FAQ BUSKING ON THE FITZSIMMONS TRAIL Frequently Asked Questions What is Busking on the Fitzsimmons Trail? The Whistler Arts Council (WAC) and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) are excited to confirm the return of the Busking on the Fitzsimmons Trail program this summer after success as a pilot program in 2012-2014. Coinciding with the Farmer’s Market in the Upper Village on Wednesday and Sunday (June 14 - September 13, 2015), the program aims to enliven market-goers’ experience by adding colour, music and vibrancy to the Fitzsimmons Creek/Rebagliati Park area. New to 2015, Busking will expand to Saturdays (July 4 – August 29 only). Passersby will be delighted by a variety of family friendly entertainment including musical acts, visual artists, children’s entertainers, balloon artists, caricaturists, athletic and dance displays, and other unique talents performing at specifically designated busking sites along the trail. For the buskers, this is an opportunity to expand their performance experience and work for donations from the audience rather than payment from WAC, so true masters of audience engagement have the potential to be highly successful. ‘Busking’ is the practice of performing in a public place for the entertainment of passersby in return for optional monetary gratuities. It has been present in every major culture in the world, dating back to antiquity. This is a skillful and nostalgic art form which can include comedy, live arts, music and acrobatic demonstrations just to name a few. Performers engaged in this practice are called ‘buskers’. All buskers are required to clearly display a current busking permit during their performance at the busking sites to validate their participation in the program. Permits must be obtained through the Whistler Arts Council for which an application and audition process is required. What do our buskers have to say about the program? “I was part of the pilot busking program last summer and I truly hope that it is going to be brought back this summer. The feedback was overwhelming as the Fitzsimmons Trail was transformed into another high point of activity for holiday-makers and locals.” - Jared Wilbur, Director, Jazz The Balloon Man, Busker “One of the things I like best about this program is that it’s like getting paid for practicing. I also like that people walking by enjoy my music. It’s fun to see little kids dancing to the music and I especially like dancing dogs like Jasper.” - Sofie Hill, Fiddler Age 10, Busker “Keep this program going! Its great exposure for the young & an amazing outlet for music in Whistler.” - Meg Pratt-Johnson, Musician, Busker Produced by: MAIL ADDRESS: Millennium Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 | TEL: 604 935-8410 | FAX: 604 935-8413 EMAIL: [email protected] 1 FAQ What does the audience have to say about the program? “Normally I think of musicians busking so it was really surprising and cool to see a balloon twister. We definitely enjoyed watching her make the balloons and getting special balloons made for us.” “It's nice because you can stop and appreciate the entertainment you like or just walk through and have it in the background.” “I saw some fantastic young talent out there. What a way to engage young minds and promote their independence.” “I come out to support my mates who play out here and to enjoy the good vibes they make.” “I am an established performer, but I started off busking as a youth. There is no better way to be exposed to the great entertainment lessons and performer character building that only street performing can deliver. I am very grateful for my busking up-bringing, so am very happy to see this opportunity exists here for the performers of tomorrow. Last time I was here I don't think this existed. Keep up the good work!” “We saw a few guys playing together. They said they had just met as one of the performers was waiting to take over (the site). Instead they invited him to jam along with them. They sounded awesome! Great to see that type of professionalism, courtesy and improv talent.” - Excerpt of Public Quotes gathered by WAC through on-site surveys Who is eligible to apply? Artists, performers, musicians and other entertainers. May be solo acts or group acts. Group size will be assessed on a case-by-case basis during the permit processing stage. Applicants may be local, regional and touring if already in Whistler. Busking on the Fitzsimmons Trail is a smaller-scale, community orientated initiative; therefore, performers/artists from Vancouver and beyond may not find this option viable, particularly as travel costs and time could out-weigh the earnings. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. The content of all acts/displays must be appropriate for a family audience and adaptable to an outdoor site with large public exposure. Applicants should be confident working in a transient environment and engaging an audience that would often otherwise be passing by. Applicants must be self-motivated, proactive and understand that they are responsible for their own compensation from the audience through audience engagement and a courteous and creative approach to tip collection. There is no minimum donation. Applicants must demonstrate a reasonable degree of proficiency in their performances and are expected to have 1 or more hours of performance-ready repertoire to vary their sets and avoid repetition. Produced by: MAIL ADDRESS: Millennium Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 | TEL: 604 935-8410 | FAX: 604 935-8413 EMAIL: [email protected] 2 FAQ I am under 18 years of age, can I still apply? Yes! Applicants between 14 and 18 years of age, will require a parent/legal guardian to cosign their Busking Application and accompany them to pick up their permit – both applicant and parent/legal guardian must present a valid photo identification. Applicants less than 14 years of age can have their name on a permit issued under a parent/legal guardian's name - this parent/legal guardian must accompany the artist/performer at all times during the audition process, permit collection and performances at the busking sites. Busking permits can be issued to applicants of age 18 or older with valid photo identification. What’s in it for you as an artist/performer? Be a part of Whistler’s large, lively and far-reaching arts community which helps create the awesome environment that is Whistler, and which continues to bring people back summer after summer. Get paid to showcase your talent! This is your opportunity to work for donations from the audience, so true masters of audience engagement have the potential to be highly successful. Make your own performance schedule. The more you get out and perform, the better your chances for success and exposure. Constantly challenge and hone your skills in an environment where the audience of locals and visitors is diverse, growing and ever changing. Work with the gorgeous backdrop of the Rebagliati Park and the mountains! Gain recognition, make connections, make friends and see doors open to new opportunities with event producers or artists. What are the permit options? Full Season Permit – Single Performer - $45 + GST- Valid June 14 – September 13 from 11am to 7pm on Wednesdays, Sundays and Saturdays (Saturdays only from July 4 – Aug 29). Full Season Permit – Group - $45 + GST- Valid June 14 – September 13 from 11am to 7pm on Wednesdays, Sundays and Saturdays (Saturdays only from July 4 – Aug 29). This option permits you to perform as a group ONLY. If any individual wishes to perform solo, outside of their group, they must purchase a Single Performer Permit. The remainder of the group remains covered under the Group Permit. Half Season Permit – Single Performer - $35 + GST - Valid July 26 – September 13 from 11am to 7pm on Wednesdays, Sundays and Saturdays (Saturdays only from Aug 1 – Aug 29). This option is suited to performers who may have arrived to Whistler mid-summer season or are committed otherwise during the first half of the summer season. Produced by: MAIL ADDRESS: Millennium Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 | TEL: 604 935-8410 | FAX: 604 935-8413 EMAIL: [email protected] 3 FAQ What are the permit options? (Continued) Half Season Permit – Group - $35 + GST - Valid July 26 – September 13 from 11am to 7pm on Wednesdays, Sundays and Saturdays (Saturdays only from Aug 1 – Aug 29). This option is suited to performers who may have arrived to Whistler mid-summer season or are committed otherwise during the first half of the summer season. This option permits you to perform as a group ONLY. If any individual wishes to perform solo, outside of their group, they must purchase a Single Performer Permit. The remainder of the group remains covered under the Group Permit. *NEW* One Day Permit – Single Performer - $10 + GST - Valid for the date issued only (either a Sunday or Wednesday from June 14 – September 13 or a Saturday from July 4 – August 29) from 11am to 7pm. This option is applicable for one-off performers visiting Whistler. Special conditions apply; please see ‘HOW TO APPLY?’ section below. *NEW* One Day Permit – Group - $15 + GST - Valid for the date issued only (either a Sunday or Wednesday from June 14 – September 13 or a Saturday from July 4 – August 29) from 11am to 7pm. This option is applicable for one-off group performers visiting Whistler. Special conditions apply; please see ‘HOW TO APPLY?’ section below. If any individual wishes to perform solo, outside of their group, they must purchase a One Day - Single Performer Permit. The remainder of the group remains covered under the Group Permit. How to apply? Application for the Busking on the Fitzsimmons Trail program is an easy 3 step process: Step 1 – Complete the Busking Application New applicants – please complete the application in detail and include all of the required information. Return applicants - you will still need to apply for Busking 2015 to ensure we have your updated file on record. Produced by: MAIL ADDRESS: Millennium Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 | TEL: 604 935-8410 | FAX: 604 935-8413 EMAIL: [email protected] 4 FAQ How to apply? (Continued) 2015 APPLICATION DEADLINES: Full Season Permit – Applications should be submitted by Friday May 29 to take optimal advantage of the season. Applications received after this deadline will be processed on a case-by-case basis, however the Busking team does not guarantee that your permit will be processed in time for the June 14 season start. Half Season Permit – Applications must be received by Friday July 17 to take optimal advantage of the half-season permit. Applications received after this deadline will be processed on a case-by-case basis, however the Busking team does not guarantee that your permit will be processed in time for the July 26 half-season start. *NEW* 1 Day Permit – Processed on a case-by-case basis and at any stage, the Application must be submitted 1 week prior to the date requested for the Permit. Step 2 – Talent Showcase New applicants – as part of the qualification for a busking permit, new applicants are required to come in for a quick chat and showcase of their talent with the program coordinator. Don’t be shy! The Whistler Arts Council just wants to learn more about you and your talent. The Busking Program is aimed at providing artists and performers with employment and talent development opportunities (including young and emerging artists). We want you to succeed out there! You will have the opportunity to receive honest feedback and get your questions answered in person. The process also allows us to assess whether you are a good fit for the program. We encourage all applicants to have a look at the BUSKING CRITERIA and BUSKING REGULATIONS on page 6 & 7 as they are the standard expectations for Busking on the Fitzsimmons Trail. New applicants will be contacted directly via email to schedule a meeting once their completed application form has been received: Full Season Permit – Contacted between May 29 and June 5 Half Season Permit – Contacted July 17 *NEW* 1 Day Permit – Contacted on a case-by-case basis and at any stage, within 2 days of the Application having been received. Produced by: MAIL ADDRESS: Millennium Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 | TEL: 604 935-8410 | FAX: 604 935-8413 EMAIL: [email protected] 5 FAQ How to apply? (Continued) Return applicants - are not required to come in for a showcase unless their act has changed significantly. Return applicants will be notified directly via email on how to renew their busking permit once their completed application form has been received: Full Season Permit – Contacted between May 29 and June 5 Half Season Permit – Contacted July 17 Step 3 – Busking Permit Applicants who have successfully met step 1 & 2 will be granted an opportunity to purchase a busking permit. Payment can be made by cash, debit, Visa, or MasterCard to the Whistler Arts Council. AMEX not accepted. Permits will be issued by WAC upon receipt of payment fee and the performer will be notified when the permit is ready for collection from the WAC office at Millennium Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, B.C., V0N 1B4. Please ensure you present a valid photo ID when picking up your busking permit. Parents/legal guardians accompanying an applicant under 18 years of age must also present a valid photo ID. All permits will include a recent photograph of the busker, busking regulations, performance dates and times, and necessary contact details. Can I apply for Whistler Street Entertainment if I have applied for Busking on the Fitzsimmons Trail? Yes. Local and touring artists and performers are encouraged to apply for both of these programs to further their potential of being hired and have more opportunities over the summer. Busking Criteria: SKILL / TALENT The talent and potential of the performer must be evident. Safety must be at the utmost consideration. The act must not impose a safety concern to the public or performer/artist. The performer/artist is prepared. SHOWMANSHIP The performer engages with their audience. The performer is confident in the delivery of their act and audience engagement. Produced by: MAIL ADDRESS: Millennium Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 | TEL: 604 935-8410 | FAX: 604 935-8413 EMAIL: [email protected] 6 FAQ Busking Criteria (Continued): UNIQUENESS The performer possesses a unique quality and skill that makes them interesting. Innovation / originality. ORGANIZATION AND SERIOUSNESS OF MANNER Performer has enough material to showcase. Equipment is in good working order. Repertoire is family orientated. Performer is well presented. Busking Regulations In order to ensure your performance remains a pleasant experience for everyone, the following regulations must be followed: 1. All buskers are required to clearly display a current busking permit during their performance at the busking sites to validate their participation in the program. 2. Permits are valid between the hours of 11am to 7pm on Wednesdays and Sundays only, starting on Sunday June 14th and running every consecutive Wednesday and Sunday until Sunday September 13th, inclusive. The permits are valid between the hours of 11am – 7pm on Saturdays only from July 4th - August 29th inclusive. 3. Busking etiquette: i. Buskers are limited to a maximum of 60 minutes performance per location. After 60 minutes, you must vacate the performance space to allow for other buskers if they are waiting. It is possible to re-locate to another busking location for another 60 minute set, providing space is available. ii. If you are waiting for a performer to finish, please ensure the performer is aware that you are waiting. iii. Each 60 minute performance will commence every hour, on the hour. If you are performing, you should factor in the time it takes to pack any equipment in order to finish your set on time. iv. Exceptions: If there is no-one waiting for the location at the end of your performance hour, you are allowed to continue performing into a second hour. After a second hour you must end your performance at that location. 4. The permit is only valid in one of the five designated busker’s locations on the Fitzsimmons Trail/Rebagliati Park area. See section: Busking Sites. Busking is not permitted anywhere else within Whistler. 5. WAC reserves the right to cancel busking operations and close down the sites at any time on a busking day if deemed that the weather is highly inclement or if a hazardous condition poses a danger to the public and/or performers. Based on the nature and duration for the conditions, the closure may be for part of the day or the full day. Site closure will be denoted by the lack of site signs during the normal hours of operation on a Wednesday or Sunday. Due to Busking on the Fitzsimmons Trail being a performerunscheduled program, buskers will not be contacted individually in the event of site closure. Buskers are not permitted to perform if the sites are closed. Produced by: MAIL ADDRESS: Millennium Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 | TEL: 604 935-8410 | FAX: 604 935-8413 EMAIL: [email protected] 7 FAQ Busking Regulations (Continued) 6. Buskers are permitted to solicit money from their audiences. There is no minimum donation. Donations are not obligatory and as such performers must not harass audiences for money. 7. Busking is not intended for stage like performances. Groups are limited in number of members which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis during the permit processing stage. Each member must hold a valid individual busking permit under the Group Permit. 8. Permit holders are responsible for ensuring that the Fitzsimmons Trail/Rebagliati Park area is not blocked by your set-up or audience. 9. All buskers must be completely self-sufficient in their apparatus which may include chairs, music stands, money boxes, etc. 10. No electricity is provided and no electricity or generators are allowed at the busking sites. 11. Amplification: Only battery powered amplification is permitted and when allowed, is restricted by the following conditions: i. Amplification for voice or instruments is allowed only if approved by the jury during the audition. ii. Sound level must be reasonable, within limits set by Whistler By-Laws and intended for an audience within 30 feet. Sound level is limited to a maximum of 70 db. 12. The use of sharp or dangerous objects is prohibited (for example juggling knives, chain saws or flaming objects are not permitted). 13. Musicians/artists are not permitted to sell recordings or copies of their original work during their performance for a set price. Musicians/artists are allowed to give away albums/artwork for a donation offered by the public. 14. Portrait artists may use 1 easel, 2 small folding chairs, display up to but no more than 3 pieces of their art including the working drawing. The sale of pre-drawn work or photocopies is prohibited. 15. Busking permits can be issued to applicants of age 18 or older with valid photo identification. Applicants between 14 and 18 years of age, will require a parent/legal guardian to co-sign their Busking Application and accompany them to pick up their permit – both applicant and parent/legal guardian must present a valid photo identification. Applicants less than 14 years of age can have their name on a permit issued under a parent/legal guardian's name - this parent/legal guardian must accompany the artist/performer at all times during the talent showcase process, permit collection and performances at the busking sites. 16. The performer understands that this is a developing program and as such the guidelines may be altered during the program dates. Produced by: MAIL ADDRESS: Millennium Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 | TEL: 604 935-8410 | FAX: 604 935-8413 EMAIL: [email protected] 8 FAQ Enforcement Busking is designed to add vibrancy to the Fitzsimmons Trail/Rebagliati Park area and should be a positive experience for the performer and Whistler visitors and residents. Buskers need to be respectful while performing in consideration of their captive audience. RMOW staff, WAC Staff or RCMP can warn any performers emitting excessive sound or causing harassment and ask to lower the sound or stop performing. Buskers should also respect fellow buskers by abiding to the performance time constraints in order to give every busker an equal chance to perform. A member of WAC will be present or available during the busking days and hours to enforce all of the above. If you are ever in need of assistance please call the number provided on your permit. WAC operates a zero tolerance policy. Violation of any of the above regulations will result in suspended or revoked permits (case by case basis). Note that suspended or revoked permits are non-refundable. If buskers are found to contravene any of the above guidelines, the enforcement process is as follows: 1. Initial verbal warning 2. A second verbal warning + written warning via email 3. Pass revoked Busking Sites Busking is permitted only at one of the five designated busking locations on the Fitzsimmons Trail/Rebagliati Park area as indicated on the map available on the Busking webpage. Busking is not permitted anywhere else in the Resort. How is Busking on the Fitzsimmons Trail promoted? Busking on the Fitzsimons Trail is promoted by the Whistler Arts Council and Resort Municipality of Whistler through the following channels: Whistler Arts Council website Whistler.com website Whistler Arts Council newsletter Pique Question Signs displayed at each of the busking sites Free-standing signs at the trail-heads Media releases (on special occasions) Village Host Information Services Social media outlets Questions? Please contact the Whistler Arts Council on: T: 604.935.8410 | E:[email protected] Produced by: MAIL ADDRESS: Millennium Place, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 | TEL: 604 935-8410 | FAX: 604 935-8413 EMAIL: [email protected] 9
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