Streetwise

By Chad McCall

Streetwise is the premier guide to taking your magic to the streets. Utilizing his 30+ years of performing experience, The Blackbelt Magician will supply you with the tricks and tips you need to not only survive, but thrive on the street. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro, this book will give you the confidence you need to hit the bricks and entertain the most skeptic crowd.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chad McCall
• Release date: Jan 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301851072

Book preview

Streetwise

By Gary McKibben and Chad McCall

Copyright 2012 Chad McCall

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition Licensing Note

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to another party. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase another copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

Table of Contents:

INTRODUCTION TO STREET PERFORMING.

LOCATION

THE CROWD

DRESS

DO’S & DON’TS

30 STREET TRICKS

15 WAYS TO INVOLVE THE AUDIENCE

PITCHES FOR $$$

HECKLER LINES

ASIDES & SAVERS

EQUIPMENT

MY STREET PROPS

HORROR STORIES

POLICE

PHOTO EVIDENCE

MY ROUTINE

BUSKING WEBSITES

BUSKING TERMS

Why the Street?

Why would I want to perform out on the streets? Well, for a beginner, the streets are a place to start. You may bring a pleasant surprise to someone’s boring day. You’re just there inviting someone to have some fun. There’s a chance to try out new material without spoiling a show if it doesn’t go over. You can also make a respectable amount of money. The money I’ve made while performing is the most satisfying I’ve ever made. Nothing beats the feeling of going home tired, but with a can full of money. It’s spendable appreciation from fans who liked what you did. I also book quite a few parties & shows from people who saw the act. You’ve spent time practicing in front of the mirror. The guys at work have already seen your stuff. You aren’t ready to appear on the World’s Greatest Magic #15 yet. What have you got to lose? You may just find out that you’re not a performer at all, or you might find that it’s just your cup of tea. You won’t know till you try!

Pick out 4 or 5 routines, polish them up and let’s go. You will need enough material to fill 15-20 minutes of time.

Most street performers use a lot of comedy. There are a lot of mimes, jugglers, and puppeteers who were quite humorous. You’ll need some jokes, heckler stoppers, one liners and fillers to punch up your tricks. There are some of each in the back of this book. Try to do tricks that are humorous, or at least entertaining. Pick up a copy of Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz. He gives some great advice on doing entertaining magic.

Before you start you’ll need to find a good location. Just keep reading, that's what we'll help out with first.

LOCATION

Depending on where you live, each city usually has some regulations. As a rule, you’re not allowed to block the sidewalk with your crowd