just4clowns

18 Sleeps to go.....

2006-04-03T18:29:00.000-05:00

Yes, there are only 18 sleeps before the most exciting event of the year! Slap Happy Daze Clown Conference!! If you haven't registered, do so soooooon. You won't be disappointed. You'll find all the necessary info on the Bump A Nose website.

I participated in the Festival of Fools this past week. Another wonderful event, filled with laughter, lots of people, cool entertainment and some clown friends. My friend Inch the Clown managed to make the Saturday Winnipeg Free Press. (she was accompanied by her dog Airhead) If you get a chance to check the links to the right of my blog, you'll see her website (along with other entertainers that I highly recommend).

Did you see TYPO at the MTYP? If not, you missed some great physical clown comedy. Not the "traditional" clown with the painted face. But clown he was!! Incredible...

Hope to see you at the 9th annual Slap Happy Daze Conference. By the way, if you haven't heard....Steve Kissell and Sue Kleinwachter are our guest speakers!!!

Slap Happy Daze Conference

2006-01-18T21:51:00.001-06:00

Guess what?? 93 days till the 9th Annual Slap Happy Daze. It is shaping up to be one of the BEST. We have 2 outstanding clowns/entertainers booked to be our guest speakers. Steve Kissell and Sue Kleinwachter. I'm really looking forward to another weekend of learning, growing and laughing.

To register, visit http://bumpanose.ca for all the details. (you can also click on the title of this post) You'll find a printable registration form and a brochure for details on the weekend.

So, come one, come all, to a weekend full of excitment and fun.

Lightbulb

Clown School Update

2006-01-09T08:38:00.000-06:00

Ok gang, after a couple hic-ups with the schedule, the Inch and Tumbles Clown classes (sponsered by the Bump a Nose Clown Alley) will be held starting Tuesday the 17th of January 2006.

The classes will begin at 7:00 PM and run until 9:30 PM every Tuesday night for ten weeks. The cost for the course will be $100 for enrollment and a $15 dollar lab fee for initial supplies provided by the instructors.

The classes will be held in the basement of the Lord Roberts C.C. 725 Kylemore Ave. (Fort Rouge area of Wpg.)
Please email Hugh Macgregor at hmacgregor@shaw.ca or leave him a message via voice mail @ 478-5184 if you wish to attend.

Minimum class size will be 5 persons so bring a pal and come laugh and learn from two of the best in the industry!

Clown School

2005-11-29T11:33:00.000-06:00

COMING SOON....

Yes, that's right. There is planning in the works (I've heard it is 90% done) that will, again, bring clown school to Winnipeg. As a graduate of Tumbles Clown School, this is exciting to hear. From what I understand, and I don't have all the information yet, it will be taught by 2 of Manitoba's finest clowns. Their combined knowledge, experience is probably 20+ years (someone can correct me on that number). If the instructors are the same as what I had, you will NOT be dissappointed.

So, if you or someone you know is interested, here are a few things I think I know:

- Will start in January, 2006
- One evening a week for 10 weeks (classes are usually 2-3 hours)
- Cost (don't know that but should be very reasonable considering the trainers)
- Location (probably a community centre...)

Once I receive official confirmation/information, I'll post it here with information on how to register. Give it some serious thought.

Personal Testimony about Clown School (mine):

I was having a lot of job/life stress and really needed to find something to bring joy/laughter into my life. I wasn't totally devoid of it, but I realized I needed more. I saw the clown school advertised in the Leisure Guide and decided to take the plunge. Thinking I would just do this to lighten up my life for 10 weeks, I certainly got more than I bargained for. This has changed my life significantly. It has given me an appreciation for the Art of Clowning and the significant role it plays in spreading joy and laughter. Doing clowning "right" has enabled me to spread that message and I am enormously blessed in the process!!

I highly recommend it!!

A Whole Bunch'a FUN

2005-11-18T09:14:00.000-06:00

It's the night before.....THE SANTA CLAUS PARADE!!

I'm so excited!! This is such a great event and an even greater opportunity to showcase clowning in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Where else can you go to meet close to 100,000 people. Yea I know, you don't actually "meet" them all personally, but I have an opportunity to "reach" them. To get them to see that clowns ain't scary. We're about making people laugh, to forget about their problems for just a while, to spread joy, to brighten their day.

Saturday's parade also marks another highlight for me. Something significant. Important. Engergizing. Our alley (Bump A Nose) will be joining with another alley (Chimo) and we'll be walking together during the parade! You might wonder how that is significant, important and energizing.

Good question. It's significant since we don't usually "do" things together. It's important because it shows a willingness to "do" things together. It's energizing when we can bring the joy of clowning to the masses "TOGETHER". Hmmmm......cool word....together!! I'll enjoy being together with my Bump A Nose friends and my "new" Chimo friends.

LET'S HAVE A BLAST - TOGETHER!!!!

Clowns of America

2005-09-29T11:10:00.000-05:00

Ok. I FINALLY sent in my membership for COAI (Clowns of America International). That was about 2 weeks ago. Yesterday, a package arrived in my mailbox. Inside was a member directory, a couple of COAI badges, membership certificate, etc.

WOW. I felt like an "official" clown. It is a similiar feeling when I graduated from clown school. Now there are 2 certificates to hang in my "clown room". My kids wanted to see the certificate and they seemed equally impressed. Funny how a piece of paper with your name on it can change your perspective!!

I look forward to reading the new Calliope magazine and enjoying the other benefits of COAI membership (although, not sure what they all are).

What a summer...so far!!

2005-08-22T11:23:00.000-05:00

To the loyal readers of just4clowns, sorry for the long delay in posts. I have been enjoying a much needed break from the 8:30-4:30 of full time work, and spending it R&Ring while camping, swimming, tubing, water skiing, hiking, eating too much ice cream, etc...with my family. It's been soooo good!!

If you are "water" people, I highly recommend Blue Lake Provincial Park, 10 minutes North of Vermillion Bay, Ont. The water is crystal clear, on the coolish side (spring fed), but just awesome!!

As for clowning stuff, I have kept myself less busy since I wanted (and needed) to spend more time with my family (see above) and also try and finish off a few things at home (which still aren't done - yikes).

If anyone has anything exciting to add, please click on the comment field and "add" your comment.

Question for the week: Was Charlie Chaplin a "real" clown?

My Answer: Yes!! Of course, we put the notion of clowns in a specific box. (White Face, Auguste, and Tramp/Hobo) Did he fit into any of those categories? One would think possibly the Tramp or Hobo, but his makeup was non-traditional. He didn't have a red nose, so that must exclude him from the title "clown". But what fits him into that mold was his whole demeanor to make people laugh. Not so much at others but at himself. He was a master at his craft and I, for one, applaud him as a great clown!!

OJ Anderson

2005-07-20T10:35:00.000-05:00

Hats off to CHIMO clown alley for arranging and hosting OJ Anderson, an evening workshop of IMPROV.

What an incredible time! It's amazing what the body & mind feels like after laughing for so long!! Here is what another participant said:

"I wanted to thank CHIMO Clown Alley for the wonderful evening they hosted last night with O.J. Anderson. I can't remember when I laughed so hard. The skills that OJ showed us were very helpful.
Thanks again to CHIMO.
Karen, 1/2 Pint the clown"

To OJ, who's performance and instructional session was TOP NOTCH, THANK YOU!! It's such an incredible opportunity to have someone with the experience, knowledge, and passion, come and teach us willing participants. You are welcome back, ANYTIME!!!

What more can I say...except...WOW!! I wonder when this high will end....hmmmmm

Very silly sites

2005-07-19T15:29:00.000-05:00

Came across some really silly sites. At least, they're silly to me. I hope you enjoy them. If not, I warned you...they are SILLY!!
HAHA

http://www.angryalien.com/

http://www.seattlesatellite.com/tom/video/tarping.html

http://www.koreus.com/files/200505/men-in-coats.html

Thanks for those who shared these with me...you know who you are!! If you come across some sites that are silly, fun, clean, please let me know.

Movie Review #1

2005-07-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

Greetings.

Well, we (the family and I), decided to check out the new Charlie and the Choc. Factory. Being HUGE fans of the WW&theCF book(s) and having seen the 1971 ver. with Gene Wilder, we determined it was worth the bucks to see it on the BIG screen.

We were not disappointed. What a great movie, from beginning to end. From a clowns perspective, I found the whole notion of sillyness so refreshing!!

The family and I give it 8 thumbs up!! (2 from each of us)

Cheers!!

Hi to my Friends

2005-06-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to send off a BIG HI to all my friends in Regina, Saskatchewan (Canada). You know who you are. Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog. If you know of anyone who is "into" the clownin' stuff, please pass the link along. The more readers, the happier I'll be.

This Blog site will be a work in progress as I "learn" some of the HTML coding and try and enhance the look of the blog. I kinda want it to be bright, cheerful and sorta "clowny" if you know what I mean!!

http://snappyclown.com
http://smilesoffun.com

The 2 links above are from a couple of my friends who setup their own websites. I encourage you to check them out. They are great clowns!! Inch the clown was one of my instructors at Tumbles Clown School. Snappy is also a graduate of the school.

Forum for Clowns

2005-06-23T13:34:00.000-05:00

I found this great Forum for balloon twisters, face painters, etc. Really, I could spend all day reading and researching...I only wish I had more time!! Hehehe....if it wasn't for this crazy day job. So, enjoy, sign up, share ideas, learn a bit more, and best of all, have fun!!

just4clowns

2005-06-23T11:59:00.000-05:00

Had an unfortunate experience at a gig this past weekend. There was a stage show going on which was VERY good. Lots of participation pulled out of the kids in the audience. Then, when it was over, there is an altercation with the next performer and the one just finishing. Talk about uncomfortable. Without going into too many details, the next performer started yelling at the one just finished. This was happening "on stage" in front of the many wide eyed faces of the kids. The only saving grace was that the performer who just finished did not yell back or anything, he just got out of there as quick as possible!

I shook my head and pondered the entire scenario over and over during my 1 hour ride home. The words PROFESSIONALISM and CHARACTER kept creeping into my head. Where was it that afternoon? We all experience disputes, whether at work, at play, at home or during our "gigs". How we handle them as professionals tells much of our character.

Not sure where this rant will lead. I'll sign off by saying to the "next performer", "Please think before you speak, ESPECIALLY in front of the kids & adults you are there to entertain. Use the God given grey matter between your ears and determine how you want to be remembered Professionally by the actions of your character." As for the "performer who just finished", "Bravo, for showing your professionalism and true character by not getting into the dispute in front of those you are hired to entertain."

just4clowns

2005-06-17T10:17:00.000-05:00

Here it is, a bright SUNNY Friday mornin'.

Last nite, I was talkin' with a clown buddy of mine and the CNL came up in our chat. What is CNL?? Glad you asked! It stands for Clown Newsletter and it's a fabulous resource for clowns. If anyone is interested in receiving the CNL, here is the contact information:

The Clown Newsletter
By the Funny Farm
Toby KID, Editor
966 H Ave.
Ogden, IA 50212
515/275-3250
www.tobykid.com
clownnewsletter@tobykid.com

I have used the CNL to post questions and have ALWAYS received helpful answers, advice, links to resources, etc. I'd encourage all you clowns to email Toby Kid and get a subscription!!

2005-06-14T13:19:00.000-05:00

Bump A Nose Clown Alley

Here we all are, I think. Had to do a bit of editing
to add a few members who didn't make it to the
group photo session. Maybe I'm biased but we are
a good lookin' group, don't you think?

2005-06-10T12:45:00.000-05:00

Uh Oh the Clown
Bump A Nose Clown Alley
CLOWN OF THE YEAR 2005

Congratulations

2005-06-10T11:22:00.000-05:00

I belong to a group of clowns (Bump A Nose Clown Alley) and every year, we nominate someone for "clown of the year". Alley members nominate someone from the alley, who has exemplified the art of clowning, as well as, given of his/her time for alley functions.

Drum roll please....congratulations to Hugh MacGregor or Uh Oh the clown!!

Anyone wanting to know a bit more about the Alley can check us out at:

www.bumpanose.ca

Interesting Article

2005-06-02T17:34:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine sent me an article of a church service @ Trinity Church-St. Paul's Chapel in the City of New York. I wish I could have been there. But, oh wait, there are also links to web broadcasts of the service. HA HA HA

Enjoy everyone!

http://www.layman.org/layman/news/2005-news/new-york-city-church-holds.htm

2005-06-01T16:15:00.000-05:00

Lightbulb

Greetings from LightBulb

2005-06-01T15:53:00.000-05:00

Greetings to all who visit my Blog.

Feel free to blog about clowns and the whole industry. Maybe you are a clown and you just want to share ideas, etc. Unfortunately, there are those who are "uneasy" around clowns and a "healthy" discussion around that might be cool.

There are many aspects of clowning that deserve to be discussed and I welcome your thoughts.

Happy Bloggin' at just4clowns!!!

Take care, Lightbulb the Clown