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A friend and I are thinking of a dual busking act where he's a steampunky robot and I'm a doll, both of us "coin operated." It'd be a living statue act where, when we get a tip, he has some comedic/dancy character stuff and I would do a little juggling routine (we haven't worked out the routine yet, but we want to play off of each other). I've done street shows before, but only as "friendly local cj girl". So I need some advice. Normally I talk with people while cjing (especially kids), move to make eye contact, kneel down, smile, interact, teach, etc. Normally I only gets tips in my local area when a personally give some attention to a kid. So how do you guys handle a silent character on the street? Is it easy to adjust to? Do you still end up chatting with people during breaks?

I also have a small question about hand makeup, what sort of things can you put on your hands that won't stick to the ball? I know how to fiddle with face and neck stuff, but I don't want gobs of anything to come off on my acrylic.

Thanks in advance, any tips/advice/stories are very much appreciated.

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I used to love wearing rings. Then I got into contact juggling, and got tired of taking them on and off, so the rings moved to a necklace. Now I'm trying to learn chestrolls. D: The things I give up for CJ.

oh oh. So stoked on this topic. No time. We'll chat!

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Ahhh, the old "body paint vs. ball" conversation-- You're gonna have to leave your hands alone on that one, I'm afraid!

Regarding the silent character, have you ever held a "conversation" with someone where neither of you speak the same language? It's a lot like that! You can relay an AMAZING amount of information to people without words. Might I suggest you get this book: http://www.amazon.com/Mime-Book-Claude- ... 0916260550

You can play 'games' with people to get them interested, hold the ball over little kids heads and make them jump for it-- just generally play around before your show starts. And still, you can make eye contact. I've always liked getting up in peoples faces when performing. Make them have no option but to watch you. I'll commonly walk around in a circle around the audience doing palm circles or something like that during a show, as you pass each person slowly, they'll focus on you and continue to watch as you move through the audience. By the time you get back to your stage area, everyone will be locked.

You know, I'm not sure if that is too relevant, but maybe it will still help at some point, so I'll just go ahead and leave that there. Good luck with your new show!

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Never underestimate the complexity of buttered toast

There is a non permanent hair dye called Dye Hard that I use on my hands when I'm doing Calvos. I use the metallic silver and it almost works really well.

I have to get completely ready to go out before I put it on. I have to slap it on thick and then leave it to dry for 15 minutes, but once it has dried it stays on really well. I perform with acrylics too. In the heat, once your hands start to sweat a bit then the ball does end up a bit smeared, but a quick once over with a cloth sorts it out.

My main worry is this stuff is designed to go onto hair, not directly onto the skin. I don't use it very often so I'm not too concerned, but using it day in day out might be another story.

Also it becomes quite expensive, and I really wouldn't be putting it all over your body!

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As far as the silent character goes, there are two basic points that I think I'll mention. Actually, these are good with any acting:

1. Acting is reacting. In a situation like this it would be reacting to the audience as well as your partner, and you can find random things to react to that may get people into it more. Something odd someone is wearing, for example...People get into the spirit of things if you joke around with them, and you can definitely do that without words.

2. No one pays to see under the top. ...Unless they're attending a strip club. (Couldn't resist...I typed the tip and thought, "That doesn't exactly sound like how I meant it.") Anyway, I digress...Basically practice the character, and be the character. Fully. The more in character you are, the more that people will get lost in the performance (plus the more in character you are, the easier the juggling portion of the performance will flow). Amplify movements when needed to...Some things that you may think will look ridiculous at first (facial expressions as well as basic movement) actually go really well when played in front of an audience.

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