[Jolly Well]

It's rare that I have problems with really small kids. Either they're on good behavior or they have a parent there to put an end to any issues. Teens and young adults can be a pain when they're grouped up trying to impress each other. I stand by the approach of confronting them and calling them on their plans. Again, it's best to get a figure of authority by way of festival hosts or cops - but they're not always around.

The peer pressure approach works well enough for a younger crowd, but isn't going to do much on the teen/adult crowd in my experience. You may get a minority on your side, but even then they don't seem willing to step up to the plate and talk their pals down.

I try to avoid being confrontational, but it's a better option than a victim for certain. I've had more success calling people out on their antics than waiting around for something to happen. As a stiltwalker I've got more at stake than a $14 ProKnows if some idiot wants to be cool. If I lose a customer or three over the episode, I probably don't know about it - so no big deal. I imagine 9 out of 10, that the general spectator will assume that the performer is "in the right" and it won't effect potential business.