I've had a set of Paul Fox Chick cups for several months now with the intention of using them in my street performance.
They finally made their debut on Sunday and I'm happy to say it all went pretty well.
Oddly it wasn't until a few hours later that I even realized that nobody had ever seen my routine with the busker pouch and Chick Cups as I was too busy thinking about everything else.
It's probably best that way since I didn't need to be any more nervous.
The routine went fine but I unintentionally left out the hat load which I'm always debating anyway since I think it does make the routine a little less pure, but it's hard to beat the surprise.
The weekend was part of the School for Busking in Cardiff, Wales, and it was quite a good experience.
If you're considering a street act I'd recommend it for next time. I might even go again.

Jasper... Congratulations on getting out there; we wish you luck. I would like to hear more about the Scholl for Busking if there is more you can share.

Bruce

Yeah, I really liked the School for Busking.
Although I would've loved going any other year, 2011 was a great situation.
With only ten students, both new and returning, it gave a good amount of attention to everyone's act.
Many of us are good magicians, yet working in a busking situation is a whole different animal, and it's one that has special requirements that the workshops deal with.
At the same time, busking would easily help many people's act since it will stress the overlapping and tightening of the overall performance, rather than just a series of tricks. etc.
Many of us are a little spoiled when it comes to audiences. They seldom have the opportunity to leave in the middle of the act, or worse, a single routine.
Not every student was a magician, but more than half were. Luckily,(aside from a little rope work) nobody really had similar material, which was a little surprising since in 2009 there were many cup workers.
I was the only one this year, which made me feel a little unique, but I'm aware there are plenty out there.
So all in all, I recommend it to anyone that wants to get the immediate feedback of an audience (in the form of cash) and I plan to return as well as continue to do my European tour with the cups as my closer.

Jasper... Way cool; I understand what you mean about audience control, I bet you also learned how to manage on the spot... when situations totally get out of control or not the path you are directing towards.

Yes, I have it lucky that when I perform its where and when of my choosing and if I had to live off the hat with my current skills I would not be living as well... LOL.

Good luck on the streets and with the European tour!

Bruce

Congratulations, Jasper
I know it's hard to do busking situation..

I've tried only close up stuff, not yet Cups and Balls...

Do you mind sharing what we should look out for, maybe precaution of some sort, etc ?

Cheers
Andre

Hey Jasper, let's hear about that busking school!