(LONDON) The humble street performer is no longer a victim of a cashless society. A new digital method called a contactless payment terminal can accept a tip to the busker with the wave of a card.In a test of the new method, patrons were seen waving their credit/debit cards in front of the reader. The project was launched last weekend by the Busk in London organization as a trial. A few performers were seen testing the new transactional device.

Charlotte Campbell, a full-time street performer who was part of the trial, told BBC News that the new tech "had a significant impact on contributions." Said Campbell, "More people than ever tap-to-donate whilst I sing, and often, when one person does, another follows."

The reader needs to be attached to a smartphone or tablet. It is then...

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(PHILADELPHIA) Let's take a trip down the way to see the 10 best buskers Philly has to offer - at least that's the working theory.Although some are wondering where Gregory Underwood, the U of Arts students, and the B-boys-breakers are, it's a safe bet that these street-performers represent the city well.

Relax watching the "King of the buskers" featuring street-musicians doing what they do best - covers. But not all buskers featured fall into this category. There are rappers, guitarists, hang drums, and crooners. There is hip-hop, classic folk, and upbeat, jazzy wooden flute styles.

Songs include, "Eat, sleep, sh!t, work", "Smoke on the water", “A Change Is Gonna Come”, "Counting Your Curses", and "Fanfare" among others. But don't take our word for it. Go ...

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Newsletter
Berlin lacht! e.V. February 2009
Dear friend,
This is our Newsletter.
We want to inform you about our activities and possibilities to participate in our upcoming festivities. As well, we would like to explain a little bit about the situations of street theatre in Germany
We hope that this will make you understand the importance of coming to Berlin in order to support and
participate in the street theatre opportunities at the Berlin lacht! International street theatre festival,
even if the conditions might be less attractive compared to other festivals.

About Street theatre in Germany and Berlin
In general
Compared to other countries, Germany does not give much attention, knowledge nor funding in the
area of cultural politics for street theatre.
Main Goals
Equal rights and artistic fulfilment
Street theatre has to be treated as an equal to other art forms, and have the will to stop the
“repressive tolerance”.
Street theatre has to have the same chance that other cultural for...

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(ORLANDO) Universal Orlando is hiring hundreds of energetic street performers both full and part-time for their Superstar Parade.Universal is seeking dancers, animated character performers, drummers, roller skaters, stilt walkers, and "little people" no taller than 4' 11".

The parade centers on new floats designed around four movies and TV shows. Each position comes with an array of Universal Orlando benefits such as free theme-park admission and assorted discounts.

Auditions for roles in the Universal Studios parade will debut sometime in the Spring. Some limitations apply. Stilt walkers can weigh no more than 180 pounds and that will be verified at the auditions.

Universal also wants marching-band style drummers and those candidates should have a one-minute drum solo ready (some will be...

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An interesting article at American Songwriter has an in-depth interview of the successful and creative busker by the name of Ori Rakib.Ori is an energetic soul. He's been busking in the New York subway for years. One day after losing his jacket, Ori said to himself, "Alright - I’m going to start busking until I make enough money to buy myself a new winter coat." Survival comes first in busking. Some of us have already been there. At times, it can be hand-to-mouth with even experienced buskers.

"Once you’re past that first stage where it’s not really about being 'good' or 'bad' anymore, you start to realize how many lives you are able to touch by just going out there, opening your mouth, and singing."

"You’re not a brand - You’re just a guitar and a voice. People don’t know you, y...

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