Clowning for restaurants

[tuttifrutti]

I got a regular thing at a Friendly's restaurant for $125-200 for three hours every week.

[Scruffy]

congrats on the gig! 8)

[ibimus]

So, what kind of an act can you do at a resturant? If it has an arcade/play place, I suppose face painting, balloon animals etc...
Otherwise, would you be doing small walk-around tricks, cards, puns, and so on and so forth?

Just need an idea of appropriate gags for a resturant. I know some people get very touchy when around food, so I'd hate to insult/annoy anyone.

[tuttifrutti]

You have the right idea. If the restaurant is big enough, setting up a face painting station for patrons to come to you during the meal's downtime is a great idea. Otherwise, balloons and small magic, gags and funny props are good for walking around table to table. Be sure to go after they've ordered but before the food comes out, unless they specifically call you over to their table. Also, if you notice a table eyeing you but going over at that time would get in the way of the waiter, go over and tell them you'll come back after they've ordered or finished eating. Hope that helps with things to avoid the tricky food/undefoot issue.

[Willace-the-Clown]

i cant wait till i get one

[PolkaDot]

What works well for me is this-(I do two on a regular basis) Sell it (your pitch) as a marketing tool. Most managers see it as a perk to the customers rather than a money maker for the business. Explain to them that you develope a following as you go- if they advertise you , it doesn't take as long, but if you provide a poster or large color pic announcing when you'll be there, that will do. It has to be the same time every week so people can plan on being there. If you offer a reasonable price they are likely to keep you longer. (Less than market value but enough to make it worth your while as extra income per month). Like any other gig, make sure you both understand how much and when you'll be paid. Good luck! PolkaDot