Negotiating with festival promoters

[Irina]

I have a strange though pleasant situation - I contacted whole bunch of festivals , hoping that may be at least one will respond, - and 3 festivals with overlapping dates want me! How do you play in this situation? If I want to keep all off them 'on the back burner" - how do I act? Do I tell them that I have a choice? What is the polite way in the entertainment world to tell the promoter that you are looking for the best deal, but you want to keep good relationship for the future, even if you take another gig this year? I never really acted as my own agent, i used to just work as a street performer on the city pitches, or vend at fairs. ..and English is my 2d language...It's definitely much more pleasant to deal with talent coordinators then festival sales people, trying to sell you a vending spot... If they want to pay you salary +you can accept tips, what's the usual salary per day for strolling entertainment? Thanks, irina

[Stretch]

"If they want to pay you salary +you can accept tips, what's the usual salary per day for strolling entertainment? Thanks, irina"

Get out the yellow pages and make a few phone calls. By strolling entertainment, I am guessing that you are refering to strolling face painting? Very few people stroll with that, but in a major market, I'm guessing $75 - $100- $125 an hour.

Personally, my performance style doesn't lend itself to renting a booth, so if they want me they try and find a way to pay me.

Be sure and take into account other factors, like how you feel about the venue and the climate, housing, size of the crowd, etc when you make your decision.

Good luck! And keep us posted!