how to better use some trick or device.

Over the years - even as I traveled far from home - I came to appreciate that this is what a magic shop should be. Even when I found occasional employment demoing tricks at other shops far from home there was something lacking. While Hank was certainly all business there was never a rush to get out the door, no pressure to buy just because it was the new "featured" item.

As his shop moved from place to place I still could go there and spend hours deciding what perfect trick I needed this time.

Hank was also the first to join computers with the magic biz. He had a clunky bulletin board based around a TRS 80 that was next to impossible to log on to. This eventually evolved to his web based buisness.

So it is with sadness that this wonderful internet has claimed yet another victim - the neighborhood magic shop.

True Hank is opening the warehouse to retail trade but somehow it just won't be the same.

Thanks Hank for all the years of magic.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Cops suck

2007-07-16T06:37:28Z

This was my second fire performance of this season, on saturday night.

I had performed EVERY friday last year during the summer months, and
I had a letter from the fire marshal saying that it (my torches) was an open
flame device, and does not require a permit outdoors, and is usually fine.
(he didnt say it, but the fire department can put out ANY fire they want at any time.)

So the cops pull this shit on me, I need a NEW letter from the fire marshal saying
I can perform again THIS year. This is absurd because the letter simply stated
that I DIDNT need a permit. Its not like that changed.

The whole thing happened because I had a friend come spin poi and do staff.
We had a fire extinguisher, water, towels, and a HUGE double thick duveteen
in the safety's hands. Normally I just did juggling and fire breathing and nobody
even said a word to me, I just did it 2 weeks ago with no problems.

The fire department filed a report and took statements from the 2 cops and the
battalion chief as to what they saw. Thats what they told me. They saw and heard
THEATRICS. The whole point is to make it seem more dangerous than it is!

It will work out though, its just the cops being assholes, they hassled me all last
year even though I had that letter AND a letter from the city zoning coordinator saying
he contacted the fire department and the police department and none of them had
any problem with me fire juggling on the street.

Cops suck ass. They know now that they can only intimidate me so much, because
I explained to them that there is no law that covers this (unless I alarm someone with
intent to incite violence, or assault someone) and the only people who can stop me
from burning a wick is the fire chief on duty. I never had to meet him last year,
nobody called him. Someone called them on some other idiots using dangerous
home-made props who scared the fuck out of me because they had NO means of
putting out their own props!!! Let alone themselves or any combustibles.

The good thing is the fire marshal is cool, its every other firefighter who defaults to
"no fire allowed ever". Hopefully he can give me a letter reiterating the fact that no
permit is required, let alone renewed! I'm going to go show him my equipment
AGAIN and tell him about my safety procedures AGAIN.

Ugh, when has a cop ever HELPED me? Hmmm... maybe one day.

The audience was pissed when they showed up expecting our next show. Nobody
seems to care except the cops!

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 10 replies

Busking in Baltimore?

2007-07-10T23:24:03Z

Anybody had any experience? I know that techincally they require a permit (with a $25 fee), but how strictly is that enforced?

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 5 replies

Bad Time to Start Busking

2007-07-09T08:26:47Z

Hey. I'm Paul, new to this board and new to busking. I needed some money to help me pay for college textbooks, and since I learned a bunch of circus tricks at school (Juggling: balls, clubs, torches, knives, rings, and whatever else I can keep in my hands. Firebreathing. Unicycling, and minor musical talents, Pennywhistle and Mandolin) I figured I'd go earn some money when I went home for the summer on the streets of DC. When I got home, I heard about the Joshua Bell thing, and now I've heard about the MetroPerforms ( http://www.wmata.com/about/MET_NEWS/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=1617 ) thing, and it seems like I've just got the worst timing in the world. I've gone into the city twice since I got back from school, and both times my payoff's been pretty meager. I haven't been hassled by any cops though, so that's good.

Basically, I just wanna know a couple of things before I go back out there.

For the DC people on the Board: Any good spots? The only place I've found so far is near Archives-Navy Memorial Metro, but then again, I haven't been venturing around much. I hear Old Town Alexandria is a good place to go.

For all you buskers: Is it generally better to busk in the morning or evening?

Also, does anyone here eat fire? I've been trying to find someone so I might find out what kind of torches I need and just to get some advice

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 8 replies

fishermans' wharf SF

2007-07-05T00:38:30Z

does any one know who to talk to about permits?

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 9 replies

non fire busking

2007-07-05T00:25:52Z

besides juggling, statuing, music, fire, and magic, what are other techniques you've based a street performance around?

i'm thinking of a non fire contact staff routine with three parts....

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 13 replies

I Wish I Had a Nickel

2007-07-05T00:10:47Z

for every time someone put a penny in our hat,

for every time someone yelled "Ricolla,"

for every time someone held their cell phone in front of our didjes,

for every time someone tried to interrupt us while we were playing,

for every photo or video someone took in exchange for "nada,"

for ever time someone else's act stepped all over ours.

But then, what price the joy brought to so many, especially the expressions on children's faces, the many friends and acquaintances made, the many wonderful, sincere and heartfelt compliments (especially the one "thank you for what you do"), the appreciation shown by audiences from a few months old to over 90 years old, the moments of joy to the deaf and the severely handicapped, and to the healing vibrations that surround our small space on this world and in this universe?

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 2 replies

Drawing a Crowd...

2007-06-30T05:26:24Z

Okay, so I just stepped out of my comfort zone of statuing and have started working on a fire breathing performance. I've done a few, with varrying hats, my best being $50 for two shows, the worst - well, we just won't speak of that. Done a total of four shows so far.

The act itself certainly needs work - since it's breathing it necessitates a lot of talking - but the most important thing I need to get down is the draw.

What I do now is set my stuff down, open my bag and start taking torches out with a lot of unecissary flourish - then usually start fueling up the torches, turn the music on, light one torch and place it in the center of the performance area the keep on preparing, dragging it out, waiting for people's curiosity to stop them and draw more in. Move stuff around a lot, etc.

Unfortunately the spot I have has not too many people walking by on quiet nights such as tonight, and usually, they keep walking. My entire "show" tonignt was lighting torches, wwinging them around, setting them down, setting up more, lighting another torch, swinging it around...etc. No show, no hat.

Any suggestions on drawing a crowd when they don't seem to want to be drawn?

Also, if anyone has any suggestions on the beats of a show - how I should build it and make it good, things I should say, ways to interact with the crowd - I would really appreciate it! Gots to get this thing going...

Thanks in advance,

~ kSea

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 5 replies

today's winner

2007-06-27T12:26:37Z

I just have to share.
Today, three ladies came up and were admiring me as I did my thing. They said all the things that ladies of this type (long tie-dye dresses, sensible shoes, long grey hair and bifocals) say, which is all very sweet. They start rummaging through their wallets, which is also typical behavior. Then, Lady in Blue comes up with a five dollar bill and says "sweetie, I need to make change", indicating my tip box. This is, though in my opinion very tacky (just give me the five, big spender!), marginally tolerable behaviour. Lady then puts the five in the box, and proceeds to remove FIVE ones, one of which SHE GIVES TO A GUY WHO JUST MUTTERED "SPARE CHANGE?" AT HER.
Lady says "thank you" and then starts trying to engage me in conversation about my outfit, asking me if I had any photos that I could email to her, because she's writing a book and wants one of her characters to look like me.
Now, people sometimes don't get the dolly act and do try to talk to me. They usually figure out pretty quickly that a) I am NOT going to talk, and b) unless money goes in the box, I am not going to acknowledge their presence. Not this lady, oh no. She went on about her book to Lady in Purple and Lady in Green. And on and ON. She examined my outfit, feeling the fabric and lifting the different layers.
I actually had to break character and explain that there was a crowd of people who were actually prepared to pay me for my creativity and that she was to move along, or start tipping. "I'm going back to work now". Never had to do that before. I didn't tell her half of what she needed to be told, and I'm kicking myself for it. My favourite part is her tipping the crackhead and NOT ME, whom she admired so much and wanted to put in her book. Sigh. She never did put a damn tip in the box.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 9 replies

Boston

2007-06-13T02:41:44Z

Hey group,
Anyone here from the Boston area, or nearby? (Camb. J.P. etc...)
What do you perform?

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 2 replies

Possible workshop at the JT didjfest

2007-06-08T02:20:02Z

Hey Tribe,

We are thinking about doing some sort of "busking" public performance & school presentations workshop wherein we share performing tips and stories from our years of experience. Perhaps others could be persuaded to share their stories & experiences as well?
We envision it being free with donations accepted and those being passed on to local animal related charities.....probably G&T's choice/s. It would be our pleasure to do this, but only if there is enough interest.
Please respond here, or to G&T or to my email. G&T may also put up a survey on the JT didjfest website so see if there is suffcicient interest from those visitors.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Introducing: The FreeLove Circus

2007-06-07T17:59:51Z

Join our tribe to find out when we're coming near you and to see what kind of craziness we get into.
http://tribes.tribe.net/freelovecircus
A new era of entertainment with an old timey appeal!

Hilarious antics and ridiculous characters for all ages explode at the FreeLove Circus. This all-star cast of Humboldt County’s finest circus performers, dancers and musicians includes members of Humboldt Circus, Womama, Bucky Walters, AKAbella, North Coast Dance and New World Ballet. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind circus spectacular riddled with side-splitting comedy that will leave you in stitches.

For more information call (707) 845-5842 or check freelovecircus.com or myspace.com/thefreelovecircus for tour dates!

Videos coming very soon, here, there, and everywhere!

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Paul Reubens Day seeks performers/musicians! (July 28th is event day)

2007-05-31T14:46:03Z

This is a call out for acts for our evening party (after the city crawl of silliness and spooge)....

Help make the 5th Annual Paul Reubens Day the bestest ever!

Who we are: www.paulreubensday.com/index.html

When: Sat July 28th 9pm-1am
Where: Balazo Gallery, SF

This is a benefit for St James Infirmary (www.stjamesinfirmary.org/) and the Center for Sex and Culture (sexandculture.org/)
but performers will get tips and/or small payment.

Acts should be at loosely thematic: Pee-wee Herman, Paul Reubens, masturbation or erotica/sexy based. We need probably 6-10 acts that are each 5-10 minutes. If you have something special that is longer, please let us know and we will accomodate you!

Contact playafrog@burningman.com with your specs.

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 0 replies

Washington DC Metro busker auditions -

2007-05-22T09:03:56Z

"Performances will take place at designated station entrances (to be determined) at a distance far enough away from station stairs and escalators to ensure clear access for people heading into or out of Metrorail stations. In addition, participants in the MetroPerforms! program will not be permitted to sell merchandise, nor ask for money from the public while performing."

hmmm, this sounds a little fishy - am I reading this correctly? to me this says, audition, beg us to perform for free.

I know some buskers put a case out and do not "ask for money" and still get hats, but in the past, my street shows have ended with a hat line. :(

DC sucks for busking. grrr.

full article found here - http://www.wmata.com/about/met_news/story.cfm?ID=1257

posted in ! Buskers and circle acts - 7 replies