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“Extra cash.” Two words that were made for each other, especially for us starving college students. And now we have two other words that should interest you: street-performing.
It doesn’t matter what you do to wow folks with pockets full of spare change. It’s summer, and you need a couple extra bucks for your iced coffee fund. So grab a pogo-stick, ukulele, box of magic tricks–whatever—and hit the streets with your collection box while following these simple suggestions.
1. Location, Location, Location
It goes without saying that you want to look for a high-traffic pedestrian street corner–we suggest hot spots like off campus at Bancroft and Telegraph avenues, the Downtown Berkeley BART station, and the Powell BART Station. These areas tend to be crawling with potential donors at lunchtime (as early as noon and as late as 2 p.m.) and in the evening, when folks are just getting off of work (a.k.a. turning into walking money bags).
Here’s an off-the-record tip: you’re better off asking for forgiveness than permission. Pick a street corner, and perform there until you get kicked out by officials.
2. Be Patient
Street-performing isn’t for the weak. It may take an hour before you make your first buck, but give it time. Your audience needs that extra minute to really buy what you’re selling, so be prepared to be out on the streets for two or three hours at a time.
3. Be Original
You think you’ve seen it all—from the keyboard player in front of Berkeley Public Library to the yo-yo guy a couple blocks down in front of Longs Drugstore. And who can forget the guy on Embarcadero in San Francisco that dresses up as a shrub and jumps out to scare unsuspecting tourists?
Of course, you can’t go wrong with a guitar, a harmonica, a violin or an upside down paint bucket and drumsticks. Just remember that you’re in competition with the professional pan handler across the street from you, so be prepared to have something creative to offer. We suggest an eye-catching get-up that will compare to even the eccentric local, shall we say, urban campers.
4. Respect territorial boundaries
Be warned: street-performing is a dog-eat-dog business. Be aware and courteous to other performers in your proximity. If you’re making music, try not to be heard from the corner of your performing neighbor. Also, it’ll behoove both you and the competition to be sure that both of you are displaying different talents.
5. Smile
Lastly, light that twinkle in your eye and pick out the last bit of spinach between your teeth. This area is crawling with tourists and “Gosh darn, isn’t that something?” mothers. It’s your mission to squeeze every last Mr. Washington from their wallets, using your adorable factor as your lethal weapon. At the very least, you’ll score laundry change and a too-big smile from a creepy man.
Image Source: tvol under Creative Commons
Earlier: How To: Drop In on Comic-Con After It’s Too Late
Comments:
Aug 4, 2008 at 7:58 am
This reminds me of the guy in NY that goes by the naked cowboy. I hear he makes a boatload.