Living statues have a long history in the European street theater tradition. In many large cities of the world you can see living statues performing for money with great patience and physical control. If you wish to become a living statue you will need to decide on the theme and create a costume, then practice standing still on a street or public square.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Creating Character and Costume
Step 1. Develop a character
You can draw inspiration from a real person or a literary or mythological character, or you can create one based on some characteristic traits. Common character ideas include robots, astronauts, "real" statues (like "The Thinker") and mimes.
For ideas or inspiration, check out pictures of living statues online or go to the area of a town in your area where you know living statues perform frequently
Step 2. Create a costume
Start by visiting costume or toy stores to find wigs and clothes you need for your outfit. If you would like to customize your costume, you can visit a fabric store to purchase one of the appropriate color and style, then sew your own costume.
If you have the option, choose a cotton fabric for your costume. Cotton retains its color well, even if you perform in the rain or snow
Step 3. Characterize your character
To enrich your appearance as a living statue, you can add some accessories. Look for objects in line with your general theme: if you are a robot, hold a fake computer in your hand; if you are a statue, hold a book to "read" in your hand; if you are a pirate, hold a sword and a plastic hook in your hand.
- Sometimes it is enough to go shopping to find inspiration for the costume, character and actions you choose to perform. Neighborhood markets, thrift shops and antique shops are ideal. You will certainly find something strange that will spark your inspiration.
- Other useful places to find props are home improvement stores (if you're looking for mechanical items) and fabric and craft stores. In these shops you can find items that can stimulate your creativity and find ideas on how to accessorize your character.
Step 4. Apply makeup to bring your character to life
Many living statues get completely covered in makeup to take on the appearance of a real statue, robot, or other non-human character. Depending on your natural skin tone, white makeup works best; copper and silver are other popular colors for face painting. You should be able to find the ideal makeup for you at a costume or hobby store or most online retailers.
- If you opt for a white or non-metallic tone, use a water-based rather than oil-based cake dye. If you use oil, dust it with a finishing powder so it doesn't smudge.
- To draw attention to your eyes, you might decide to highlight them with regular brown or black eyeliner.
- You may need to add extra makeup (like lipstick or blush) to your chosen base, but keep it to a minimum unless it's an essential part of your costume.
Part 2 of 3: Posing as a Living Statue
Step 1. Find a pose that is easy to maintain
Since you will be standing still most of the time, you need to find an easy pose, at least in the beginning. It exerts only a small amount of energy by relying on your bones to hold you up, instead of relying on your muscles to keep you in a twisted position. Keep your arms low and close to your body, feet shoulder-width apart, and avoid twisting your torso.
- Don't try to keep your balance in an awkward position. If you're starting out, you might want to incorporate a chair or a building wall into your positions to help support your body weight.
- With experience, you will gradually develop the necessary patience and learn to ignore the little distractions that come from your body, like little itches or a sneeze.
Step 2. Change your pose often
Although an experienced living statue can hold a single pose for over two hours, a beginner will find it difficult to hold it for more than 15 minutes. You can make gradual movements to change positions: lower or raise your arms, bend your waist, straighten your back, or try to experiment with new positions on your own. Changing positions frequently will prevent you from developing cramps or falling.
On the other hand, sudden and theatrical movements can surprise the audience and amaze them. By incorporating dramatic arm and torso movements into your living statue routine you can give yourself the opportunity to move and engage the audience further
Step 3. Breathe deeply without moving
Check your breathing when trying to hold a pose for an extended period of time. Breathe deeply and slowly into the abdomen, then into the chest. As your breaths slow down it will create the illusion of total stillness, which will impress your audience.
For those who make the living statue, the experience of standing perfectly still and breathing slowly can start to feel like a meditation. Time can pass quickly in this state, so don't forget to look at the clock from time to time
Step 4. Choose an action to perform
When a human statue comes to life, it is normal for the artist to perform an action or give something to a person in the audience. What you give away doesn't have to be a concrete object; it can be something as simple as a look or a gesture. However, your action or gesture must be meaningful; it should be a time when you connect with the human being in front of you and look him in the eye.
- If you have a talent, use it. For example, you can lure viewers and surprise them by making soap bubbles, making origami, performing sleight of hand with coins or playing a musical instrument.
- If someone leaves you money, you can surprise them by performing an action: blow a kiss, touch your hat, or take a bow.
Part 3 of 3: Interacting with the Audience
Step 1. Choose a good location where you can perform as a living statue
If you want to be seen by as many passersby as possible (and consequently receive as many offers as possible), you will need to select a place with a high level of foot traffic. Street performers are commonly found at the busiest shopping malls, sidewalks and street corners or in large parks or public gardens. Make sure you avoid areas where street performers are not allowed.
You will also need to make sure that the area you choose is legally allowed to perform and ask for money. Generally, being a street artist is legal on public land. Almost all major cities have guidelines for street performers that can be found online. Read them or talk to other street performers to understand where you can and can't perform
Step 2. Set up a hat or money bowl
Living statues often work as street performers and rely on their performance as a form of work. Passers-by who appreciate your costume and talent often stop and join other people to watch you make the living statue. If you have a hat, bowl, or jar in front of you, viewers who appreciate it will put money in it.
If you plan to perform as a living statue just as a hobby and don't want to make a profit, you don't need to have an offering container
Step 3. Do not scare or jump towards children in the audience
Resist the urge to snap at small children to scare them. The idea of a large gray statue coming to life and scaring a child could potentially give him nightmares. If you treat your audience members (especially children) aggressively, they will soon stop giving you money.
Some people don't like being near living statues and find them disturbing due to their realism. If someone complains, let them know that you are just showing off and you are not going to scare anyone
Step 4. Protect your personal space from jammers
Unfortunately some people find it fun to harass, disturb or annoy and even attack living statues. There are various ways that living statues can discourage abusers and protect themselves from their acts. You can try various techniques and find one that works for you and your costume.
For example, if you're dealing with rude teenagers or adults, making a sharp move and scare them off can be a defense that allows you to stay in character. This applies to all people who try to touch you or generally treat you badly
Step 5. Talk to anyone who is bothering you if they keep bothering you
If you've been trying to discourage troublemakers by staying in character, you may need to get out of them and talk to them directly. Although artists try to stay in character for as long as possible, it is worth making an exception to protect your personal space and avoid possible aggression.
