Episode 139: Want to be a Street Performer? [Discussion]

[jackierulesall]

So by now you've got well over 100 kick-ass tricks you're learned from scam school, and I get a LOT of letters from people asking how to hone their skills as a performer. Everyone's different, but I know that for me, street performing was an invaluable experience. It forced me to learn how to build a crowd, how to recognize when people were getting bored, and gave me an opportunity to hone my skills without having to book a "real" show. In this episode of Scam School, we take it to the streets and try to discover the ins and outs of street performing.

Watch or download now! (http://revision3.com/scamschool/streetperformers)

[goradrix]

Man, I have to say, I love Scamschool, it just awesome, but this episode, I hate not been able to see you perform in person since im not from USA, I from venezuela, im a rookie magician, (about a year since I start) I have a little experience in street magic, in a event in my country called "por el medio de la calle" (in the middle of the street) not so long ago and was one of the best experience ever in my life, since then Ive want it to do it again, to be a street performer, but didnt know how to beging or what to do, but this episode, I know, the laws are diferent in my country (probably gonna have to seek help from a lawer about that) but the experiences from this people, give me just that little "push" I need it to go out and do it, do this thing I love so much, magic, thx a lot man, greetings from here, you have a lot of fans here to

Alexander Victoral
(BTW, I apologize for my english, its not my native language)

[trolley]

"Fair" vs. "fare"...tsk tsk editors! :)

[heartybbq]

The man who plays Angelman seems like the coolest dude ever!

[garethj]

It can be done moving only 3 matches!

[starksanity]

What a great series and episode. The content keeps getting better and better. I do have one observation about this episode...

If you are seriously interested in being successful as a street performer generally, and as a street magician specifically, there are a few resources that you should check out IMHO. David Groves, though a great guy from all accounts, wrote this book from the perspective of an outsider based on his research, most of it in the field.

To really understand, realistically, how to get started on the street I recommend, first and formost, "To Lure With Spectacle" by Jimmy Talksalot. His perspectives will teach you how to go about developing and performing your show without damaging the industry.

Not to discourage you too much, but Groves' book misses some key points and inspiration for the beginner, as well as encourages a few habits that are detrimental to a career (even a casual one) on the street.

Besides "To Lure With Spectacle," the informed street performer will read the Cellini books on street performing which are filled with magic material and stories from a lifetime of performing. Jim Cellini was a master, and a great teacher and inspiration for magicians in both the magic community and the street performing venue.

I would love to see more interviews with street performers in the future, this episode, and these characters, were fascinating.

Kris