The Magicanada Project

Michael Kras · Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 1:12 am Post subject: Profiting... Ethical?

In street magic, after approaching some willing spectators and performing a few miracles, do you think it is reasonable to hint that you would like money in exchange for your small performance? I mean, street magic is about spontaneous, in-your-face magic in an everyday setting. Do you think it's right that magicians are, or expect to get, paid? The magician is the one who makes the approach, so not only do I feel this looks moochy, but also rather misleading. It can lead some to believe you're a dirt broke or homesless bum who knows a few card tricks and expects to show them to you and get paid... sort of like those squeegy guys who just start to spontaneously wash your windsheild and request money. Isn't street performance all about spreading the magic?

What do you think?

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Michael Kras
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teddy · Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 166

I agree that it is a little awkward to walk up to somebody and show them a few bits of magic, then hint that you would like some sort of compensation. I mainly like street magic just because of the rush and reactions, and I never imply that I want tips.

However, I completely understand if somebody sees that his audience is enjoying the performance and he sticks out his hat, bucket, etc. to collect.

BrianMillerMagic · Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 543 Location: New York State

This is one of those times that I feel it's my duty as a moderator to step in and say something serious. If you are not a licensed busker with a permit to be busking, you should absolutely not be sticking out a hat or trying to garner tips off of random strangers, even if they are having a great time.
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Liam · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 424

i dont think street magic is for profit
i guess i think that because its very awkward after preforming for a couple of people to ask for money
Also street magic is played up as a random thing, not as a proffesion that need to be payed for

Michael Kras · Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 11:17 am Post subject:

Those who want to profit off magic should take it up professionally. I especially don't like seeing restaurant magicians accept tips. I mean, they are already being paid a good amount from the restaurant that evening! Where has the love gone?????

Anyway, we now have a professional busker on our forums. Perhaps she could chime in?
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Michael Kras
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Ethan the Emazing · Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 160

Ian McCarthy · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 15

You don't need a licence to busk in the UK and Ireland, and as such I would know more magicians who busk.

I don't think 'Street Magic' is appropriate for busking. Look how the likes of Gazzo, Figo and Owen Lean do it (Google the names if you don't know them).

BrianMillerMagic · Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 543 Location: New York State

Michael Kras · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 12:17 am Post subject:

For once, I disagree. To me, street magic is simply performing magic out there, in the real world, anywhere and everywhere, no fancy stage or props. Just you, and some intrigued passerbys. To say street magic doesn't exist is like saying stage magic doesn't exist.... the name simply states where the magic itelf is performed.
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magicdance · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 1:38 am Post subject:

From what City Hall has told me, a busker's license here is only required to perform on one particular street. Other than that we just kind of have free roam of the city...which is why I've never bothered to get mine. Laughing

Though I'll probably end up doing it soon.

As an unlicensed busker, I wouldn't put down a hat if you paid me (very punny, I know) unless I absolutely needed to. By this I mean if I was running ridiculously low on funds and needed every bit of money I could scrape together. Other than that, I just can't see myself ever doing it. I feel bad enough when people drop money into my bag thinking that's what it's there for...

To me busking should always be something done for fun, not as a major source of income.

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