The World Juggling Federation

astro · Guest

yes, i searched and found *some* info on performance and passing the hat.

anyone have tips on "hat lines"? i can get the crowd (the first step), my comedy and juggling skills are sound (the second step) but how best i manage the hat (the last step)? ofcourse i am looking for the highest pay. i do have some ideas but thought other jugglers may have been at one point where i am now. anything helpful or constructive is greatly appreciated!

im thinking clever and comedic, and i will try to take an existing idea and make it different to my sense of humor and creativity

-astro

ClarkeASurrey · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 427 Location: Carlsbad

Everyone take out your wallets, take out one dollar...and give the rest to me.
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Jason Garfield · Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 1934 Location: Las Vegas, USA

Steve · Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 186 Location: Texas, USA

dont directly ask for cash say donations are kindly accepted
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Thomas13 · Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 120 Location: Tulln (Austria)

take out 1 dollar your self...and say :

"This is the average donation, but real fans of juggling donate, of course, more"

jugglebug13 · Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 317

Although I would NEVER do this, I saw a street juggler a while ago, who was from somewhere (I think it was France.) When he passed the hat, he says "Well, if you thought I was good, give me a dollar so that I can eat. If you thought I was bad, give me $1000 so that I can buy a plane ticket back to France" or something outlandish like that...

In all seriousness, I'm the kind of person who would leave a hat out on the sidewalk and just juggle - I wouldn't ask, just hope that people took pity on me...
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Glitch · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:03 am Post subject:

at-jefft · Joined: 16 May 2007 Posts: 28 Location: Elmhurst, IL

check out performers.net they have some great advise

Glitch · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:11 pm Post subject:

Ok this is kind of freaky, I just got back from my afternoon... juggle (I need to name that something cooler). Having the worst possible day because I my arms were being stupid, but I started to teach 2 kids how to juggle and one of the parents asked me if I do parties, and then I started to teach the moms to juggle. Also, a girl told me I should have a hat down, and if I did, she would totally throw in a dollar. So, a bad day turned into a decent one.

Should I throw my pity hat down and get a free lunch for my 2-3 hour training sessions in the food court on campus, or would that be lame without putting on a significant show?
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at-jefft · Joined: 16 May 2007 Posts: 28 Location: Elmhurst, IL

bryanmcdonald · Joined: 15 Nov 2006 Posts: 137

http://www.jugglingdb.com/compendium/performing/venues/streetshows/
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bornametalman · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 909 Location: Carlsbad, CA

I juggle on the beach for fun. Although I usually have a hat out, I only collect a dollar an hour. There's no show, just practice. But a dollar's a dollar.

ClarkeASurrey · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 427 Location: Carlsbad

bornametalman · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 909 Location: Carlsbad, CA

Bondo · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 41

You guys aren't jugglers you are pan-handlers. You'd get more money with a "will juggle for food" sign on the exit ramp...

Street performing is an art. Pick up those hats and do a show - or don't do it at all. If you are "just practicing" then practice, keep your hat on your head and show a little dignity for yourselves and for the profession.

To the OP Astro:
There are a myriad of stock and stolen hat lines that you will hear.
You can use the stock stuff early on in your career but it's better if you don't. Be original and write your own material.

(Google"comedy writing" there are a bazillion books on the subject nowdays. I recommend this for everyone! I like Steve Allen's books, but that may be a bit old school...I am sure there are some good ones written recently.)

Basically ask for bills, remind people you are doing this for tips only and if it happens to be your living - mention that. Stay away from guilt-trips unless it is over the top tongue-in-cheek. walk around with the hat in your hands. Don't be embarassed to ask for money, be proud and loud.

lots of info on street performing now on the web...keep searching. Good luck!
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