Street Shows

[scarylarrywolf]

Hey guys,

I'm stuck at college here in Seattle and I'm pulling together a puppet troupe. Tomorrow we're having our second meeting and I'm incredibly excited.

Eventually I plan to do some filming with the puppets but in the mean time I thought Seattle would be the perfect place to do some street shows (ha... when it's not raining). The only problem: Does any one know if you need a license to do street shows? I checked all over the internet and couldn't find anything that went either way.

Thanks a load!

 

[Jinx]

Busking

The laws concerning street performing (or "busking" as it is also known) vary by city. I know that in San Francisco there are very strict laws. You get a permit allowing you very specific hours and location to perform.

Some communities frown on street performance of any kind, while others embrace it enthusiastically. And then there are all points in between!

Years ago I knew a guy who performed mime down at Pike's Place Market, and he did so without a permit, but I don't know if he ever got into any kind of trouble. (Also, that was 20 years ago!)

What you need to do is check with your city govenment to see what sorts of licensing and / or restrictions are in place for your community. Often this is through the department of parks and recreation.

 

[Jinx]

P.s.

A quick online search yielded the following document that details street performing permits/restriction at Seattle Center. It would probably be an excellent place to start.

http://www.seattlecenter.com/information/CampusRulesFinal.pdf

 

[scarylarrywolf]

Thanks for going to all that trouble, Jinx. I couldn't find much legal crap on performing on the streets or at the waterfront, but apparently it's out there, as is explained by the unfortunate story of this street magician:

http://funandmagic.com/performersrights.html

Goofy government.

I guess I'll go down and ask some random officers if they know what's up with licensing around there.

 

[Buck-Beaver]

Virtually all small & large cities require you to have a permit, but enforcement of the by-laws seems to vary a lot.