Forums > Social Chat > What about you?

Posted: 24 years ago
Interaction. That is the key to success. As soon as you talk to the audience and make a connection you have won half the battle.The worst sounding band can become really big if they have the right front man or the right interaction.If im watching a performance i want to be moved in an emotional direction. Be that humour, sadness whatever. If someone can get a reaction from me of any sort then i probably enjoyed myself.Oh and i like fire. Anything with fire is good Cheers APB[This message has been edited by Auspoiboy (edited 07 November 2001).]

Good on usGood on us all

AnonymousPLATINUM Member

Posted: 24 years ago
I like to watch someone who is worth watching. If I'm watching a Juggler, I cant stand it if they just talk and talk about how great they are. I want to see outstanding juggling. Juggling thats worth watching. If I want an actor, I'll go see a play (which I do regularly) and see a professional group of actors.I really dislike it when a performer has just decided to be one, when they really dont deserve to be watched...I like to see polished skills.My favourites are the performers who have amazing skills, and can still interact with the audience through humour or whatever. I think that requires an even higher level of skill, and thus I am even more appreciative.For example, when I was in Venice last year, I saw a guy busking. He had outstanding skills (juggling, clowning simple magic, unicycle etc), while telling jokes (and talking to the audience!!) in about 4 different languages. THATS the kind of performer I like.Josh

Posted: 24 years ago
There's nothing wrong with ineptitude. Some of us take great pride in it.------------------C@ntus

Meh

Posted: 24 years ago
I think the most important part of any act is making one that THE AUDIENCE will enjoy, not the ACTORS!!! I've seen many PAINFUL improv groups that have a blast performing but SSUUUUUUUUCK because they are simply having fun and yelling alot. If you want to make a performance enjoyable to the audience, think about what they'd like to see NOT just what you have fun doing.We've talked about it before, there are the moves that are fun to do, and the moves that look good.I, personally, don't like audience interaction. Usually because it's done in a poor way. Unfortunately, it is important if you are "busking" (using my new vocab word) or at a place where you need positive feedback.Then again, we are the WORST people to ask as we have seen behind the smoke and mirrors. You're better off asking someone who just saw your show for the first time. Anytime you light up a wick and spin it around your head you're going to get a reaction. Just do the weave fast.

Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
[They do not move.]

Posted: 24 years ago
Good question Pele, in my time I've seen a lot of bands who can't play, and very happily payed to see them For me, what gets me into a show is professionalism. I don't care if the skills aren't amazing, but I am impressed by someone who has thought about what they are offering, and does so without ego. If someone has put a lot of thought and effort into a show - I'm generally impressed and will look over the lack of skills, props etc, if they've given it a good go. That's an effort that should be celebrated and congratulated - we're not all perfect, and that shouldn't stop us from getting up an having a go. I think professionalism is an attitude - not something that is reflected by the skills one has (the implication being the more skills you have the more professional you are - which most of us would know to be blatantly untrue).If someone is just riding on their own ego and it's pretty obvious they think they're shit hot then I'm not generally going to get into the show. And if someone is sexist, racist etc in their interactions with the audience - then you've lost me.I like nice genuine people without egos who are into open honest communication (words or actions).Thanks Pele, that really got me thinking about what I like in a show!!! ade

Posted: 24 years ago
I like to watch someone perform who is passionate about what they are doing and has a knack of sharing that with the audience...someone who dosnt come across as being egoscentric...like 'hey look at me Im sooo wonderful' I dont think there is anything wrong with enjoying the buzz you get from performing..but if it is a big ego trip then I think the audience can pick up on this.To watch a performer in whatever feild, be it a muscician or actor..so long as they are genuine and talented and offer something that bit 'individual', something that captures the audience, then I think they are on a winner. Its so boring sitting through a performance that youve paid good money for, to come away thinking 'bugger I could have bought me a nice, new, shiny set of fire poi for that' Everyone has there own style at the end of the day, but it takes more than practise to do well as a performer..it goes further than that, I think its a special inner talent that makes them 'shine'.I once watched a Canadian fiddle band called 'Barrage' they were all under the age of 25 but god could they play...it was an electrifying experience, they got it just right. They wernt the most perfect, polished act in the world but thats what made it so good. The raw, original talent is something that I will remember for a long time....Now if a performer can leave the audience with that lasting feeling then theve hit the nail on the head for me. Angie x------------------"If you alway do what youve always done, youll always get what youve always got".....by 'someone wiser than me'

"You've got red on you!" Shaun of the Dead

Posted: 24 years ago
What does their age have to do with it?

Meh

Posted: 24 years ago
I'm just hung up on age I'm afraid And I'm not even as old as you Angie

Meh

Posted: 24 years ago
You said it Pele, it's all about presence and engagement of the audience. Any performer regardless of skill has to connect somewhat with their audience and prove to them that they love what they're doing and want them to feel the same way. I've seen a lot of people, performers and groups that can be technically perfect but lack the ability to communicate with the crowd. I myself know a s@*t load of people technically better than me at some of the things i do, but i hope i make up for it in presence and connection. The paying customer will be the judge of that!I remember a couple of years back seeing this 'high school rock band' just busking in the middle of the main street. They were pretty shit but they where playing Hendrix so i had to stop, but there was this one kid(looked like the guitarist outta Lenny Kravitz's band) playing like Jimmi himself, technically perfect and by far the best in the band. But he had no presence, no engagment, no performance. Of coarse it could of been because he was only like 15 or something and maybe never played before, but if it was i hope he's snapped outta it because ther would be a whole lotta talent going to waist.Anyway, rambling. Nice one Pele.C'ya,Chris @ Fireworks.www.fireworksdance.com.au

Posted: 24 years ago
I typically watch the audiences reactions and, even when the technical skills are pretty low, if the audience is enjoying themselves I get swept along and enjoy the ride too.Admittedly, I have a habit of watching everything, movies, theatre, salesmen, buskers etc from an analytical point of view by thinking lots of..."how hard is that?" "how can I use that?" "What would make it better?"But, it depnds on what you set out to do. If I'm getting paid to do "door fire" (fire juggling at the entrance to attract attention), I tend to do a lot of technical tricks, without much interaction, so the "audience" can see as much as possible in the few seconds that it takes to walk past me.If I'm busking, I talk waaaaaaay too much, building up to simple tricks like BTL where I get showered (well, not always...)with money afterwards.Likewise, doing a rotating show, I mix it up, some quick explanations, a lot of humour (in my opinion) and a high mix of technical and visual tricks.So I think about this when I'm in the audience too..."is this the best approach for what why they are here?""no-one is stopping, so stop talking to them and just do stuff!"Anyway, I think I have (once again) asserted my place as the longest, waffliest, on topic generaliser out of all the HoP'ers.But I'm generally a good audience member...Sometimes...Maybe..---------------------Charles (INFERNO)newdolbel@hotmail.comhttps://juggling.co.nzFire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men. *Seneca, (4 BC - 65 AD)*

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