Roflcopter - #
One small step for the stage, One giant step for Roflcopter.
Alright, so disregarding the stupid headline, I really would like to get into performing. I would like street performing but I dunno that theres any right places around for now. So instead I would like to go into performing on say small stages and such. I supposes I'm pretty set with skills as far as juggling goes. I also have a bit of a rola bola routine and some jokes set up. My dilemma is, is that I'm not sure if I'm ACTUALLY ready for it ya dig? Is there any tips on how to go about this? things like self promoting and different things like that.
Thanks,
-Roflcopter
You'll never be 'ready' so just start. What makes a great performer is experience & the only way to get that is to get out & perform. Just get out & do any gig that you can.
Steve Rawlings wrote an excellent article for The Catch years ago that is still as relevant as it ever was:
The business of shows
Little Paul - - Parent #
You're ready.
If you wait for "I need that trick" you'll never get as far as performing as there will always be "just one more trick" you think you need. Best to just get out there and do it.
Performing is just like any other skill though, you can expect your first attempts to go badly, but if you stick at it you'll get better! With that in mind, first time out go for low key events. Family gatherings, church fun days, juggling festival shows, that sort of thing. Aim for a short, 5-10 minute bit to begin with (then if you die on your arse it'll be over quickly) just to get a feel for friendly audiences.
Then push yourself. Street is very much in at the deep end. You may sink, but if you can swim it'll make you a better performer! Other venues worth exploring are "open mic nights" in bars/comedy clubs.
Orins suggestion of that Steve Rawlings article is a good one. He knows his stuff.
More than you'd think for someone who once shot himself in the hand just before going on stage.
Roflcopter - - Parent #
Thanks guys, I like the article. I guess what's been keeping me is
1. getting that one more trick (in this case backcrosses)
2. putting together material, I'm fine with ad libbing but I cant really make up and tell jokes (or re tell jokes for that matter) that well.
3. Also say if I learn anew thing I'll show my girlfriend or a family member but of course they've already seen so much of it and don't really care so much.
also is it just me or have you ever felt that maybe once you've taken juggling as a hobby too far? that is if your a hobbyist and not an actual performer. It's probably different if you have juggling friends and all that.
Your ad libbing is where your material will come from. If it is a good ad lib, you'll be able to repeat it.
Little Paul - - Parent #
... as long as you can remember it.
I've had more than one ad-libbed line which went down really well, I thought I'd keep it, but 10 minutes later its fallen out of my head
Little Paul - - Parent #
Everyone needs a notebook
As other have said - you really just need to give it a try. Performing skills, handling the audience, keeping calm under pressure, being able to juggle with sweaty palms and shaky arms - these are all much more important than backcrosses (or any other single trick).
My advice would be to find a friendly audience. Juggling conventions are great for this - we are a forgiving bunch.
Not sure how old you are, but for kids / teenagers talent shows are a good place to start, again, parents are very appreciative and forgiving.
As an adult it is a little harder. Why not pull out a few tricks or a mini routine next time you are at a barbecue, or a work social night?
Personally I gained my confidence through convention shows, and by working as a kids entertainer for my 'summer job' over a few years.
Practice, prepare yourself - and then just go for it!
Colin E.
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