Clown wants to do some street performing in Europe
Aug 30th, 2015, 07:18 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Clown wants to do some street performing in Europe
Hi!
My name is Mandy Dalton. I have been a clown for 30 years in the US. I studied with Ringling, Cirque du Soleil, and in 2010 I did Nouveau Clown Institute in BCN.
This year I turned 50 and I want to go around Europe street performing.
I could use advice, help, and connections with other Fodorites who have done the same.
Not sure where to start with the questions so I will ask for the best links that you have for now. Thanks so much!
Mandy Dalton
My name is Mandy Dalton. I have been a clown for 30 years in the US. I studied with Ringling, Cirque du Soleil, and in 2010 I did Nouveau Clown Institute in BCN.
This year I turned 50 and I want to go around Europe street performing.
I could use advice, help, and connections with other Fodorites who have done the same.
Not sure where to start with the questions so I will ask for the best links that you have for now. Thanks so much!
Mandy Dalton
Aug 30th, 2015, 07:31 AM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am up for anywhere, any group, any type of clowning.
Life is precious short, and I want to play!
I would like to figure out the whole low cost, backpacker, street performer thing for at least a three month stint, if not longer.
I have applied for US SERVAS. Just holding off on the final interview until closer to my dates of travel. I am shooting to start in Spring 2016.
Life is precious short, and I want to play!
I would like to figure out the whole low cost, backpacker, street performer thing for at least a three month stint, if not longer.
I have applied for US SERVAS. Just holding off on the final interview until closer to my dates of travel. I am shooting to start in Spring 2016.
Aug 30th, 2015, 07:48 AM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am of course interested in anywhere, but of particular interest for me are the big ones Paris, London, Rome, Amsterdam, Berlin.
I was also wondering whether a "Home base" situation is advisable for a street performer, or should I continue to move throughout.
If a home base is advisable, I heard good things about Sofia Bulgaria for cheap room rentals and good high speed internet. True? Other suggestions?
Mandy
I was also wondering whether a "Home base" situation is advisable for a street performer, or should I continue to move throughout.
If a home base is advisable, I heard good things about Sofia Bulgaria for cheap room rentals and good high speed internet. True? Other suggestions?
Mandy
Aug 30th, 2015, 08:09 AM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Street performers need a license, which is issued by each city or municipality. How are your language skills? You'll need them when dealing with local officials, some who will not speak English.
As far as street performers go, they usually travel from city to city in small groups. They go where the festivals are and where they will find tourist. Places like Barcelona can be overrun with street performers during high season, Paris less likely.
http://www.buskercentral.com
http://www.buskersadvocates.org
As far as street performers go, they usually travel from city to city in small groups. They go where the festivals are and where they will find tourist. Places like Barcelona can be overrun with street performers during high season, Paris less likely.
http://www.buskercentral.com
http://www.buskersadvocates.org
Aug 30th, 2015, 08:50 AM
#10
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In Berlin:
You do not need a permission or license for street performances as long as it does not involve a lot of noise.
As long as you pose to danger to street traffic or generate the aforementioned noise, your performance is protected as artistic freedom - also as a foreigner (so you cannot be forced to perform elsewhere if the next shopkeeper hates clowns, for example).
You may ask for donations, but the amount per day must not be high enough to substitute a regular basic income.
Which it won't as there are a LOT of street artists in Berlin. Except for winter when it's just too cold. But also in summer you should not expect to make more than 30-50 euros or less during a full day in summer.
You do not need a permission or license for street performances as long as it does not involve a lot of noise.
As long as you pose to danger to street traffic or generate the aforementioned noise, your performance is protected as artistic freedom - also as a foreigner (so you cannot be forced to perform elsewhere if the next shopkeeper hates clowns, for example).
You may ask for donations, but the amount per day must not be high enough to substitute a regular basic income.
Which it won't as there are a LOT of street artists in Berlin. Except for winter when it's just too cold. But also in summer you should not expect to make more than 30-50 euros or less during a full day in summer.
Aug 30th, 2015, 08:55 AM
#12
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"In Berlin: You do not need a permission or license for street performances as long as it does not involve a lot of noise."
But anywhere in Europe, an American will be refused entry unless either:
- they agree not to seek work, or
- they have previously obtained a work permit and have been granted a visa on that basis.
There are special arrangements for SOME self-employed performers, but these vary by country. Your branch of Actors' Equity (the most aggressive lobbyist on the planet when it comes from stopping Europeans working the US) will advise.
But anywhere in Europe, an American will be refused entry unless either:
- they agree not to seek work, or
- they have previously obtained a work permit and have been granted a visa on that basis.
There are special arrangements for SOME self-employed performers, but these vary by country. Your branch of Actors' Equity (the most aggressive lobbyist on the planet when it comes from stopping Europeans working the US) will advise.
Aug 30th, 2015, 09:14 AM
#13
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
-But anywhere in Europe, an American will be refused entry unless either:
- they agree not to seek work, or
- they have previously obtained a work permit and have been granted a visa on that basis.-
My brother is a drummer and has toured Europe a few times with various bands. He has never been "refused entry." The band flies to Europe, the band plays in clubs, the band goes home. I don't think there is a ton of money exchanging hands, however.
There were some times when the tax police came and wanted the VAT on the CDs they sold. Which in the case of a clown is not going to be an issue for the OP unless she is selling Cirque de Soleil DVDs.
My brother carries his CYMBALS on the plane with him - its pretty apparent he is going there to play. He is definitely not trying to hide anything and his main gigs are in Belgium and Germany.
- they agree not to seek work, or
- they have previously obtained a work permit and have been granted a visa on that basis.-
My brother is a drummer and has toured Europe a few times with various bands. He has never been "refused entry." The band flies to Europe, the band plays in clubs, the band goes home. I don't think there is a ton of money exchanging hands, however.
There were some times when the tax police came and wanted the VAT on the CDs they sold. Which in the case of a clown is not going to be an issue for the OP unless she is selling Cirque de Soleil DVDs.
My brother carries his CYMBALS on the plane with him - its pretty apparent he is going there to play. He is definitely not trying to hide anything and his main gigs are in Belgium and Germany.
Aug 30th, 2015, 09:22 AM
#14
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think the biggest issue is if you can make enough to live on. If you try to enter Schengen for a lengthy period - up to the 90 days allowed - and can;t demonstrate that you have enough money to live on for that time they may well turn you back at the border. So I would make sure you at least have reservations at a hostel of your first city and can demonstrate enough money to live on (bank account or CCs) the whole time you are there.
If you tell the Immigration officer this is your plan there is a good chance they will consider you to be a possible charge on their social service system and entry will be denied.
I would check the rules in each country to be sure no license is needed (probably not possible to get) and that your finances will bear scrutiny.
If you tell the Immigration officer this is your plan there is a good chance they will consider you to be a possible charge on their social service system and entry will be denied.
I would check the rules in each country to be sure no license is needed (probably not possible to get) and that your finances will bear scrutiny.
Aug 30th, 2015, 09:27 AM
#15
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
With flanners' remark in mind, I think I should clarify and add:
In Germany (and not only Berlin), street performances are protected as artistic expression and are not classified as (illegal) "work" as long as they are not part of an employer/employee scheme.
If a restaurant paid you to perform as a clown, it would be illegal work.
If you sold DVDs or photo books of your performances, it would be illegal work.
(Illegal in this context means: illegal for anyone without a working permit, not illegal per se).
Asking for donations should be "passive", like with the proverbial hat on the street. You should not actively ask for donations.
Your artistic performance should not cause any dirt or stink. Or permanent alterations of the cityscape.
Non-permanent actions like using color chalk to paint on the pavement are obviously not restricted.
Buskers may only use acoustic instruments and no amplifiers.
When these criteria are met or those restrictions avoided, you do not need a permission or registration in Berlin.
But in other municipalities in Germany it may be the case. The permission must be granted to artists, though.
In Germany (and not only Berlin), street performances are protected as artistic expression and are not classified as (illegal) "work" as long as they are not part of an employer/employee scheme.
If a restaurant paid you to perform as a clown, it would be illegal work.
If you sold DVDs or photo books of your performances, it would be illegal work.
(Illegal in this context means: illegal for anyone without a working permit, not illegal per se).
Asking for donations should be "passive", like with the proverbial hat on the street. You should not actively ask for donations.
Your artistic performance should not cause any dirt or stink. Or permanent alterations of the cityscape.
Non-permanent actions like using color chalk to paint on the pavement are obviously not restricted.
Buskers may only use acoustic instruments and no amplifiers.
When these criteria are met or those restrictions avoided, you do not need a permission or registration in Berlin.
But in other municipalities in Germany it may be the case. The permission must be granted to artists, though.
Aug 30th, 2015, 09:33 AM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Carrying a musical instrument would not necessarily mean you are going to be a street performer. Lots of people carry one just for personal use. Maybe not cymbals, I agree as that isn't really a solo recital instrument or something you play at home (I'm guessing), but I don't think customs people should be guessing what you are doing with a musical instrument. I carry sheet music with me sometimes to practice on vacation, and I don't busk on the streets.
I think the OP needs to research each city of desired travel and find out their regulations and licensing issues. I'll admit I don't remember seeing a lot of clowns in the streets in Europe, more other kind of performers. Not sure I've ever seen any, although I suppose a clown cold adapt to those mime things (which I don't like, I only like musicians).
I know Paris the best and know you need a license there and must audition for doing it in the metro system. I'm pretty sure you need a license there to do it, also, in other public locations. Or you can risk getting busted and fined. YOu might consider Royal Mile in Edinburgh, I think they have organizers and a lottery each day as to who gets to perform. Covent Garden is a bit of a stretch for a newcomer, you need a good act and I think they have auditions also (West Piazza). Pretty competitive, as is the Pompidou Centre in Paris.
My sister was a clown for a while, actually, but she only did it at home for parties and special events, never tried to do it on the street.
There are various websites and organizations devoted to this, you should find out about them and maybe they have details on more of these issues. LIke this one
http://www.buskercentral.com/websites.php
or http://busk.co/
I think the OP needs to research each city of desired travel and find out their regulations and licensing issues. I'll admit I don't remember seeing a lot of clowns in the streets in Europe, more other kind of performers. Not sure I've ever seen any, although I suppose a clown cold adapt to those mime things (which I don't like, I only like musicians).
I know Paris the best and know you need a license there and must audition for doing it in the metro system. I'm pretty sure you need a license there to do it, also, in other public locations. Or you can risk getting busted and fined. YOu might consider Royal Mile in Edinburgh, I think they have organizers and a lottery each day as to who gets to perform. Covent Garden is a bit of a stretch for a newcomer, you need a good act and I think they have auditions also (West Piazza). Pretty competitive, as is the Pompidou Centre in Paris.
My sister was a clown for a while, actually, but she only did it at home for parties and special events, never tried to do it on the street.
There are various websites and organizations devoted to this, you should find out about them and maybe they have details on more of these issues. LIke this one
http://www.buskercentral.com/websites.php
or http://busk.co/
Aug 30th, 2015, 09:40 AM
#17
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
-Carrying a musical instrument would not necessarily mean you are going to be a street performer.-
Of course - very true and my brother was not planning on performing on the street. But he travels with the band, so they are all carrying instruments. It is clear that they are an American band going to play in Europe. And were never refused entry. I guess that is the point I was trying to convey.
He ended up living in Berlin for some time. I met a busker there, friend of my brothers who often went to Copenhagen because it was even better for artists there. But that was 2007, so things may have changed.
Of course - very true and my brother was not planning on performing on the street. But he travels with the band, so they are all carrying instruments. It is clear that they are an American band going to play in Europe. And were never refused entry. I guess that is the point I was trying to convey.
He ended up living in Berlin for some time. I met a busker there, friend of my brothers who often went to Copenhagen because it was even better for artists there. But that was 2007, so things may have changed.
Aug 30th, 2015, 09:52 AM
#18
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, but clowns don;t usually play instruments. Musical groups are usually not an issue - since each one is different - and Immigration usually won;t ask questions about that. There are SO many groups that play in other countries - and Immigration isn;t afraid you will end up sleeping in the street.
But if one says I'm going to be a clown performing in public places for contributions - then the first question is how much money do you have to live on. Just saying - unless you are prepared to prove ability to support yourself don't get into the whole clown thing.
But if one says I'm going to be a clown performing in public places for contributions - then the first question is how much money do you have to live on. Just saying - unless you are prepared to prove ability to support yourself don't get into the whole clown thing.
Aug 30th, 2015, 10:54 AM
#19
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm following this thread with interest because I think it would be a neat thing to do. I really enjoy buskers.
My only thought would be the reaction of other buskers. I should think that, regulations or not, street performers might be fiercely protective of prime spots in which to perform. To show up unannounced on somebody's prime corner might result in a not very comic clown thumping, I fear.
My only thought would be the reaction of other buskers. I should think that, regulations or not, street performers might be fiercely protective of prime spots in which to perform. To show up unannounced on somebody's prime corner might result in a not very comic clown thumping, I fear.
Aug 30th, 2015, 12:22 PM
#20
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 12,011
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When you were in Barcelona at the Clown Institute, did you make any connections with people there who would have knowledge about what you want to do?
Perhaps you would want to do that again for current/new connections. It seems like that would be a great source of information about Europe.
When you were there, I am sure you saw all the performers on Las Ramblas. You could even talk with some of them and find out how they managed. One person I spoke with was an American spending the summer working on Las Ramblas. He bought a second hand piano and a flat dolly and pushed it up and down, stopping to play in front of the cafes. He was a very accomplished classical pianist. He said he was doing very well, but he played all day, every day, and was living with a group of other young musicians.
Ok, not Europe, but to see how street performers fare, you might start by checking cities in the US. Some have a big competition in early Spring for performers to work for the summer. Performers are really good interacting with the audience, have regular times and a permission card. Baltimore does that. Check other cities like NO.
Now, just throwing out other possibilities. Honestly, most people I see at these jobs look younger, but you never know.
Cruise ships have all kinds of entertainers. Pay is not great, but cost of living is nil and you travel to new places. Check out auditions for them. Look into Disney and Norwegian.
Winter possibilities in Europe might be Christmas Markets, not just in Germany either.
Question. Have you done street performing before? Do people pay much? Truth is, hadn't thought of it before, but I always give generously to good musicians, to others, usually not so much. A good mime - yes. Sword swallower - never. Can a clown survive on donations?
Good luck
Perhaps you would want to do that again for current/new connections. It seems like that would be a great source of information about Europe.
When you were there, I am sure you saw all the performers on Las Ramblas. You could even talk with some of them and find out how they managed. One person I spoke with was an American spending the summer working on Las Ramblas. He bought a second hand piano and a flat dolly and pushed it up and down, stopping to play in front of the cafes. He was a very accomplished classical pianist. He said he was doing very well, but he played all day, every day, and was living with a group of other young musicians.
Ok, not Europe, but to see how street performers fare, you might start by checking cities in the US. Some have a big competition in early Spring for performers to work for the summer. Performers are really good interacting with the audience, have regular times and a permission card. Baltimore does that. Check other cities like NO.
Now, just throwing out other possibilities. Honestly, most people I see at these jobs look younger, but you never know.
Cruise ships have all kinds of entertainers. Pay is not great, but cost of living is nil and you travel to new places. Check out auditions for them. Look into Disney and Norwegian.
Winter possibilities in Europe might be Christmas Markets, not just in Germany either.
Question. Have you done street performing before? Do people pay much? Truth is, hadn't thought of it before, but I always give generously to good musicians, to others, usually not so much. A good mime - yes. Sword swallower - never. Can a clown survive on donations?
Good luck
