ABSTRACT

For the purposes of this book entertainers are defined as those with the simple aim of pleasing the audience, either by making them laugh or by impressing them with skills such as juggling, acrobatics, or magic. Very little is demanded of the public in terms of participation or thought. In this sense it is virtually identical to busking done by musicians, operating on the principle that the more pleasure is received by the public the more money is made. It is probably the most numerous type of performer and the one most commonly identified with street performing.