PREMISE

Venice Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and the second largest tourist attraction in Southern California. This would not be true without the efforts of the legendary boardwalk performers. Tourists and locals have been drawn to Venice Beach’s boardwalk entertainers since developer Abbot Kinney created the community a century ago out of a degraded marshland. For decades this eclectic group has worked daily to ensure Venice continues to be a symbol of true freedom and expression. Many have staked their very livelihoods on this form of live performance. Unfortunately after an exciting performance of juggling, comedy or music many satisfied customers just walk away leaving these jesters nothing. How will the recent legal restrictions and the economic collapse affect their already meager existence?

THE STORY OF THE VENICE STREET PERFORMERS