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I am a street mime, AMA!
I'm an Norwegian immigrant who goes to school at Penn State where I mime around campus. Pic:http://24.media.tumblr.com/70aafd4adc051207957350b38f097e95/tumblr_mlti7lls7l1qm2e88o1_500.jpg
bachiswach36 karma
Just FYI as I read this I am picturing you sitting on an invisible chair in the middle of the quad typing on an invisible keyboard
ReincarnatedBum22 karma
SInce you don't speak. How much do you hear a day that you can analyze?
SolskjaerOlsen25 karma
It's surprising actually, I usually base a lot of my performance on what the audience is seeing, so I'll take a fake smoke break with cigarette smokers, or take a phone video of someone recording me.
SolskjaerOlsen13 karma
At most I mouth things out for people, (which I grew up thinking was aloud) but it's a lot easier than one would think.
SolskjaerOlsen12 karma
Ha I think I meant allowed, apologies, English not being my first language and all. There are a groups of mimes I think that won't mouth thinks out, thinking it's the same as speaking.
XSplain17 karma
Has Sue Storm ever done this to you? http://ifanboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Amazing_Spider-Man_658_panel.jpg
SolskjaerOlsen13 karma
Ha no I hope that doesn't happen often to mimes. I have once though have had a strong man come up to me after making fun of another telling me not be so disrespectful. That was as close as it got though.
Nittany558 karma
Have you ever accidentally lost character while performing? By the way, WE ARE!
blacklutefisk8 karma
I want to write a fiction piece featuring a retired mime, but know nothing about Mimes. Where's the best places for research?
SolskjaerOlsen7 karma
Sounds good yo, cities in Europe have more mimes than the states so Internet research may be the best you can get.
SolskjaerOlsen14 karma
Ha not yet, I usually imitate a preacher who's been considered a nuisance.
Hobo4rizzle8 karma
Haha Yes! It's always fun to see people take shots at the Willard Preacher.
SolskjaerOlsen6 karma
I'll be there again tomorrow around the afternoon if you'd like to watch.
dkfilms135 karma
out of 100%, how many people that appreciate your act (don't ignore you when walking by) actually attempt to get you to say something?
SolskjaerOlsen8 karma
Maybe about 5%, most people are pretty knowledgeable that mime's aren't supposed to talk and are respectful.
JorWat3 karma
What's something you're really good at, or enjoy doing? For example, a previous mime on here was good at windows and doors.
SolskjaerOlsen15 karma
My favourite is getting a nearby ledge and fishing, then giving up after a few attempts and grabbing a shotgun and shooting and falling off from the kickback
SolskjaerOlsen2 karma
Ha no I hope that doesn't happen often to mimes. I have once though have had a strong man come up to me after making fun of another telling me not be so disrespectful. That was as close as it got though.
SolskjaerOlsen9 karma
I do it for fun, I never considered taking tips so I usually reject it when anybody does.
tsaage1 karma
How did you get into this mime business? How did you learn the moves? How did your first performance go? Were you afraid that people would just ignore you or think something like "pffft, what a douche."? How did you get over that fear?
Sorry for a lot of question, but I am really curious about street performers. And mimes are amazing! Which means you are amazing too!
SolskjaerOlsen4 karma
I first started doing in the summer of a bet in DC. It actually went very well I got a nice crowd going and cheering me on. I just watched a shit ton of videos online and practiced them when they came up. And eventually started working on my own things. No worries, thanks a bunch!
Justsin71 karma
I read that as "I am a street mine." I was cofused at first. So what drives you to perform this way?
SolskjaerOlsen2 karma
I find it fun, and I love just to see an inkling of a reaction from somebody.
SolskjaerOlsen2 karma
I play around with them a lot. If they're saying something I'll "write it down" stuff like that.
SolskjaerOlsen4 karma
My parents immigrated when I was a lot younger, they wanted to escape socialism. D:
BeaconOfBacon1 karma
It is really awesome how you interact with the crowd. What is the one thing you do that usually impresses or entertains the crowd the most? And what are some more examples of crowd interaction besides writing down what they say, pretending to film them, etc..
SolskjaerOlsen1 karma
I haven't had a killer move yet, usually all of what I do has the equal or same reaction. With the preacher however, I like to base my reactions off of anything he says and I dance around acting like a fool
SolskjaerOlsen5 karma
I flirted with a gay guy once without knowing he was gay and he kissed me.
SolskjaerOlsen1 karma
Sometimes IST, sometimes Business building, rarely the HUB, and just recently Willard.
NoTimeForInfinity1 karma
dontuforgetaboutme2395 karma
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