Greetings my fellow entertainers. I have been wondering, for some time, what kind of New Year’s resolutions performers make (and how well they keep them). Do comics resolve to be even more hysterical? Do jugglers resolve to keep more objects in the air? Do prop comedians resolve to develop more unusual props? Do comedy magicians resolve to be more amazing and more amusing? Do other jesters and buskers resolve to be more assertive in marketing their entertainment services? Do still others resolve to broaden their horizons – Perhaps attempt to attract additional client bases, or add new comedic elements to their artistic repertoire?
Maybe you would like the opportunity to perform more often, and at new and different venues. Have you thought of adding atmosphere entertainment to your entertainment bag of tricks? I hear you silently asking me, “What in the world is atmosphere entertainment?” You may know this old, yet reliable art form by another name. Have you heard other jesters or buskers talking about “table hopping” or “strolling entertainment”. While a stage performance is presented while in front of the audience, atmosphere entertainment is performed from within the audience. This energetic style of performance art involves greeting and entertaining (by either amazing and/or amusing them) members of a crowd “one on one” or in small groups. Then, you move on to your next mini-audience (or someone new approaches you). It’s opening night every two minutes.
You may be able to adapt some of your current entertainment skills for use in atmosphere performing. Many stage magicians earn some very nice dollars doing “close-up magic” in restaurants, bars, night clubs, casinos, or on cruise ships, or at large corporate and civic events. Physical comedians pick up extra money doing their stuff while strolling among large crowds at malls, supermarkets, and large department stores, as well as fairs and festivals. Musicians are well-paid to play their wood winds or strum or pluck their stringed instruments while strolling amid crowds in restaurants and at fairs and festivals. These all also great venues for networking. Always brings a supply of give away items which contain
your name and contact information. Work the giveaways into your mini-performances (the little bits of business you do for one or two, or a few people). As with any business, “point of sale” advertising is an an extremely important part of your overall marketing strategy. The best time to promote yourself is while people are able to see and enjoy what you do.
Maybe you will choose to develop new artistic elements to utilize at your atmosphere gigs. Once, while attending an entertainers’ conference outside of Syracuse, New York, I witness a young man walking his pet blue jay (a wooden letter “j” painted blue). He didn’t have to approach anyone. People came up and started the conversation for him. I have an old Polaroid camera (My wife says I never throw anything away) that I use. I insert a picture postcard of myself (with my contact information) where the film cartridge used to go. Then I take someone’s picture. Then, while handing them my picture, I exhibit surprise at how much we look alike. That way, the giveaway is part of the trick. It’s fun, seamless way to get my contact information into the hands of as many people as possible. Adding atmosphere entertainment to your entertainment repertoire is a great way to get paid to advertise your own business. Remember, every person you meet is a potential client.
If you’re adept at visual arts (Sadly, I am not) you could add face/hand painting to the list of entertainment skills you offer. There are great books about it in every bookstore and, in most libraries. Perhaps, you would like to learn balloon twisting (if, like me, you are full of hot air and don’t fancy a career in politics) and use this profitable art form as a way to supplement your income and promote other parts of your entertainment package. Kids (and many adults) will flock to you. And, where there are kids, there are parents. And parent is just another name for potential client. Have giveaways ready for the kids. Color pages rolled up like magic wands (with your performance schedule and contact information included), coloring books, “autographed” picture post cards, mini frisbees, stickers, ball point pens, etc. Kids love these little items and they show them to their parents (who, in turn, see your contact information).
Now, how to get paid? Over the years, I have performed atmosphere entertainment for cash, for barter (see recent posts), for tips, for cash and barter, for cash and tips, for barter and tips, and for for all three. Whatever works for you and your client. Quite often, you can negotiate long-term (weekly, monthly, etc.) atmosphere gigs with venues such as malls, restaurants, and department stores. Then you become a fixture in the minds of your clients, their staff and their patrons. And when they, or someone they know need entertainment, you are the first entertainer they think of.
Well, I know that’s a lot of information. I hope you find it helpful. I firmly believe every building is a potential venue and every person is a potential client. And the person most qualified to market your business is you. Who else has invested as much time, money, and creative and both physical energy as you have?
If you have questions or comments, I would love to hear from you.
P.S: On Wednesday, January 25, 2012 (of course) I will be performing, along with a few new comedy friends, onstage (not atmosphere entertainment) at the Improv Comedy Club in Cleveland, Ohio. If you live, work, or are going to be in the area,
come out and see us. We would love to meet you.
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