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Page 22 The New Calliope
Give The Gift Of Clowning by Pricilla Mooseburger I have always considered being a clown a precious gift. Clowning came into my life at a very pivotal time. I was 18 and searching for my true calling. I had finished my first year of college. My head was flooded with ideas -- too many questions and not enough answers. Should I major in journalism, acting, or education? I didn’t have a great self-image. What should I do with my life?! Clowning came as an unexpected gift that gave my life direction. I knew I needed to do it for the rest of my life, even if I didn’t really know how or why. Twenty plus years later…and so far so good! Sometimes I still ask myself, "Is this what I should be doing for myself, for the good of my family?" But happily I feel I have made the right choices. How can YOU give the gift of clowning? At this time of year we often think of giving to friends and family. We might toss a few bucks into the red kettle, drop an extra check into the collection plate, or bring groceries to a food drive. Honestly, that is the least we can do with the wealth we have in this country. We as clowns have another great gift. Here are some ideas on how you can give a very special gift of clowning to those who need it most. • Organize a clown trip to your local nursing home. Call and ask the activities director the best time for a visit. They will jump at the chance to have you come and entertain at their facilities. So many people are forgotten in nursing homes. The pain of having few visitors gets acute during the holidays. • Set up a visit to your favorite elementary school, day care, or nursery. I love to go to my old elementary school as "Edna the Stressed-out Elf". I get the kids AND their teacher to help me sing and act out The 12 Days of Christmas. I bring my own boom box and go from class to class. Once again: call ahead to find out the right time. • Invite someone new to your clown club Christmas party or meeting. This is a wonderful way to lure someone to the funny side of life. They will meet new people, and hopefully be inspired to give clowning a try. • Contact your local 4-H and see if they have a clown club. Volunteer to go and teach a few skits, give pointers on makeup or balloon animals. Jr. Joeys are the future of clowning. You will love the dedication kids have to clowning! • Check with your local Girl Scout troop; they have a performing arts badge. They typically have an actor or musician come in and talk about their vocation in the arts. I went to my daughter Julia’s scout meeting. She and I put our makeup on and performed a skit, and then we taught them a skit and it went towards earning their badge. They got so excited, that I will be returning to teach them how to make kazoo horns so they can march and play in the next St. Patrick’s Day parade. • Contact your local community education organization and offer to teach a beginning clown class. It is not as hard as you think! Here is a sample outline you can use as a guide: Week 1 - Introduce clowning by putting on your makeup and performing. Week 2 - Have them start to put on makeup and talk about character development. Week 3 - More makeup and try some improvisation and comic movement skills. Week 4 - Makeup and costumes Week 5 - Makeup and costumes Week 6 - Makeup, costumes and skits Week 7 - More skits Week 8 - A final performance for friends and family ‘Tis the season! Share the gift of clowning with someone you love. Take one of your clown pictures and make it into a funny greeting card. Send it to an aunt, uncle, or far-away friend. We take our fun for granted. Don’t be afraid to share the fun things you do with the people you love. Clowning is a gift from the heart. Think of a new way to share your love of laughter with someone who really needs it. You will be glad you did. In love and Laughter. ● ● ● 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. November/December <strong>2012</strong> Page 23
Page 2 and 3: Don't Forget To Renew Your COAI Mem
Page 4 and 5: Your COAI Officers EXECUTIVE COMMIT
Page 6 and 7: “You Design - We Refine” Custom
Page 8 and 9: Page 8 The New Calliope
Page 10 and 11: y Teresa Gretton Director of Member
Page 12 and 13: Clowns Of America, Int. Member PROF
Page 14 and 15: Southeast Regional VP by Kent Sheet
Page 16 and 17: Page 16 The New Calliope
Page 18 and 19: Holiday By Barbara “BeBe” Carte
Page 20 and 21: Twist & Talk Quick & Easy Frog For
Page 24 and 25: Last Walk-Around Robert “Poss”
Page 26 and 27: Members on the Move! Rita "Dottie D
Page 28 and 29: CLOWN WEEK About 25 clowns attended
Page 30 and 31: By Marcela “Moma Clown” Muraud
Page 32 and 33: Why Not Give A Gift That Will Be Us
Page 34 and 35: CLOWNS OF AMERICA INTERNATIONAL FOR
Page 36 and 37: Call For Business Manager Bid Bids
Page 38 and 39: Calendar November 7-11, 2012 MACA N
Page 40 and 41: News Flash . . . The New Calliope W
Page 42 and 43: Feature by: Ann “Tuttles” Sande
Page 44 and 45: What's In A Name by Kynisha Ducre c
Page 46 and 47: Some Day My Prince Will Come Oh wha

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