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SCHOOL is in session Pricilla Mooseburger a.k.a. Tricia Manuel School is in session and it is time to hit the books because it is never too late to learn something new. Some of us have been out of school for a long time. The idea of learning a new skill can be a little frightening. How do you go about learning something new? It is a good idea to figure out how you learn best. I love to read, but I am a very visual learner. When I try to read an instruction manual my head starts to spin! However if there is a diagram I have better luck. Some folks learn audibly. They can benefit from tapes or DVDs. There are more books and DVDs on the market now more than ever before! From face painting to magic to ventriloquism, someone is putting a DVD out on the subject. Not all education is created equal! Talk to your friends to find out who has the best product. See if you can get them through your local library. The biggest thing to remember, regardless or how you learn best, is that it is OK to make a mistake. That first bag of balloon animals may end up looking like refugees from a nuclear plant – no matter! You will improve with practice. Accept from the beginning that you will not astound yourself with your “natural” ability. Kids really don't care if each bubble is not in perfect proportion. They will love you all the more if you tell them you are just a beginner. Little kids especially can relate to that and will be on your side. Giving yourself permission to fail or at least not be perfect is the first step. I knew a guy who taught people how to juggle. He said you are going to drop the balls at least 100 times before you get it. So you might as well get started dropping those balls and get it out of your system! I love that idea! Now you may be new to clowning or trying to learn a new skill. Yikes! You are going to make mistakes but it is OK and an expected part of learning something new. As adults, we are not supposed to make mistakes. We have this misguided notion that we should have it all figured out by now. WRONG. Making mistakes makes Page 22 The New Calliope
us feel uncomfortable. By now, most of us are competent at what we do, or we are really good at hiding our mistakes!!! When you start to learn something new get ready to feel uncomfortable. Just by making a mental note about this makes all the difference. Remind yourself that with practice, this feeling will go away and it is all a natural part of learning something new. If you don't make mistakes or fail at something you try, you are not trying very hard or challenging yourself very much. What happens when you try to learn something new and you just can't get it? Ask for help! Don't be afraid to call the company you purchased the trick or item from and ask for assistance. Take the trick or prop to your next clown club meeting and see if someone else has figured it out and can help you. A few minutes of hands-on help can make all the difference in the world. But first you have to ask for the help you need and just “get over it”. Most clowns are generally happy to help. This can also make for a great alley meeting activity! In advance, let your club members know that you will be having a “What the heck do I do with this” night. Have members bring those challenging items and then share the fun and knowledge. You can have a “show-and-tell-me-how-to-do-this” kind of event. You can share skills, learn something new, and have a few laughs. Sessions like these can build a sense of teamwork and self-esteem within a clown club as well. Everyone wins! When learning a new skill, set reasonable goals. Set a specific time when you will practice. Put it on your calendar. For real results, you need to be committed to practice. In Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Clown College, we put our makeup on EVERY day for weeks! That is what it takes to get proficient at a skill commitment. At Moose Camp, our Clowning 101 course, students put their makeup on every day. It keeps the ideas in your mind fresh. If you only think about improving a skill once a month, then when you have a performance lined up you will not get good results. If you are having trouble getting motivated, invite a friend to practice with you. That will keep you on track and it is more fun that way. Sometimes you have to put your feet to the fire. If you are pretty good at something, but you just need that extra push, book it!!!! What I mean is, set up a performance using that skill or new show! Your sense of commitment will nag you until you get it done. If there is no set goal, it is very easy to put learning something new on the back burner. School is in session. See you in class! l l l Pricilla Mooseburger, a.k.a. Tricia Manuel, started her clown career with Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus. While working at the Greatest Show on Earth, she learned the art of indestructible costume design. She is a long time member of COAI. JUGGLING SKITS M A G I C CLOWNING BASICS January/February <strong>2012</strong> Page 23
Page 2 and 3: $5 per roll (roll of 250) 5 rolls f
Page 4 and 5: Your COAI Officers EXECUTIVE COMMIT
Page 6 and 7: Don't Forget To Renew Your COAI Mem
Page 8 and 9: Page 8 The New Calliope
Page 10 and 11: 2012 Annual General Membership Meet
Page 12 and 13: BeBePaints.com For All Of Your Face
Page 16 and 17: Why Did I Wait So Long by Jayne “
Page 18 and 19: STAND DOGGY! STAND! Mr. Rainbow a.k
Page 20 and 21: Page 20 CIRCUS SMIRKUS Living the D
Page 28 and 29: Take 2 Red Noses & Call Me in the M
Page 30 and 31: The Ring of Honor Specializing in g
Page 32 and 33: COAI Membership Drive & Contest Jan
Page 34 and 35: CLOWNS OF AMERICA INTERNATIONAL FOR
Page 36 and 37: Alley Report by Toni Dufrene Direct
Page 38 and 39: Competition ... A Good Thing Page 3
Page 40 and 41: Scooter Etiquette by Bonita Love, S
Page 42 and 43: Music Page 42 The New Calliope
Page 46 and 47: Starring: José “Charlie” Sponb

JanFeb_2012

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