The Adequate Blog

I dress up in silly clothing and act like a fool for a half hour and people give me money. It’s a good scam if you can do it.- me, describing my show

At the end of any pass the hat show, there’s a moment where the performer takes the biggest risk …

… that’s when he passes the hat.

See, most shows pass the hat because, well, this is how we pay for things like performing at Faire, also: food, water, housing, you know, the usual stuff. The end goal of any busker is to GTFM: Get the F****** Money. But, we do it at the end of the show, which is a big change from most other entertainments which require payment up front. Instead we do out shows, then we ask the audience - you folks - to donate what you can and what you feel is appropriate.

The Hat Line, as it’s called, is what we use to brace the audience for what will follow: Our heartfelt plea for some cash. Some folks do it gently, some folks do it bluntly… it all depends on the type of show and your performing persona. Most shows put their Hat Line right at the end of the show… I took a cue from my friend Daniel and put it in the middle of the Big Stupid Finale.

Why?

Because when you’re standing on stage with eight feet of chain wrapped around your neck and threatening to give it a vigorous yank, you usually have people’s attention.

Mine has run this way, with variations:

I am a Magician by trade - this is what I do, this is how I feed my family… welcome to my world!  You people are helping me to live my dream… it’s worth $5 for me to be able to perform here for you today, and I’m hoping it’s worth about $5 to watch…

… each

… a man can dream!

But if I’ve made you laugh, made you smile, or at least given you a good story to tell when you go back to the Real World, at the end of this I’ll be out here with my hat in my hands and a pathetic look on my face.

If you can donate, you’ll have my thanks and the knowledge you’re keeping this kind of theater alive. If you can’t (and I understand - look at my job for cryin’ out loud) come up and tell me if you liked the show, and tell your friends… because it’s the fact that people like you watch idiots like me… that idiots like me can continue to perform for people like you, and I thank you for that.

This is one of the few times I’ve actually typed all that out. That’s a heck of a lot to say, isn’t it? Now imagine trying to stay interesting (beyond chain, neck, etc) while saying it.

There’s a strange balancing act to be performed when giving the Hat Line. You have to be sympatico with the crowd, explain why it’s a good idea to donate, but avoid sounding like you’re begging. It’s a very small step from “Guy on stage who just put fire in his face asking for money” to “guy on the side of the street with a cardboard sign asking for money” in the minds of many people.

Street Person - Street Performer… usually it’s the outfit that’s the indicator.

- me again

The Hat Line prompts certain responses from people:

1. Hasty Flight
2. Drifting Away
3. Reaching for Cash and Cheerfully Donating

In the best of all possible worlds, we want that third reaction there. But people do flee. Honestly, if you don’t have money to give, that’s ok. We understand not having money. Look at what we do for God’s sake! But running away while avoiding eye contact just … doesn’t feel right for anyone.

Folks, if you can’t drop something in the hat, relax. Come up and tell us you liked the show. And spread the word. Word of mouth advertising is what RenFaire performers rely on. Besides, if you tell more people, some of them might drop some money in the hat.

Once again, it’s all part of the plan. Or scam, as the case may be.