ribeirasacra

It seems as if working visa are needed for all performers.
http://www.touring-artists.info/visa...halt.html?&L=1
http://www.theguardian.com/music/201...cy-world-music
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/i...4092036AAd4UN1
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/m...portation.html
https://www.reddit.com/r/WeAreTheMus...as_for_europe/

Now that travel documentation checks are about to be instigated on international trains then moving around Europe illegally could get a lot harder.

Ackislander

From nukesafe, this: "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."

I don't know the details, but prime spots in Boston -- Park Street T station -- for example, are apparently assigned amongst [licensed] performers themselves on a rotating basis.

I think this is a really worthy ambition, and I hope you do it, but I would think about hooking up with a group whose work you admire and getting to know them for a day or two so you can become part of their performance rather than a competitor.

sandralist

Clowns don't usually have musical instruments? Where does that come from? Nytraveler, do you ever hesitate from posting in threads where you know absolutely nothing but are determined to spread anxiety and no-no-no, you can't do that in Europe? Do you ever get out of the house?

Dear MandyDalton123,

Ordinarily, I would say that flanneruk and nytraveler have proven over and over again on this message board that they know everything there is to know about being clowns in Europe, but I have to honestly point out to you that a thread like yours -- tallking about living in Europe and making some cash to spend as you go along -- is going to attract every bitter nanny scold who hangs out here throwing a lot of bogus negativity at your idea.

You do need to watch it in Rome and other places about not infringing on the established "territory" of other performers, but the streets of Europe are filled with people singing, dancing, performing for their supper, and so far, no mass deportations and arrests.

Of course do your research about how to avoid some of the obvious pitfalls, and fellow performers will be your best source. But I hope you were inspired to go into clowning out of a keen sense that the "respectable" stuff shirts who nominate the themselves to enforce the class rules (which they just make up out of thin air against anybody they suspect is about to spread fun) deserve to be exposed and defeated.

Best of luck to you! Europe could use a few laughs right now, even beyond the usual inadvenEnglish speaking tourists give us.

sandralist

Sorry for that mangled last sentence, whichs was supposed to be: beyond the usual inadvertant laughs English speaking tourists give us.

janisj

Sandralist/zeppole: haven't you yet learned the lesson that nastiness for nastiness' sake doesn't cut it on Fodors???

I think the OP does have genuine problems. If the border agents suspect she is entering Schengen to work (paid or unpaid) they will deny her entry.

So all this little Mary Sunshine 'oh, what fun!' May be wildly optimistic.

Even folks traveling to 'volunteer' are usually breaking the rules. And over 3 months is definitely a no go.

spayneuterlady

As long as this is not your shtick...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...est-spots.html

MandyDalton123

Thanks to all who have replied so far. Especially for those of you who have given me links. Yes I agree with the wisdom that the individual cities and country regulations need to be investigated. I plan to do that which is why I started this thread. I know the fodorites could give me the links that google couldn't to get started.

As for traveling with musical instruments--I don't play one.

I have frequently traveled to Europe with my juggling equipment. Never any trouble.

Ramblas--When I was at Nouveau Clown Institute I did meet with and interact with a lot of the living statues there. It seems the whole thing is now micromanaged to the point of near extinction because the street performing scene got way out of control. There is an audition/licensing ritual in most of Barcelona now that a lot of folks will still fly in the face of. It seems to be the risk tolerance for the 1000 Euro fine.

I do not plan to "make a living" while there. I have enough saved to do the 3 months on my own while staying at various places, hostels, to save money. I also have contacts (other clowns/performers) who will put me up for a couple of nights.

I am very sensitive about not encroaching on other performers territory which is why I am grateful for the buskers links and help.

I fear much of Europe's Street performer scene (from what I saw in Paris and BCN and London) is starting to go the way of the US scene. I think authorities are so freaked out about potential security threats and crime, that there is no place for someone to just make a few people laugh here and there anymore. Everything needs to be licensed and auditioned and sanitized. I understand the fear. I sympathize with it, but for crying out loud, all culture ultimately comes from the streets everywhere. Here is the US everything street performance (especially Baltimore and Boston) has to be approved as if it were Disneyworld. My 2p on that one.

I have friends who perform in various European countries all the time under invites and some not under invites. Nobody was ever deported.

Thanks again. Looking forward to more discussions!

Mandy

MandyDalton123

By the way, I live in the Washington DC Baltimore region. (I would rather have my teeth pulled than audition for the Inner Harbour which sucks all of the fun out of street performance.) Many of my colleagues in the area work there. I do not by choice. I have a lot of experience here is the states with street performing for festivals and fairs. That is how I make most of my living.

nukesafe

I do hope you have a series of wonderfully productive and hassle free gigs in Europe, Mandy! Making people smile is a worthy goal in life.

I hope I get to see you perform, if good fortune finds us in the same city. You can be sure of a suitable tribute appearing in your cup if our paths do cross. If you could post a link to a picture of you in regalia it would help us recognize you.

MandyDalton123

Can I ask how to upload photos beyond the profile pic? I went in to try to edit my profile, but I could only upload the profile pic.

suze

<Can I ask how to upload photos beyond the profile pic?>

Unfortunately you can't post photos beyond the one here on Fodors.

janisj

If you have photos on an on-line site like skatterfly/etc you can post a link to an album. But not post the actual photos on Fodors.

MandyDalton123

For those who are interested, here is my profile on GigMasters:

https://www.gigmasters.com/clown/man...ns-entertainer

mokka4

Wish you best of luck Mandy! When will you go?

Blueeyedcod

Mandy if you're in Italy, head to Naples as there are all kinds of street performers on the Lungomare (Via Partenope) but I've never seen clowns. I've seen a three piece band complete with double bass, I've seen Italian teens with guitars singing Nirvana - but no clowns and this area has no 'territory' as the buskers pop up everywhere. Best of luck and I hope to catch you - you will make many many people smile.