Abstract

Whether above, or below the concrete jungle a.k.a. NYC, there is no doubt that this town is a proving ground. Countless individuals flock to the mecca city in search of success, money, and fame-looking to share their talents with anyone who will listen. No exception to this ethic, are the subway tunnels below ground that harbor an abundance of talent. Known as Street Performers, these subway buskers are more than the title mostly associated with panhandlers and beggars. Their talents captivate an audience, mostly distracted by their everyday lives, as they travel from one destination to the next. These performers essentially entertain the millions of commuters who use the MTA system everyday. Yet, regardless of mass appeal, and abiding by MTA rules and regulations, buskers are forced to succumb to the practices of the NYPD. Organizations like MUNY have made efforts is gaining notoriety for buskers by managing their performances to set schedules and locations. MUNY’s selection process are rivaled by freelance buskers and organizations like BUSK NY, that believe that the artist should have the right to share their talent in the non-traditional venue. Here lie the stories of all the aforementioned players, and their allies, in the fight for the busk below.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Street entertainers--New York (State)--New York; Documentary films; Motion pictures--Production and direction

Publication Date

5-17-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Film and Animation (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Film and Animation (CIAS)

Advisor

Jack Beck

Advisor/Committee Member

Mark Foggetti

Advisor/Committee Member

Jose Casado

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at PN1995.9.D6 C86 2016

Additional Files
KCummingsSupplement.mov (29688 kB)

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

FILMAN-MFA

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