If you find yourself stumped about how to get started, single out the skills and talents that you’re most proud of, then think of a unique way to present them. Some of the most consistently popular busking acts include musicians, jugglers, acrobats, magicians, and dancers. Consider learning a new skill to separate yourself from the pack. In a city that’s inundated with dancers, for instance, you might go unnoticed. As a mime, however, you’re guaranteed to turn heads.
You’re welcome to play for more than an hour, provided you have enough fresh material. If you’re a non-musical performer such as a magician, put together four or five separate acts that are each 15-20 minutes long and rotate between them as your audience changes.
Take requests, if asked. You might love Baroque music, for instance, but it will pay to have a few jazz or classic rock numbers under your belt if you find that crowds tend to call for them. One useful tactic is to survey the crowd as it gathers and determine the average age among the faces you see. You can then choose your material accordingly.
You’re sure to encounter your share of hecklers along the way. Instead of firing back with taunts of your own, kill them with kindness and a show-stopping act. [5] X Research source Unlike a stage show where the audience pays the price of admission to watch you do your thing, you won’t have much control over the behavior of people passing by on the street.
Observe your audience’s reactions closely. They can often provide you with the feedback you need, even if it’s mostly unspoken. Keep a notebook to record details like how much you earned for each performance, how busy different spots are at different times of day, and what people seemed to respond to the best.
Even different boroughs within the same city may have different regulations, so read carefully on the area you’ve chosen to stage your performance. If you’re asked to leave by a patrolman or property owner, comply. Putting up a fight will only land you in trouble and give buskers a bad name.
If possible, select a location that’s suitable for the act you’re putting on—for instance, you’ll need quite a bit of room for an acrobatics display. Similarly, musicians will benefit from areas with good acoustics where the sound will carry to more curious ears. Be careful not to get in anyone’s way. This can quickly change the perception of your act from an endearing display to an irritating obstacle. [9] X Research source
Performing in or around train and subway stations can be a smart strategy, since you’ll have a new audience every time the shuttle stops. When you’re first starting out, stick with regular hours that you can bank on. As you get more experience, you can experiment with different times to adapt to the rhythms of your city, or even begin moving your act from place to place.
If your act relies on lots of props and accessories, turn your storage solution into an advertising opportunity by stashing them in a push cart with the name of your act displayed on the side. For musical and spoken word performances, you might also make use of a microphone or amplifier, though this will limit your options as far as where you can set up.
Get creative by incorporating your tip jar into the theme of your act. For instance, you could leave an instrument case sitting open if you’re a musician, or turn a top hat upside down if you’re a magician. Resist the temptation to beg for contributions. If people want to tip you, they typically will out of their own accord.
Invest in a strap for your musical instruments so you can play comfortably in a standing position.
Pause for a minute or two after each act on your setlist to talk to your audience and answer questions.
Teach willing participants how to perform basic dance steps to connect with them one-on-one. A little playful teasing can make your audience members feel more involved. Just be careful not to embarrass them or hurt their feelings.
It’s a good idea to deliver your hat line just before the big finale. Otherwise, the audience may have already thinned out by the time you’re finished.
Acknowledge generous passersby with a smile or nod when you’re busy performing. [16] X Research source Never perform with the mentality that you’re owed something. As a busker, you’ve decided to take your chances, and every little bit that you walk away with is more than you had before.
