Etiquette for interacting with street performers
Street performers bring life and culture to our cities, entertaining us with everything from music to magic to mime. Treating them with respect not only makes your day better, but it also helps them keep doing what they love. This article provides important etiquette tips for interacting with street performers, so you can enjoy the show and still be a good audience member.
Show appreciation appropriately
When you love a performance, it's important to show your appreciation. Applause is great, but for that extra special performance, consider leaving a tip. Tips can range from $1 to $5, depending on what you can comfortably afford and how much you enjoyed the performance. Remember, these performers rely on tips for a substantial portion of their income.
Respect personal space and performance area
As much as you might want that perfect photo or video, never crowd or hover over street performers. This is crucial for their safety and comfort, and it also preserves the boundary of their performance space. Invading their space can interfere with their routine, break their concentration, and even lead to accidents.
Engage without disrupting
If you want to communicate with a musician—maybe to make a request or ask a question—do so during a natural pause in their performance. Cutting them off mid-act can be both jarring and rude. Remember to always approach them with kindness and respect, acknowledging that they are in the middle of their job.
Be mindful of your feedback
Street performers love hearing that you enjoyed their show. But, hold back on offering advice or critiques unless they specifically ask for it. These artists work hard on their craft, and negative feedback (especially when it's unsolicited) can be discouraging. Criticism isn't helpful in this context unless the performer specifically requests it. Keep your comments positive! It encourages their artistry and shows respect for their dedication to performing.
Share socially with courtesy
In the age of social media, we all love to share our experiences online. If you capture photos or videos of street performers and want to share them on social media, it's important to ask for their permission first. Plus, tagging or mentioning them with their handles not only acknowledges their work but also helps them gain more visibility online.
