File puptcrit/puptcrit.0908, message 125


From: Widerman-AT-aol.com
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:23:30 EDT
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Puppet cart


 
Hi Hobey,
 
I am replying privately again.
 
I busked for many years, sometimes making a living off it, mainly in  
Manhattan, but have tried it in Boston, Georgetown, Athens, Aix en Provence,  
etc. I had people who recognized, not me, but the puppet, in Athens who also 
had  seen me at Fanuil Hall in Boston. Amazing!
 
Starting out busking is the biggest hurtle. I was inspired by Steve Hansen, 
 who seemed to be able to draw a crowd and pull down hundreds of dollars 
anywhere  he went. After you have "worked the streets" for a day, you will 
quickly realize  it is not begging. It is extremely hard work!  Sometimes you 
perform for no  one, and sometimes you have big crowds. You are also at the 
mercy of the  weather. You begin to have a sixth sense for all of this. 
Although I don't  busk anymore, there are times when I find myself somewhere 
thinking I could make  a fortune right here right now if I had my puppet. 
Reality is that you won't get  rich, but you might be able to sustain yourself for 
a while.
 
My first time, I was a nervous wreck and I went to a quiet corner next to a 
 main corner in Greenwich Village just to try it out. I had such success 
that I  quickly moved to the main corner. "Spots" for buskers are territorial 
and can  make a big difference in your income. You must balance keeping your 
spot with  eating and bathroom requirements. I think your cart will be both 
an attraction  and a burden. I carried one puppet, a top hat and a boom 
box, and could quickly  blend into the crowd in the blink of an eye (see 
collapsing stage in "Raiders of  the Lost Ark.") You will quickly learn the 
protocol from the other street  vendors and local law enforcement. If a police 
officer asked me to move, I would  immediately disappear. If they walked  by 
me, it was like a stamp of  approval from the Governor. You might find a 
friendly officer who will tell you  how to stay out of trouble. Fortunately, I 
was never arrested.
 
I believe Asheville would be very busker friendly. I could glean that  I 
could easily make a lot of money for a week or two there, just from my short  
visit. I don't know if their is a large enough population to keep you going 
once  the residents have seen you, but you can figure all that out. You'll 
become  adept at counting change and finding a way to turn it into bills. 
 
Good luck, and let me know how it goes.
 
     -Steven->





In a message dated 8/16/2009 8:14:29 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
hobeyone-AT-gmail.com writes:

I am  messing around with making a puppet cart to busk and sell puppets
in  Asheville.  As I've researched the topic I've found some  nice
illustrations  and photos on google image.  I've never done  this sort
of thing.  Any of you?  I thought I'd do a series of 3  minute acts
with a break to sell stuff.  I'll probably makke some  inexpesive
limber JKackks and then some higher end stuff as well as  Peepers.  The
economy has me trying to find new ways of bringing in  income and I am
going to give it a go.  The only experience I've had  with busking felt
slightly likke begging.  I figure if I dress nicer  than the passers by
and have a puppet wagon theater that looks spiffy I  will viewed
differently. I thought too that i would do completly  different
material than my "professional shows" like little puppets ,  toy
theater and mybe some marionettes. I've started on a wagon stage I  am
attaching a photo of a theater that is an inspirational  starting
point.  Mine will actually be a bit taller and smaller but of  the same
genre. Any thoughts?

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