Shutter On The Street

Welcome to Shutter on the Street.

This site will feature photographs from Shawn Grimes of all types of street entertainers practicing their art before their captive audiences and give you, the reader, a chance to learn about their craft. The project will begin in the Spring of 2008 and wrap up the following Fall.

People go to the theatre with the purpose of being entertained. They are seated and corralled and forced to focus at the stage before them and there is a set price for viewing the show. In contast, Street performers must draw their crowd from unsuspecting passer-bys. People will interrupt their shopping, touring, or other plans to stop and watch a street performer. Many street performers lose the advantage of an elevated stage and are positioned at the same level as their audience. Patrons must be magnetically drawn in by the performers presence and convinced to donate a sum of money relative to the entertainment received.

The project will begin in the Spring of 2008 and wrap up the following Fall. I will try to post a new photograph each Friday along with a quick blurb about street performing. My focus will encompass a wide range of subjects; from the professional to the commoner and everything in between. Anyone who is providing entertainment to pedestrian traffic is a potential focus for my work. If you are a performer or know of an exceptional performer in the mid-atlantic area that you would like included, feel free to email me at shawn[at]shutteronthestreet[dot]com.

About Me

I am 28 years old and have been interested in photography for the past 6 years. Since I was a small child I have maintained an interest in non-traditional forms of art and entertainment such as side show acts, magic, fire handling, etc. I’ve even taken up a few as hobbies. I’m fascinated by their ability to attract people and draw them in to an impromptu performance.