I took the latest version of my show - the one that I honed during the last trolley tours - and brought it to the campus. Before we begin, let's just say that I have no idea what happened. The full hats that I got the first two days that I was there vanished. The kids with the giant wads of cash were replaced by... well, frankly - students. That said- I had a good time.
I started off in front of the University Center. This time, I managed to hit them at the beginning of the lunch rush: It was 11:00am, and I was right on time. I set up shop. A couple people came up to me... and I did some close-up.
Some of them asked if they had to pay - I said no, they didn't have to. I was hoping to get a solid beginning group from which I could build a crowd. I think I performed for three or four groups of two or less. Is that even a group? Anyway, the fact was that it still wasn't warm enough.
No one was comfortable enough to stay outside.
So, once again, I risked venturing into the campus center.
In I went... I set up shop at the spot that I did before - right by the entrance where I would get the most foot traffic. And WHAM! Like magic, the crowd appeared, and I performed. I did three shows there.. and each time, the audience was responsive. The show was good. My hat lines were the same ones that I used at the trolley tour.
The difference? As soon as the show ended - even despite my efforts to continue and keep something going on until the last dollar was dropped in the hat - some of my audience ran off as soon as they realized I was done. There were a couple people who took the time to come up and shake my hand. I appreciated the fact that those guys thanked me.
I was disappointed in the size of my hats... but I was enjoying myself, as usual.
At the same time that I was performing, there were two groups of students campaigning for student body office. A candidate for student body President asked me to set up in front of their table and perform for them: They wanted me to help them draw a crowd to help their campaign.
I did.
And it worked for as long as I was there. Not long afterwards, the Director of the University Center came up to me and told me that I couldn't perform inside the building without reserving a spot. I could, however, perform outside. I nodded, packed up, and left.
What good came of that?
The student body presidential candidate took my card and said that he'll try and get me there to perform on his campaign's behalf. In addition to that, I passed out a lot of business cards.
I don't think I'll be going back to University of Memphis anymore, unless I'm asked. When it's warmer and none of the other spots are as good, I'll go and perform outside on the campus maybe. It might not be worth it... The crowds are HUGE and very responsive, but the fact the audience is composed of students... is a big downside.
We'll see, eh?
I'm going to keep this up and head out again tomorrow. Not sure where yet- stay tuned for more updates.
