Michael Kras
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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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teddy
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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.
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BrianMillerMagic
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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
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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
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Michael Kras
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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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Ethan the Emazing
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| BrianMillerMagic wrote: | | 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. |
I agree. If you don't have a permit you should absolutely NOT ASK FOR MONEY. I have had people throw me a few bucks when I never asked or hinted I'd like some. I always refuse, but if they insist I take it and thank them. I would never put a hat out or anything unless I had a permit or written permission to do so.
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Ian McCarthy
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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).
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BrianMillerMagic
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| Ian McCarthy wrote: | 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). |
You definitely need a license to busk in the US. I also agree that "street magic" not only isn't busking, but doesn't even really exist. But most everyone on Magicanada has heard me complain about that enough, so there's no reason to bring that up anymore. Especially in the "street magic" forum.
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Michael Kras
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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
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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.  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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BrianMillerMagic
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So how do you feel about those who make their full time living off of professional busking?
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magicdance
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| BrianMillerMagic wrote: | | So how do you feel about those who make their full time living off of professional busking? |
I'm torn. On the one hand, like I said before, for me busking could never be more than a hobby (albeit one I spend a lot of time on) - but if I'm really being honest I'm sort of jealous of them!
More on topic, if busking is a person's full-time job and thus their only source of income, it's obviously reasonable for them to collect money.
I'd expand on this a little more, but I'm about to fall asleep at the keyboard. I think it's time for me to go to bed...
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Reuben The Great
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Okay, BUSKING as in a fair or a festival, you should not accept tips, but it is your duty to be there really. In a restaurant however, I believe a magician should not be looking for tips, but tips are very generous-- magicians aren't the most highly paid things in the world (in restaurants). Sometimes though, I find it a bit insulting when people offer tips, dont know why.
Street magic, no, money should NOT BE INVOLVED, no matter what.
Like I said, restaurant, pull the old "NO, I COULDN'T ACCEPT THIS!" and let them force it on you, I mean, who would say, "Okay, forget it, get lost."
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Liam
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i think busking should always be paid
either by the fair/festival or by the spectators
but blaining does not deserve money
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