Street Performers: How to Get Started
So you want to be a street performer, huh? Well, there’s a lot that goes into being successful as a street musician, but it’s not rocket science. I’m going to lay out here some of the things that I’ve learned over the past few years of doing this that I think will help you get started.
First, let me tell you what kind of music I play. So that you have an idea of where my experience and advice comes from, I’ll start with the fact that I’m a jazz musician. I play standards mostly, along with some of my own compositions. When I do play other people’s compositions, they’re usually not as well-known as the standards. My instrument is the trombone, and since I play solo most of the time, my first piece of advice is that if you don’t already know how to transpose your instrument on the fly (or sing), you should learn how to do so quickly.
When it comes to street performing, people are generally looking for two things: something familiar, and something interesting. The interesting part is easy – just be yourself! For example, when people see a big guy like me playing jazz on a trombone in
Street Performers: How to Get Started
by Adam Whitehead
A lot of people when they first hear about street performing think, “I’m going to play my guitar for money.” Then they get out there and realize quickly that it’s not as easy as it sounds. This is a very basic guide to help you get started.
It’s not a look at the finer points of busking; like how to play in a square format, how to keep your props together, and how to keep a crowd. Those are all important parts of busking but they’re different subjects and require much more time than this introduction can cover.
So here we go!
If you want to become a street performer, there are a few things you need to know and do in order to get started.
1. Know the rules of the street performer game.
2. Look for a spot that works for your act
3. Plan out your show
4. Pass out postcards
5. Get the word out on social media before you start performing
6. Start performing!
7. Keep doing it!
The first step to getting started as a street performer is, of course, to get out and perform. The more you perform, the looser and more comfortable you will become with your act and the greater success you will have. If you’re very new to performing I would recommend beginning in places where there are other performers, such as festivals or events. One of my favorite places to perform is at the farmer’s market, where I can get valuable feedback from other performers.
If you’re really just getting started, you may want to start out by busking with an instrument or singing. It’s a great way to practice your performing skills without the pressure of having to write a lot of material. Later on you can add in comedy or patter if you’d like!
It’s great if you can visit another city before you get started so that you can see how different cities have different rules for street performance. Some cities require a license for street performance (like New York City) and others don’t (like Key West).
In order to be a street performer you have to have a plan and a routine. The most important part of being a street performer is the performance. You are not trying to sell anything, you are trying to perform. It is all about the quality of your performance and how you can draw in an audience.
You need to make sure that you think about your act and what you want to convey before going out on the street. Do you want people to see you as fun, serious, comedic? You need to think about the message that you are sending the audience and what your presentation will be like.
You also want to make sure that you know what exactly it is that you want from your audience. Are they going to pay for your performance? If so, then how much? Do you want them to donate money? Or do you not care about money at all and just want them to laugh or cheer or clap?
When most people hear the words street performer they probably think of panhandlers. Panhandling IS NOT STREET PERFORMING! The purpose of a street performer is to entertain, not to get money from you. When someone calls themselves a street performer or busker, they are usually viewed as an entertainer or performer who travels from place to place presenting their performance in public spaces for gratuities. This can be anything from juggling and magic tricks to singing, dancing and comedic acts.
When a juggler or other street performer is first learning how to be a street performer and what to expect, it is hard to find real information. The internet is full of sites and forums with performers telling newbies how they did it. I say that every performer’s story and experience is different, so don’t bother asking someone else how they did it. Just go out there and do it!
I will give you some good tips on how to start out and more importantly, how to think. You have seen the people who are “just good enough” at what they do to get by. They are the ones that don’t make any money, because no one wants to watch them for very long (if at all).
You have probably also seen the really great performers that blow your mind away with their talents. Those are the ones you stay and watch for hours, not just minutes. Those are the performers that make all the money. Those are the performers you want to be like.