2009 Convention Class Descriptions
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Mike "Bonkers" Cox
What Kind Of Clown Are Ya?
The traditional three types of clowns (along with the new "Lite" Auguste) will be
displayed in front of the class. Four clowns will put on their makeup/costumes and
questions can be asked from the floor. Mike & Barbara Cox will narrate & handle
Q&A. Photo opportunity for the class to follow.
Bonita "Bon Bon" Love
Make & Take Magic
You will learn to make (and take with you) one of the following: 6 Card Repeat,
Professor's Nightmare, What Color Is It? or Knock the Knot Off.
Paul "Fuddi Duddy" Kleinberger
Performing A Winning Skit
Award winning skit performer Paul "Fuddi-Duddy" Kleinberger will take workshop
participants step by step through the score sheet. Why? Often times skit performers
are bringing forth great routines and powerful performances, but they aren't skits!
Paul will look at what a skit is, how clowns should prepare and look a the practical
performance techniques the judges find impressive. There are lots of classes on
skits you can take to be a better skit performer. This class is for those who want to
enter the single or group skit competition and come away a winner.
Clowning ... It's Supposed To Be FUN
Sometimes we work so hard at the craft of clowning, when we are done, we realize
that we aren't having any fun doing what we are doing. In order for an audience to be
fully entertained, we must have fun with them, Paul "Fuddi-Duddy" Kleinberger has
been having fun with the art of clowning for years and years. Join him as he shows
you how to have fun being the clown performer you want to be.
Getting A Leg Up On The Competition
Thinking about entering the business end of clowning? Paul will lead you through
some of those business considerations that are often overlooked as you start
charging for your performances. Business organizations, business planning, what to
charge, marketing, promotion and understanding and meeting your client's
expectations will all be discussed. This is a $eriou$ class for those who take their
clowning $eriou$ly.
Thinking Funny On Your Feet
We are clowns. We are supposed to be funny. However, do you have a degree in
Laughology? Many clowns do not. Join Paul Kleinberger as he leads you through
what humor is, how humor works and how a clown can capitalize on it to create
broader smirks and smiles and louder giggles and belly laughs.
Harry Allen
Comedy Magic for Clowns
Some of the things you will learn is: How to levitate yourself; Rope through Body;
How to saw a Rocky Raccoon Spring Animal in 3 pieces and restore him; How to
produce a gift magically and much, much more!
Ron "Spangle" Poindexter
Busking - A How-To Guide
What is "Busking" you ask. This class will give you an idea not only of WHAT it is but
also HOW to go about it. You will learn about types of venue, getting the OK, the long
hours, working for TIPS - not for free, not being a balloon machine - we are clowns,
keeping control of your surroundings and keeping contact info available. Also
covered will be where to place your "Tip jar", making tipping fun and IOUs. When you
hit the streets you will have an idea on how to work and behave after this class when
busking.
Bill "Bibo" Young
Clowns in Church
Pick-a-Pocket Walk-Around Magic
Dave Hill
Fabulous, Fantastic Walk-Arounds
Bits of comedy, sight gags, magic
Magic So Easy A Cave Clown Can Do It
Fifteen new magic routines, self working, easy to use props.
Jim Howle
Makeup design
Presentation & Performance
Skits & Bits
Curt "Uncle Curt" Robins
Using The BIG Balloons
The new 646s, 660s, 360s and 350s can be used in day to day entertainment to
spice up a balloon sculpture. Many entertainers do not yet realize the potential of
these biggies and mistakenly believe that the big ones are hard to work with.
Restaurants, A How-To Guide
How to find a restaurant to entertain at, how to land it, and how to keep it. This
includes several bits of business to use while entertaining. We have been doing
restaurants for over 13 years with our longest running gig at 10 years and still going
strong.
Entertaining From The Dollar Store
How to and what to use to dress up or extend your magic/entertaining props. Plus
several stage acts that use things acquired from the Dollar Store.
Teresa & Bob Gretton
Building Your Clown or Rebooting Your Clown
From the walk, talk, and mindset, beginners learn to build with the basics and branch
out in directions that serve their specific interests and talents. Using the same
basics, experienced clown find ways to revitalize their clown acts and think in
somewhat different directions to make their clowning more enjoyable from within.
Through The Eyes of the Judge
So, you are ready to compete! Are you really? Let these nationally certified judges
take you through the steps of readiness from the side of the judges for Skits,
Paradeability, Make-up, and Balloon Competitions. Learn what a judge look for in
competition. Focus on the rules of the game.
Disaster Clowning
No, this is not a lecture on disastrous clowning but on clowns assisting during
national or local disasters. This class will take you through the do's and don'ts of
clowning in shelters and assisting those who have been affected with a disaster. It
will also touch upon what types of performance are appropriate during times of crisis
as well as "soft assistance" utilization.
John "GYZMO" DeMarinis
Play to the Camera
GYZMO will talk about some of the things a photographer is going to be looking for,
giving some pointers about how to bring out the best persona for your clown
character, some general posing tips to help a model and briefly mentions some of
the legal aspects of having your photographs taken.
Steve "Peachey Keene" Long
Stilt walking: Bring Your Clown To Greater Heights
Stilt walking is a great way to add a new dimension to your character. This class will
show you the up and downs of this unique art form. Peachey has been performing on
stilts for around 20 years and has learned more than a few trick of the trade. Learn
everything from costuming to safety and many students will get a chance to try
walking on a pair of stilts. If you ever thought you might like to add this skill to your
repertoire then this is the class for you.
Steve "Salty" Kissell
How To Be A Great MC
This class teaches how to fill in between acts, introduce performers, and how to
properly prepare a site for a memorable program. Tips on selecting costumes and
writing an effective presentation will be demonstrated. Come laugh AND learn!
Performing and Marketing for Libraries
Book your summer full of fun and profitable shows. Learn how to build, present and
perform for libraries in you area.
Family Fun Shows
How do you get your audiences involved and keep their attention? Games! Learn
how to select games, comedy magic and bits to keep the fun going with a controlled
environment.
Magic & Storytelling
Share in the surprising delight of learning magical effects that will enlighten any
session of storytelling. One of the most requested workshops. Great for working with
libraries, schools and birthday parties!
Tom "Tom E Boy" King
Bring In The Clowns ... Jest For Health
The do's and don'ts of entertaining at hospitals, nursing homes and senior
complexes. Humoring the sick from the view of a cancer survivor. Lots of facts and
fun while learning the importance of being a caring clown.
We Got Game ... No Magic, No Balloons
You don't have to be a magician or balloon artist for this class. Just lots of fun and
silly things to do. A splash of run and fun time. Lots of action and could get messy.
Bring a change of clothes!
Games For The Stage ... Let The Games Begin
Getting your audience involved. Games that will make your audience members the
star of the show and you the entertainer that everyone wants for their next event.
Pricilla Mooseburger
Clown Costumes That Work!
Pricilla will teach you the tricks of the trade whether you buy or make your own
costumes. She will cover useful sewing tips as well as terrific ideas for you to put
together your own working wardrobe. (Handouts included)
The New Lite Auguste Costume
Confused about the new lite auguste character and what it is suppose to look like?
Join costume diva Pricilla Mooseburger for discussion ideas and examples. Learn
how to put together a cooler, lighter look without giving up the color and fun of looking
like a real clown!
Comic Movement With Pricilla!
Learn to move like a cartoon! Pricilla will share the wonderful techniques she learned
while on the road with Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus. This class is great
for clowns of all ages and body types! You will learn how to present yourself like a pro
and feel funny doing it.
Character Development
How do you develop a real clown character? Become a unique performer instead of
a cookie cutter clown. Pricilla unlocks the mystery with simple useful ideas that allow
you to become the clown character you have always wanted to be! Handouts
included give the participants great ideas on how to develop their own unique
character.
Kazoo Band
Pricilla is famous from coast to coast for putting together the terrific Kazoo Clown
Band. Come to this fun filled lab to make your own silly instrument and be part of the
band. Pricilla will not only teach your how to put together many crazy instruments out
of household recyclables, but how to put them to use in your act. A terrific class for
clown clubs and solo performers alike! Handouts included, lab fee of $5.00 includes
kazoo, jugs, hoses, colored tapes, and other decorations.
Hey, I'm a Clown! Now What???
A great class for all clowns! So you're a clown, now what? Pricilla's inspirational
vision of clowning will help you take what you've learned and put it into practice at
home! Useful information about clown clubs and organizations, getting started locally
and keeping yourself busy without clown burnout! This wonderful inspirational lecture
speaks to the heart of the clown. (Handouts)
Curt & Diana Patty
Props, Your Friend
L
Comedy Juggling
D
Hospital Clowning
L
What Kind Of Clown Are Ya?
The traditional three types of clowns (along with the new "Lite" Auguste) will be
displayed in front of the class. Four clowns will put on their makeup/costumes and
questions can be asked from the floor. Mike & Barbara Cox will narrate & handle
Q&A. Photo opportunity for the class to follow.
Bonita "Bon Bon" Love
Make & Take Magic
You will learn to make (and take with you) one of the following: 6 Card Repeat,
Professor's Nightmare, What Color Is It? or Knock the Knot Off.
Paul "Fuddi Duddy" Kleinberger
Performing A Winning Skit
Award winning skit performer Paul "Fuddi-Duddy" Kleinberger will take workshop
participants step by step through the score sheet. Why? Often times skit performers
are bringing forth great routines and powerful performances, but they aren't skits!
Paul will look at what a skit is, how clowns should prepare and look a the practical
performance techniques the judges find impressive. There are lots of classes on
skits you can take to be a better skit performer. This class is for those who want to
enter the single or group skit competition and come away a winner.
Clowning ... It's Supposed To Be FUN
Sometimes we work so hard at the craft of clowning, when we are done, we realize
that we aren't having any fun doing what we are doing. In order for an audience to be
fully entertained, we must have fun with them, Paul "Fuddi-Duddy" Kleinberger has
been having fun with the art of clowning for years and years. Join him as he shows
you how to have fun being the clown performer you want to be.
Getting A Leg Up On The Competition
Thinking about entering the business end of clowning? Paul will lead you through
some of those business considerations that are often overlooked as you start
charging for your performances. Business organizations, business planning, what to
charge, marketing, promotion and understanding and meeting your client's
expectations will all be discussed. This is a $eriou$ class for those who take their
clowning $eriou$ly.
Thinking Funny On Your Feet
We are clowns. We are supposed to be funny. However, do you have a degree in
Laughology? Many clowns do not. Join Paul Kleinberger as he leads you through
what humor is, how humor works and how a clown can capitalize on it to create
broader smirks and smiles and louder giggles and belly laughs.
Harry Allen
Comedy Magic for Clowns
Some of the things you will learn is: How to levitate yourself; Rope through Body;
How to saw a Rocky Raccoon Spring Animal in 3 pieces and restore him; How to
produce a gift magically and much, much more!
Ron "Spangle" Poindexter
Busking - A How-To Guide
What is "Busking" you ask. This class will give you an idea not only of WHAT it is but
also HOW to go about it. You will learn about types of venue, getting the OK, the long
hours, working for TIPS - not for free, not being a balloon machine - we are clowns,
keeping control of your surroundings and keeping contact info available. Also
covered will be where to place your "Tip jar", making tipping fun and IOUs. When you
hit the streets you will have an idea on how to work and behave after this class when
busking.
Bill "Bibo" Young
Clowns in Church
Pick-a-Pocket Walk-Around Magic
Dave Hill
Fabulous, Fantastic Walk-Arounds
Bits of comedy, sight gags, magic
Magic So Easy A Cave Clown Can Do It
Fifteen new magic routines, self working, easy to use props.
Jim Howle
Makeup design
Presentation & Performance
Skits & Bits
Curt "Uncle Curt" Robins
Using The BIG Balloons
The new 646s, 660s, 360s and 350s can be used in day to day entertainment to
spice up a balloon sculpture. Many entertainers do not yet realize the potential of
these biggies and mistakenly believe that the big ones are hard to work with.
Restaurants, A How-To Guide
How to find a restaurant to entertain at, how to land it, and how to keep it. This
includes several bits of business to use while entertaining. We have been doing
restaurants for over 13 years with our longest running gig at 10 years and still going
strong.
Entertaining From The Dollar Store
How to and what to use to dress up or extend your magic/entertaining props. Plus
several stage acts that use things acquired from the Dollar Store.
Teresa & Bob Gretton
Building Your Clown or Rebooting Your Clown
From the walk, talk, and mindset, beginners learn to build with the basics and branch
out in directions that serve their specific interests and talents. Using the same
basics, experienced clown find ways to revitalize their clown acts and think in
somewhat different directions to make their clowning more enjoyable from within.
Through The Eyes of the Judge
So, you are ready to compete! Are you really? Let these nationally certified judges
take you through the steps of readiness from the side of the judges for Skits,
Paradeability, Make-up, and Balloon Competitions. Learn what a judge look for in
competition. Focus on the rules of the game.
Disaster Clowning
No, this is not a lecture on disastrous clowning but on clowns assisting during
national or local disasters. This class will take you through the do's and don'ts of
clowning in shelters and assisting those who have been affected with a disaster. It
will also touch upon what types of performance are appropriate during times of crisis
as well as "soft assistance" utilization.
John "GYZMO" DeMarinis
Play to the Camera
GYZMO will talk about some of the things a photographer is going to be looking for,
giving some pointers about how to bring out the best persona for your clown
character, some general posing tips to help a model and briefly mentions some of
the legal aspects of having your photographs taken.
Steve "Peachey Keene" Long
Stilt walking: Bring Your Clown To Greater Heights
Stilt walking is a great way to add a new dimension to your character. This class will
show you the up and downs of this unique art form. Peachey has been performing on
stilts for around 20 years and has learned more than a few trick of the trade. Learn
everything from costuming to safety and many students will get a chance to try
walking on a pair of stilts. If you ever thought you might like to add this skill to your
repertoire then this is the class for you.
Steve "Salty" Kissell
How To Be A Great MC
This class teaches how to fill in between acts, introduce performers, and how to
properly prepare a site for a memorable program. Tips on selecting costumes and
writing an effective presentation will be demonstrated. Come laugh AND learn!
Performing and Marketing for Libraries
Book your summer full of fun and profitable shows. Learn how to build, present and
perform for libraries in you area.
Family Fun Shows
How do you get your audiences involved and keep their attention? Games! Learn
how to select games, comedy magic and bits to keep the fun going with a controlled
environment.
Magic & Storytelling
Share in the surprising delight of learning magical effects that will enlighten any
session of storytelling. One of the most requested workshops. Great for working with
libraries, schools and birthday parties!
Tom "Tom E Boy" King
Bring In The Clowns ... Jest For Health
The do's and don'ts of entertaining at hospitals, nursing homes and senior
complexes. Humoring the sick from the view of a cancer survivor. Lots of facts and
fun while learning the importance of being a caring clown.
We Got Game ... No Magic, No Balloons
You don't have to be a magician or balloon artist for this class. Just lots of fun and
silly things to do. A splash of run and fun time. Lots of action and could get messy.
Bring a change of clothes!
Games For The Stage ... Let The Games Begin
Getting your audience involved. Games that will make your audience members the
star of the show and you the entertainer that everyone wants for their next event.
Pricilla Mooseburger
Clown Costumes That Work!
Pricilla will teach you the tricks of the trade whether you buy or make your own
costumes. She will cover useful sewing tips as well as terrific ideas for you to put
together your own working wardrobe. (Handouts included)
The New Lite Auguste Costume
Confused about the new lite auguste character and what it is suppose to look like?
Join costume diva Pricilla Mooseburger for discussion ideas and examples. Learn
how to put together a cooler, lighter look without giving up the color and fun of looking
like a real clown!
Comic Movement With Pricilla!
Learn to move like a cartoon! Pricilla will share the wonderful techniques she learned
while on the road with Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus. This class is great
for clowns of all ages and body types! You will learn how to present yourself like a pro
and feel funny doing it.
Character Development
How do you develop a real clown character? Become a unique performer instead of
a cookie cutter clown. Pricilla unlocks the mystery with simple useful ideas that allow
you to become the clown character you have always wanted to be! Handouts
included give the participants great ideas on how to develop their own unique
character.
Kazoo Band
Pricilla is famous from coast to coast for putting together the terrific Kazoo Clown
Band. Come to this fun filled lab to make your own silly instrument and be part of the
band. Pricilla will not only teach your how to put together many crazy instruments out
of household recyclables, but how to put them to use in your act. A terrific class for
clown clubs and solo performers alike! Handouts included, lab fee of $5.00 includes
kazoo, jugs, hoses, colored tapes, and other decorations.
Hey, I'm a Clown! Now What???
A great class for all clowns! So you're a clown, now what? Pricilla's inspirational
vision of clowning will help you take what you've learned and put it into practice at
home! Useful information about clown clubs and organizations, getting started locally
and keeping yourself busy without clown burnout! This wonderful inspirational lecture
speaks to the heart of the clown. (Handouts)
Curt & Diana Patty
Props, Your Friend
L
Comedy Juggling
D
Hospital Clowning
L
| This page last up-dated on November 17, 2008. |