File puptcrit/puptcrit.0802, message 860


From: Widerman-AT-aol.com
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:01:46 EST
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] busking


I performed a marionette act in New York City during the late 1970's and  
early 1980's. I was inspired to do it by Steve Hanson, the Puppetman, a talented  
busker whom I met during the time he was working in New York. This was during 
 the Koch administration, and enforcement of vagrancy laws and other  
street-related free enterprise was rather lax. It is now virtually impossible to  
perform outdoors in New York City without being stopped by the authorities. It  
is remarkable how much the atmosphere of the city has changed.
 
Busking is a great way to hone your skills. Income is directly related to  
entertainment value, and you can fix things or try new things out on the next  
audience in a few minutes. Skilled street performers are very engaging--by  
necessity. However, you are also at the mercy of the weather, the local  
enforcement, and other street vendors and vagrants.
 
Although people would forget me, they always remembered the puppet. Once,  
while performing in Athens I was recognized by someone who had seen my act at  
Fanuil Hall in Boston! The South Street Seaport would schedule street  
performers, but I found their scheduling to be too restrictive. My regular spots  were 
in Central Park near the entrance to the zoo during the day, and in  
Greenwich Village on 6th or 7th Avenues near 8th Street in the evening. I recall  
busking in Georgetown during the 1980 World Puppetry Festival in Washington,  DC, 
helping to pay for my attendance to that Festival.
 
Having a good spot is key to income, so territoriality is a big issue. I  
would often work a lucrative spot as long as possible, meaning until  I required 
use of a restroom. I met many other buskers and street vendors,  and sometimes 
notables could be found in my audience on the  sidewalks.
 
It was very hard work that at times seemed hopeless, and at other times was  
very gratifying. Later I opened a puppet theater, ending my street performance 
 days, but that's another story.
 
      -Steven->
 
 
 
 
 
 
One thing about busking is that the income is directly related to drawing  
the audience and putting on a good show. 
 
 
In a message dated 2/23/2008 11:57:22 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
grego-AT-gregoland.com writes:

On Feb  23, 2008, at 9:30 PM, Rolande Duprey wrote:

> Busking is  hard.
>
> I did it on South St. Seaport once (NYC) -- made enough  for the ride
> home.
>
> Anyone else busk with  puppets?
>
>  Rolande
>





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