Jan_Feb_2005

The New Calliope January/February 2005 

The New 

Call ioP-_e __ ~ 

THE NEW CALLIOPE is published bimonthly 

January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, 

September/October, November/December, by The Bluffton 

News, 103 N. Main St., Bluffton, OH 45817. Second 

class postage paid at Bluffton, OH. 

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PO 

Box Clown , Richeyville, PA 15358-0532. 

Articles and advertising for The New Calliope should 

be sent to the editorial office: 

Cal Olson, Editor 

The New Calliope 

2000 Outer Dr. N. #523 

Sioux City, IA 51104 

Ph. (712) 239-4599 

calolson@willinet.net 

Unsolicited articles or pictures must include return 

postage , self-addressed envelope. 

Clowns of America, International, Inc., annual membership 

fees: 

U.S. New members: $30 

U.S. Renewals: $25 

Foreign New: 

$35 (U.S. Funds) 

Family membership, U.S. and foreign: $12 for 

second and additional members . 

Lifetime membership: $500. 

$15 of the COAi membership fee is for a one-year 

subscription to The New Calliope. Subscriptions are 

available only to full members of Clowns of America 

International, Inc. 

Send all membership fees to Clowns of America 

International , Inc. P.O. Box Clown, Richeyville, PA 

15358-0532 . Make all checks payable to Clowns of 

America International, Inc. 

Advertising rates: 

Full page $300 

Half page 175 

Quarter page 100 

Eighth page 60 

Send copy and payment to The New Calliope, 2000 

Outer Dr. N. #523, Sioux City, IA 51104. Make checks 

payable to Clowns of America International, Inc. Only 

prepaid advertising accepted. 

Ad sizes: 

Full page 7 1 /2" wide x 9 1 /2" deep 

Half page 7 1 /2" wide x 4 5/8" deep 

or 

3 5/8" wide x 9 1 /2" deep 

Quarter page: 3 5/8" wide x 4 1/2" deep 

Eighth page: 3 5/8" wide x 2 1/2" deep 

Advertisements that do not conform to these sizes 

will be copied and re-sized. However, The New Calliope 

will accept no responsibility for the quality of reproduction 

in this circumstance. 

Deadline for the March/April, 2005 , issue is 

February 15, 2005. 

Questions regarding COAi membership concerns , 

including status of membership, changes of address, 

failure to receive The New Calliope, should be referred 

to COAi's business office: 

COAi 

P.O. Box C 

Richeyville, PA 15358-0532 

Toll-free telephone calls to the Business Office can 

be made between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EST each 

Wednesday and Thursday. Call 1 (888) 52-CLOWN. 

ON THE COVER: Cathy "Tots" Mackey, of 

Valatie, NY, is COAi's 2005 Clown of the 

year. See story page 4. (Photo by Ken 

Bovat, Photo Art, Claverack, NY.) 

--2--

The New Calliope January /February 2005 

The New 

Call ioP-_e __ ------1 

· 

Published for members of Clowns of America International 

JANUARY /FEBRUARY, 2005 

VOLUME 22, NUMBER 1 

COAi OFFICERS 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

PRESIDENT: Cheri Venturi, P.O. Box 367, Destrehan, LA 

70047. Ph. (985) 764-0080.cherioats@aol.com 

EXEC. VICE PRESIDENT: Paul Kleinberger II, 2 Maple Ln. N., 

Loudonville , NY 12211. Ph. (518) 489-2680 . 

FuddiDuddy @aol.com 

SECRETARY: Teresa Gretton, 3411 Lisa Circle, Waldorf, MD 

20601. Ph. (301) 843-82 12. gretton@verizon.net 

TREASURER: Claudia Keener, 341 Miles Ave.N.W., Warren , 

OH 44483. Ph. (330) 847-8221.claudideo@yahoo.com 

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Michael B. Cox, 9415 Alameda Ave., 

Richmond , VA 23294. Ph. (804) 270-1165 

bonkerstc@aol.com 

DIRECTORS 

MEMBERSH IP: Bonita Love. Ph. {619) 282-9668. 

bonbonsandiego@yahoo.com or bonclown@webtv.net 

EDUCATION: Merilyn Barrett , 1154 Chippewa Cir., 

Carpentersville, IL 60110. Ph. (847) 428-6101 

coaimw@aol .com 

CONVENTIONS: Patricia Roeser, 2840 Jordan Dr.,Woodbury, 

MN 55125. Ph. (651) 578-1573.coaidrconv@aol.com 

ALLEY, REGION SUPPORT: Catherine Hardebeck, 6027 

Deerwood Dr.,St. Louis , MO 63123. Ph. (314) 481- 

6808. catheoh@aol.com 

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS 

Northeast: Bill Hart, 1029 Roberta Rd., Schenectady, NY 12303. 

Ph. {518) 356-4675. snappy@logical.net 

North Central: Pamela Bacher, 3019 Smiley Rd., Bridgeton , MO 

63044. Ph. (314) 291-2048.p.bacher@att.net 

Northwest: Albert Alter, 5848 S.E. 18th Ave., Portland, OR 

97202. Ph. (503) 23 1-8576.altered@europa.com 

Mideast: Tom King, 704 Bona Vista Place, Charleston, WV 

25311. Ph. (304) 926-6408 (0), (304) 542-6408 (C) 

clown.tomeboy@earth 1.net 

Midwest: Hazel Ovanin, 5344 Seminole Ct., Commerce 

Township, Ml 48382. Ph. (248) 684-7862 

hovanin@earhtl ink.net 

Southeast: Keith Stokes, 1539 Lake Clay Dr., Lake Placid, FL 

33852. Ph./Fax (863) 465-4438. deelou1@earthl ink.net 

South Central: Cynthia Quarles, 5 Lakeview Court , Sandia Park, 

NM 87047. Ph. (505)-28 1-4092 

yak idyyaktclown@comcast.net 

Southwest: Candy Will, 32302 Alipaz St. #193,San Juan 

Capistrano , CA 92675. Ph. (949) 489-997 1. 

clownbutterscotch@yahoo.com 

Canada: Linda Loveday, 2154 Broadway Ave.,Thunder Bay, 

Ont. Can. P7C 5N5. Ph. (807) 939-2160. 

lulu1955 @yahoo.com 

Latin Countries: Angel Morales , 24 RR5 Jardines de Caparra, 

Bayamon , PR 00959.Ph. (787) 798-704 1 

jobolin@coqui.net 

STAFF 

Business Manager: Shirley Long, P.O. Box C,Richeyville, 

PA 15358-0532. Ph./Fax (724) 938-8765 (call for 

confirmation of receipt) or (888) 52CLOWN. 

coaibusinessmgr@aol.com 

New Calliope Editor: Cal Olson, 2000 Outer Dr. N. #523 , 

Sioux City, IA 51104.Ph (712) 239-4599 . 

calolson@willinet.net 

COMMITTEE CHAIRS 

Competition: Leo Desilets, 153 Westmoreland Rd., Whitesboro, 

NY 13492 

Ph. (305) 768-1944. 

Good Cheer: Fred Scholsshaue r, 8 Alanon St., Whippany, NJ 

07981., Ph. (973) 887-2617 oscarboj@aol.com 

Regional Ambassadors: Jack Anderson, 5517 Roosevelt Blvd., 

Jacksonville, FL 32244 frecklesup@aol.com 

International Ambassadors: Forrest Wheeler, PO Box 283, 

Vernonia, OR 97064 Forrest2W@aol.com 

Clown Week: Frank Kelly, 654 Third St., Ft. Wayne, IN 46808 

Ph. (260) 422-2221 kelly_ francis@msn.com 

Junior Joeys: Candy Will, SW Regional Vice President. 

COAi WEB SITE: www.coai.org 

To subscribe to COAi 's electronic community, email : COAI 

Subscribe @yahoogroups .com 

--3-- 

Contents 

'Tots:' Clown of the Year ....................... ...................... .4 

Gotta motto? .................. ............................. ................ 6 

COAi Board studies, takes action ....... ........................ 8 

Closer than you think!. .............................................. 12 

2005 COAi Convention schedule .............................. 13 

Mixing school with clowning .............. ..................... ... 16 

Alley update .................... ........................................... 18 

Around COA i ....................... ......... ................ ............. 18 

From the President. ............ ...... ................................. 20 

So what kind of clown am l? ................................... 22 

St. Patrick 's Day magic with numbers ................... .... 24 

Wanted: 'Mature 'clowns ......... ............................. ....... 26 

Winter agenda for working joeys ............................... 28 

Cha Cha and Muswog in Mexico .............. .......... ....... 30 

A Japanese gig ...... ............................... .................. ... 32 

Mining gold in you r customer base ............................ 34 

'joey' o'lanterns? ...................................... ................. . 36 

Storyline magic ..................................................... ..... 38 

COAi competitio n rules ............................................. .40 

Calendar ....................... ............................................ .46 

Treasu rer's report ......... ....... ................................... .. .46

The New Calliope Jan uary/ February 2005 

'Tots:' Clown of the Year 

Cathy "Tots" Mackey, of Valatie, NY, is COA i's 2005 

Clown of the Year. She was selected from a group of 

seven nominees. 

Cathy 's selection caps her 12-year career of intense 

clowning involving both charitable and commercial clown 

venues , full-blown alley and commun ity activity , success 

ful competiti on in all phases of clowning and (probably 

most noteworthy) an all-out participation in children's 

camps and organizat ions. 

Some background: 

+ Her clown name , Tots ," is the acronym of "Teach 

Others To Smile. " 

+ She's president of Electric Clown Alley #285, 

served four years as COAi Ambassador for the state of 

New York, won numerous COA i international awards in 

skit, paradeabi lity, balloons and makeup compet ition. 

Cathy was nominated for this prestigious title by Linda 

"PeaNut" Diehl , of Scotia , NY. Here are excerpts from 

that nomination: 

"Known for her commitment to community service , she 

has helped raise monies for a wide variety of organiza 

tions ... playgrounds, churches , area schools , Girl and Boy 

Scouts ...... Cathy singlehandedly put together the XP 

Society 's Camp Sundown Clown Troupe. 

"Cathy is a caring , fun loving person who is fair and 

of high mora l princip les. She is a model for the Clown 

Code of Ethics. More than any of that is the individual 

behind the clown , the warm person who brings out the 

best in others in the most natural way." 

She is the mother of two college-aged girls and a 

teen-age son . She has been married to Mike Mackey for 

25 years and works part time in communit y relations at 

Wal-Mart in Hudson , NY. 

Cathy's nomination included several letters of reco m 

mendation. Some excerpts: 

Loretta "LA*DE*DAH" DeAngelus, Schenectady, 

NY, COA i's 2000 Clown of the Year: "I remember when 

Cathy first became a clown , and her enthusiasm. She 

was eager to learn all she could, and her enthusiasm has 

continu ed through the years ... she has talent and the heart 

of a clown, and is willing to share whatever she can with 

others. " 

Caren Mahar, Crary ville, NY, Executive Directo r, 

--4-- 

Cathy Mackey designed and uses her Europeanstyle 

clown, "Moonlite," only for her work with children 

suffering from a rare disease. 

Xeroderma Pigmentosum Society: Her involvement has 

raised much needed aware ness and funds to cover our 

Camp Sundow n (for children who suffe r the rare disease 

XP, and can never be in the light of day). Often volunteers 

have trouble sitting with and talking to our patients. Cathy 

made each and every single child feel better, building self 

estee m through activities and persona l contact. She 

brought in six clowr,s besides herself. .. she even gave 

birth to "Moo nlite" the clown, a special face and figure


made specifically for Camp Sundown , not to be used anywhere 

else ... In searching for the Clown of the Year, I am 

sure you have not come across the energy, talent and 

enthusiasm combined with the ability to reach out public ly 

that we have found to be standard procedure for 

Catherine Mackey." 

Elaine Person , Altamont , NY, Executive Director , 

Clowns on Rounds , lnc.:"Our organ ization and the other 

organizations supported by her generous donation of time 

and talents , apprec iate all she has done for us. . .. I have 

always been imp ressed by her creativity , artistry and 

sense of humor. Her love of children and the art of clowning 

are evident in everything she does." 

Megan "Kidd-O" Kozlowski, Albany , NY: "Tots has 

taught me how to believe in myself ... She has always 

taught me that I need self-confidence to be 

successful. .. She never hurts anyone 's feelings and is 

always willing to make suggest ions." 

Bob "Bunky" Gretton, Waldorf, MD: "Her clown lives 

in her heart ... ! can think of no better clown/person to represent 

all of us as Clown of the Year." 

Miriam "Senorita Soto" Kleinberger , Loudonville , 

NY: "Cathy lives by her clown name ... She spends countless 

hours (as COAi Ambassador to New York State) and 

has proven to be a very effective advocate for both COAi 

and the clown arts ... She is a unique combinat ion of 

leader, award winning clown , teacher , coach , supervisor 

and advocate for Clowns of America International. " 

Ann "Tuttles" Sanders , Toano, VA:"Tots is known for 

fostering an atmosphere of growth and support among 

her fellow clowns .She has the unique quality of freely 

sharing her expert ise with those who seek her advice. " 

Lucy "Bootsie" Spoth , Schenectady , NY: "Cathy's 

costumes and makeup are always perfect , but most of all, 

she has a love for clowning for all ages. Her creativit y, 

enthusiasm , energy and love of humanity radiates to all 

who meet and know her." 

J.T."Bubba" Sikes, Orange Park, FL: "Cathy Mackey 

is funny, creative and sensitive, qualities needed to 

remain on the cutting edge of clown ing ... Once you have 

seen and worked with her, you will come to know how 

fortunate COAi is to have her as an active and involved 

member. " 

Walter R. Lee, Seve rn, MD, COAi Sergeant-at-Arms, 

1983-2004: "Cathy has been an inspiration to those 

around her with her characte r development...Her knowledge 

of clowning and performance skills rate her as one 

of the best all-around clowns in COAi. " 

January /February 2005 

Celebrate!!! 

It's COAi's 20th anniversary. 

Show your clowny connection 

with this great merchandise! 

Men's and women's long sleeve denim shirts 

M-XL.. ....... $30 2XL-3XL. ............ $35 

Fanny Packs ............. $15 

(Forest green, red, light blue, dark blue) 

Men's and women's 2-tone metal band 

watches with COAi logo .......................... $30 

Men's and women's black leather band 

watches with COAi logo .......................... $20 

Postage: $6.00 

$8.00: 

$9.00: 

$10.00: 

up to $50 purchase 

$76 - $85 

$86 - $100 

$101 and over 

Nifty post-paid stuff: 

Pins ................ $3 Decals ....................... $1 

Patches .......... $3 Bumper stickers ...... $1 

License plate holders (limited supply) ..... $1 

(Call 804-367-9739 to check availability) 

Order: 

Michael Cox 

9415 Alameda Ave. 

Richmond, VA 23294 

Make checks payable to COAi 

--5--


Gotta motto? 

Put your thinking cap on: As part of its 20th 

looking for a motto. 

anniversary observance , COAi is 

Any member of COAi is eligible to enter the search for a club motto -- a phrase 

or sentence that will identify the world's premier clowning organization. 

The clown who comes up with the winning motto will receive a year's paid membership 

renewal in COAi, and an Editor's Award plaque from The New Calliope. 

A panel of judges will select the winning motto, which will be unveiled during 

COAi's International Convention in Grand Rapids, Ml, in April. 

It's easy to enter: Just send your entry to the editor of The New Calliope , either 

by email or U.S. mail. Deadline: March 15. 

Email entries should go to: 

calolson@wi Iii net.net 

U.S. Mail entries to: Cal Olson 


2000 Outer Dr. N. #523 

Sioux City, IA, 51104 

Your entry should be accompanied by your full 

name plus clown name, and complete mailing 

address. 

Some background: COAi has been motto-less The old COA had a motto 

for its entire 20-year existence. Our predecessor until the circus objected. 

organization , Clowns of America , had a motto: 

"Clowns of America: Greatest Club on Earth." But it was abandoned after the powers-that-be 

at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus threatened legal action. 

COA's motto was too close to their "Greatest Show on Earth," they said. Goodbye, 

motto. 

What is COAi looking for in a motto? Here's how the dictionary defines the 

word: "A sentence , phrase or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or 

indicative of its character or use; 2: a short expression of a guiding principle." 

Good luck! 

--6--


Clowns of America International 

20M CIOWIII of 111G YEAR 

Ma 

Face Pa /i 

Balloon 1 

__,, 

~ 

Professional Advertising Cards 

Over 1,700 satisfied customers world wide. 

Allow me to be your personal designer 

and turn your photo or concept into a 

Professional Advertising Card. 

Business, Trading & Post Cards - Brochures 

8x10 Promotional Prints - Labels & Stickers 

1-800- 722-2922 

www.tps-pac.com 

Satisfaction Money Back Guaranteed Products & Services 

Call my toll free number for information & samples 

To order: Mail your photo & instructions to: 

TechniGraphics Printing Specialties• 1135 St. Clair Ave.• Hamilton, Ohio 45015-2051 

Color one side only business & trading cards. 

1,000 Coated or uncoated both sides S69.95 

1,000 Deluxe UV gloss coated 1 side $99.95 

2,000 coaled or uncoated both sides $139.90 

2,500 Special Offer UV coated 1 side $139.90 

~ 

Color one side Black & White back imprint. 

1,000 Coated both sides $79.95 

1,000 Uncoated both sides $109.95 

1,000 Deluxe UV gloss coaled 1 side $109.95 

2,000 Coaled or uncoated both sides $139.90 

2,500 Special Offer UV coated 1 side S139.90 

WANT SOMETHING SPECIAL? 

Color Both Sides , 

1,000 Coated both sides $99.95 

1,000 Uncoated both sides $109.95 

1,000 Deluxe UV gloss coaled 1 side $149.95 

2,000 Coated or uncoated both sides $179.90 

2,500 Special Offer UV coated 2 sides $179.90 

Coated & uncoated cards printed on 12 point stock. 

UV Coaled cards printed on 14 point stock. 

Even if you have a professional photo, you may want some special effects done 

for that outstanding or specially custom designed card you've dreamed of. 

If you can imagine it Ken can do it! 

Photo manipulation available at additional cost. 

Set up charge: color one side (limited time offer) with or without back printing .... $20. 0 

includes one color photo, typesetting & proof via our web site. 

Set up charge: For color both sides (limited time offer) .... $30. 0 

Includes 2 color photos, typesetting & proof via our web site 

Freight charges via UPS ground $8.00 per thousand. 

~ 

,;./(" / / ,, 

~

The New Calliope Janua ry/February 2005 

COAi Board studies, takes action 

By Cal Olson, Editor 

The full spectrum of COA i programs and activities 

came under examinat ion at the fall meeting of COA i's 

Board , held Nov. 4-6 in Grand Rapids , Ml. In the process , 

the Board: 

+ Expanded plans for COAi's Junior Joey program; 

+ Okayed a budget of $10,000 for celebrating 

COAi's 20th anniversary ; 

+ Heard plans for the 2005 Membership Directory; 

+ Approved publication of a special anniversary 

book; 

+ Continued studying the controversial Artists in 

Residence program ; 

+ Added face painting to the conventio n competition 

lineup; 

+ Realigned the COAi Ambassador program. 

Some 22 persons attended , including the seven members 

newly elected or appoin ted to the Board , and two 

members elected to different offices. They include: 

Newly elected: Bill Hart , Northeast Regional Vice 

President; Pamela Bacher , North Central RVP; Tom King, 

Mideast RVP; Hazel Ovanin , Midwest RVP; Angel 

Morales , Latin Countries RVP ; 

Newly appointed: Bonita Love, Membeship director; 

Cynth ia Quarles , South Central RVP ; 

Elected to different offices: Michael B.Cox, Sergeant -at 

Arms; Meri lyn Barrett , Education director. 

Norma lly a two-day session, this year's fall Board 

meeting included an extra , brainstorming day, at wh ich 

Board members discussed a variety of club-orien ted subjects 

, largely on a For Your Informat ion basis. Th en, formal 

discussion and action were conducted in the subseqent 

two days. Here are details on actions taken: 

20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Board members 

okayed a supplemen tal budge t item of $10,000 to 

support the celeb ration of COAi's 20th birthday anniversary. 

In the immediate works: a spec ial anniversary 

patch (to be distributed to all members) , and a birthday 

bash at the international convent ion in April. Plans are 

building for added events. 

ANNIVERSARY PUBLICATION: A book commemorating 

COA i's 20th anniversary was given the go ahead. 

It will be produced by Turn er Publishing Company , 

Knoxville , TN , and will include background stories and 

pictures of the organizat ion. The bulk of the book will 

cons ist of pictures and short biograp hies of individual 

COA i members . 

--8-- 

Turner will solicit biographical mate rial and photos 

from individua l members , and wil l offer copies of the publication 

for sale at $47.50. A Turner representative said 

neithe r COAi nor its indiv idual members will be charged 

for material appearing in the book; rather , all income will 

be ge nerated through book sales. Estimated lead time: 

12 to 18 months. 

MEMBERSHIP: A campaign to boost COAi mem bership 

is in the works. Board members agreed that an 

aggress ive membership marketing plan is essentia l, and 

should involve the entire club membersh ip. Busi ness 

Manager Shirley Long reported a total of 4 ,795 membe rs 

as of October 2004. 

FACE PAINTING: Compe tition in face painting will be 

introduced at COAi 's 2005 International Convention in 

Grand Rapids. Board members okayed a proposal to add 

two categories of face painting -- full face and cheek art - 

to the current categories , that include makeup, skits , balloon 

scu lpture and paradeability. Rules for face paint ing 

competition will be found in the COAi Compet ition Rules , 

beginning on page 40 in this issue of Calliope. 

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE: COA i's defunct Artists in 

Residence program gets another turn at bat, after three 

proposa ls were cons idered. The Artist in Residence program 

offered subsidies to alleys that hired Al Rs for alley 

appea rances . It was cance led in 2003 , because the 

Board felt the program wasn 't helping smaller alleys , and 

was used primarily by larger alleys that had less need of 

subsidization . 

Th e Board had reconsidered the matter at its April 

2004 meeting in Corpus Christi , after receiv ing a number 

of protests. Their decision: Appo int a committee to resolve 

the issue. 

Venturi named Education Cha ir Merilyn Barrett to 

head a five-person committee to continue work on the 

subject, so that it can be fully considered at the Board's 

meeting next Apri l. 

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY: Tom Newton , whose 

printing firm has the contract for producing both the 2005 

Membership Directory and The New Call iope (beginning 

in July 2005) , said the Directory should be in membe rs' 

hands next March . Board members ag reed with 

Executive Vice President Paul Kleinberger, who said the 

Directory is proprieta ry material , and accordingly shou ld 

not be used by outside interests as a mailing list. 

JUNIOR JOEYS: With the Ju nior Joey program getting 

off to a fast start , it will now go into its second year, 

encouraging more members , greater deta ils, expanded 

education , and formation of Junior Joey alleys. Board


January/February 2005 

NEW FACES on the COAi Board, 

plus two members who assumed 

new titles during the last election: 

Front, from left, Bill Hart and 

Cynthia Quarles. Rear. from left: 

Pamela Bacher, Hazel Ovanin, 

Michael Cox, Tom King, Merilyn 

Barrett, Bonita Love, Angel 

Morales. 

education, and formation of Junior Joey alleys. Board 

members agreed that Junior Joey competit ion will not be 

held at COAi's 2005 convention in Grand Rapids, Ml; 

instead, young joeys will be showcased in a special presentation. 

However, Junior Joeys will be allowed in general 

competition if they pay the normal convention registration 

fee. 

ALLEY EDUCATION GRANT: Board members 

defeated a proposal that would have made annual grants 

to four alleys of up to $500 each to help subsidize alley 

educational efforts. The action was taken as the Board 

continues its work to expand the program. 

Under the existing educational grant program, the 

Delaware Valley Alley #8 was given a $500 educationa l 

grant. 

AMBASSADOR ALIGNMENT: Board members 

approved a name change for its cadre of volunteers. 

They'll no longer be called COAi "State" Ambassadors; 

rather, they'll be known as COAi "Regional" 

Ambassadors. All else -- duties, participation , support 

for COAi -- remains the same. 

The name change came because three COAi regions 

-- Canada , International and Latin Countries -- do not 

have states, but rather provinces , territories or other 

political and geographical divisions. "Region," it was 

agreed, covers every eventuality. The change, says the 

motion of approval, "will more accurately reflect their 

roles, as well as continue the ongoing effort to transition 

COAi into the international organization it envisions itself 

being." 

INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADORS: President 

Venturi was authorized to appo int two persons as COAi 

International Ambassadors: Rob Eubanks, of Germany, 

and Rick Danielson, of Okinawa. Both men are serving in 

the U.S. military forces. 

In recommending the action, Executive VP 

Kleinberger said the failure to elect or appoint an 

International Regional Vice President "is frustrating, to 

say the least" (due largely to the problem of travel 

costs).Eubanks and Danielson volunteered to serve as 

International Regional Ambassadors. But without an 

International Regional VP, COAi had no formal mechanism 

by which to make the appointments. Until an 

International RVP is in place, Venturi will provide supervision 

and support of the pair's efforts to serve the international 

membership. 

ALLEYS: Catherine Hardebeck, Alley/Region Support 

Director, reported 119 current alleys in COAi. Six alleys 

were chartered in 2004, and three alleys are inactive. 

She said the Northeast region reports the most alleys -- 

23 -- with 18 in Southeast , 17 in North Central, 15 in 

Mideast, 14 in Midwest, 12 in South Central, 7 each in 

Northwest and Southwest, 2 each in Canada and Latin 

Countries, and one in International. 

ATTENDANCE POLICY: In a move designed to clarify 

attendance at COAi Board meetings, the following policy 

statement was adopted: "Each member of the Board - 

elected and appointed officers, directors and regional vice 

presidents -- is required to be in attendance at any and all 

official meetings of the Board. They also shall be encouraged 

to be in attendance at each general and special 

meeting of COAi's general membership .. If a Board 

member can't attend, he/she will contact the president, 

(who) has the option to excuse absences caused by personal 

emergencies, foul weather and acts of God. 

Continued naxt page 

--9--


COAi Board -- 

From preceding page 

Professional commitments are not a reason to miss a 

scheduled meeting of the Board." 

Rationale for the statement came from Executive VP 

Kleinberger, who in offering the policy statement asserted 

that "COAi has a history of a tolerance for board members 

with inconsistent board meeting attendance records. 

The voice of the membership is not properly heard ... when 

a board member doesn't participate in a meeting. These 

absences are not fair to individual board members who 

attend meetings, and should not be tolerated." 

President Cheri Venturi reported that COAi and the 

World Clown Association will work together in several 

areas , so as to minimize confusion and overlapping of 

activities. Matters of chief concern: The need to avoid 

"double dipping" of scholarships, to cooperate in the 

observance of Clown Week, and to avoid running clown 

conve ntions on top of each other. 

EXCELLENCE IN CLOWNING: Board members 

approved three Exellence in Clowning awards, which will 

be presented at the convention in Grand Rapids. 

STANDING COMMITTEES : President Venturi named 

members to a pair of standing committees: 

Grievance Commitee : Albert Alter, Pam Bacher, Merilyn 

Barrett. 

By-Laws Commitee: Paul Kleinberger, Cleon Babcock. 

Present at the Board meeting: 

President Cheri Venturi, Exective Vice President Paul 

Kleinberger, Secretary Teresa Gretton, Treasurer Claudia 

Keener, Sergeant-at-Arms Michal Cox; 

Directors: Bonnie Love, Membership ; Merilyn 

Barrett.Education ; Patricia Roeser, Conventions , 

Catherine Hardebeck, Alley/Region Support; 

Vice Presidents: Bill Hart, Northeast; Pamela Bacher, 

North Central; Albert Alter, Northwest; Tom King, Mideast; 

Hazel Ovanin, Midwest; Keith Stokes, Southeast , Cynthia 

Quarles, South Central; Linda Loveday, Canada , Angel 

Morales, Latin Countries; 

Staff: Shirley Long, Business Manager, Cal Olson, Editor; 

Guests: Tom Newton, Englewood ,FL; Jake Austad, of 

Turner Publishing Co., Knoxville , TN. 


Last walkaround 

Bettie-Jayne 'Petunia' Austin-Hall 

By Dianna Hale 

Chaplain South East Clown Association 

Bettie-Jayne Becky Austin-Hall, Petunia the clown, 75, 

of Hoover, AL, made her last walkaround Dec. 2, 2004. 

She was a RN with Hospice Care and a longtime cancer 

survivor. 

She is survived by a son, Jeffrey Hall of Hoover, AL; a 

daughter, Jayne Kenyon of Harvard, MA; four grandchildren, 

and a host of family dear friends who meant the 

world to her. 

She enjoyed clowning and bringing joy to others 

around her. Her gentle nature, positive attitude, and 

steadfast faith was an inspiration to many. She will be 

greatly missed. 

Dicia 'Dee-Dee' Goodman 

Alley #352, Pappy & The Honaker Rosebuds, 

announce the last walkaround of a very special member, 

Dicia "Dee Dee" Goodman, 58, on Nov. 11, 2004. She 

helped found the alley. 

Shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, Dee took 

advice from her good friend, R.R. "Pappy/Dunkee" 

Duncan, to experience clowning. She enjoyed participating 

in hometown parades in southwestern Virginia over 

the past few years and being involved in activities with 

Alley 3 of Richmond. Her smiling face, as well as her 

enthusiasm and supportive interests, will be missed. 

She leaves a daughter, son, and two brothers, as well 

as her special friend , R.R. A memorial service was held 

in Richmond , VA, on November 18, 2004. 

Al 'Pappa' Whitney 

Al "Pappa" Whitney, 79, of Englewood, FL, and New 

York, made his last walkaround Nov. 10, 2004. 

He is survived by his wife, Marge, nine daughters , 

three sons, 32 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. 

Al was a retired dean of students of Port Washington 

High School in New York. 

Al loved magic and story-telling. He wrote most of his 

stories, and the column for the CLU, Fly on the Wall. Al 

told his stories to children of all ages, local libraries, 

schools , and just about any place he could bend an ear. 

Clowns Like Us, of Englewood, FL, will miss this always 

smili~g story teller/magician. 

--10--


~~ 

)~~ 

R 

The Clown Shop 

Mehron 

Lowest Prices Around 

5344 Seminole Court 

Commerce Township, MI 48382 

248-684-4748 

www.tbeclowoshop.net 

Ltl 1t~ 

\ A~ 

~i f 

t~ Pro Face 

web store - tmyers.com 

Balloons, Pumps, Videos, Books, 

Stickers, MakeUp, Noses, Sox, Gloves, 

Facepainting, Magic, Juggling 

FREEl OO0+PRODUCTLIBT 

1-800-648-6221 

T . M yers Magic Inc. 

65 13 T homas Sprin gs Rd .. A usti n. T X 787'J6 

Face Paints Hats Woochie Wigs Gloves US & Canada I (800) 648-622 1 or I (5 12) 288- 7925 

Fax I (5 12) 288- 7694 

Stickers Magic Balloons 

Much More!! 

Email - in fo@ tm ye r:-.co m 

V isa * M aster Card ,t:-- Discover ,t:, Am Ex 

Al 

":::::!. 

:I 

u::i 

(") 

0 

~ 

::, 

::s 

co 

0 

".. 

Ill 

C 

3 

Ill 

Ill 

:s: 

I» 

u::i 

ii' 

:i: 

-· :::1 

.. 

Ill 

... 

'< 

~ 

But>t>a Sil



(!losez tha.11 11ou thl11k! 

By Georgia Morris, Lyn Nichols, Sana White 

2005 COAi Convention Co-chairs 

The holidays are long over , and now it's time to make some serious plans for 

attending COAi's 2005 International convention April 19-24 in Grand Rapids, Ml. 

Get your registration in as soon 

as possible and save on the cost. 

To date, we have enrolled more 

than 100 enthusiastic registrants 

and mo;e coming daily. 

Yes, the 50's really are closer 

than you think. It's just a little 

more than two months away, and ._________________ ___. 

we'll be donning our 50's attire Georgia Morris Lyn Nichols Sana White 

for a week of fun, education and fel- ' ' 

lowship. In past articles, we have told you of many of the dealers and lecturers who 

will be there. We now have a tentative schedule (facing page), and it is posted on 

our web site as well. Of course, there will be changes as always, so please keep 

checking our web site for the latest developments: www.coai2005.com. 

Plans are being finalized for the theme party, which will include a dance contest, 

favorite 50's personality contest, hula hooping, goldfish eating and much 

more. Brush up on those old skills of yesterday. Our own "Dick Clark" (and you'll 

never guess who!) will be there the entire evening. 

Prom night -- AKA Awards Banquet -- is going to be COOL. How's your 

wardrobe shaping up? We're working on our Prom dresses now, as time goes so 

quickly. There will be lots of crepe paper, streamers, and fun. Be sure you are not 

left behind. 

Now for the serious side. We are honored to have Mr. Santa himself at our convention. 

With Christmas over , he is getting rested up but will be ready to Ho Ho Ho 

with us. In case you don't know him, he is the Dean of the International Santa 

Claus School in Midland, Ml. It originated in New York, but has moved to 

Michigan.The school has been in existence for over 80 years. We are really excited 

about this, and hope you are, too. 

Is this your first COAi International Convention? If so, you should apply for a 

First Time International Convention Scholarship. Please take advantage of this 

opportunity. 

Looking forward to getting Lost in the 50's with you soon. 

--12--

The New Calliope January/ February 2005 

2005 COAi Convention Schedule 

Tuesday April 19 

11 am-7pm: Registration table open 

Noon-5pm: Deale rs room open 

Noon-1 pm: Lunch on your own 

1 pm- 2:20 pm: 1. Using computers in your business , Merilyn 

Barrett 

2. Hat manipulation , Karen Bell 

2:30-3:50 pm: 1. Beginning balloons, Harold Morris 

2 Face painting 

4 pm- 5:20 pm: 1. ltsby Bitsy pocket mag ic, Ron/Sue Kardinski 

2. Characer development and costuming , 

Pricilla Mooseburger 

5:30 -6:45 pm: Dinner on your own 

6:45 - 8 pm: Deale rs room open 

6:45-7:50 pm: 1 . Advanced balloons 

2. Skits, Angel Morales 

8pm - 9 pm: Remembering the 50's. Show and snacks 

Jam sessions: Face painting , balloons , juggling 

Wednesday , April 20 

6:30- 8:30 am: Hospital ity room open 

8:30 am - 5 pm: Dealers room open 

8:30 - 9:20 am: 1 Religious fun, Sana White, Lyn Nichols 

2. Makeup lab, Geo rgia Morris 

9:30-10:20 am: 1. Posing for Photos , Brickie Photo 

2. Makeup lab cont'd., Georgia Morris 

10:30-11 :50 am: 1. Magic , Dave Mitchell 

2.Company picnics, Paula Biggio 

3. Juggling , Jewls 

Noon - 1 pm: Lunch on your own 

1 pm - 1 :50 pm: 1. Face painting 

2. Betty Cash 

2 pm - 3 pm: COA i's 20th anniversary celebration, Atrium 

3pm - 5:30 pm: Gene ral membe rship meeting 

5:30 pm - 7 pm : Dinner on your own 

7pm-8:20pm: Dealers room open 

7pm - 8:20 pm: 1. Face painting 

2. Magic , Duane Laflin 

8:30 pm - ? Dealers Show, Atrium 

Dealers open after show 

10 pm- 11 :30 pm: Hospitality 

Thursday, April 21 

6:30 - 8:30 am : Hospital ity room open 

8:30 am - 5 pm: Dealers room open 

8:30 am: Makeup staging 

8:30 - 9:50 am: 1. Trade shows, Mary Lou Stasiek 

9: am - ? Makeup competition. 

10 - 11 :20 am: 1. Props , Ron and Sue Kardinski 

11 :30 am - 1 pm : Lunch on your own 

1 pm: Single skit staging 

1 :30 pm - ? Single skit competition 

1 :30 - 2:20 pm: 1. Music, Duane Laflin 

2:30 - 3:20 pm: 1. Hey, I'm a clown, now what? Mooseburger 

3:30 - 4:50 pm: 1. Puppets, Tom Mullins 

4:30 pm-6:30 pm: Dinner on your own 

6:30 pm: Group skit staging 

7 pm - ? Group skit competition 

10 pm - 11 :30 pm: Hosp itality 

Friday, April 22 

6:30 am - 8:30 am: Hospitality room open 

--13-- 

8:30 am - 5 pm: Dealer room open 

8:30 am : Paradeabi lity staging 

8:30 am - 9:20 am: 1. Promotion, Angel Contreras 

9 am : Paradeability compet ition 

9:30 - 11 :20 am: 1. Props, Karen Bell 

10:30-11 :50 am : 1. Magic, Dave Mitche ll 

Noon - 1 pm: Lunch on your own 

1 pm - 2:20 pm: 1. Religious , Duane Laflin 

2. How to teach a clown class, G. Morris 

3.Story telling , Cheri Venturi 

2:30 -- 3:50 pm: 1.Advanced balloons 

2. Face painting jam 

3: Movement , Carol Crooks 

4 pm --4:50 pm: 1. Makeup for the older canvas. 

2. Face painting cont'd. 

3. Internationa l, Albert Alter 

6 pm -- 6:30 pm: Cocktails (open bar), Atrium 

6:30 pm -- ? Theme Party, "COAi Bandstand " 

1 o -- 11 :30 pm: Hospitality 

Saturday , April 23 

6:30 am- 8:30 am: Hospitality room open 

8:30 am -- noon: Dealers room open 

8:30 am--9:50 pm: 1. Face painting 

2. Religious , Dave Mitche ll 

9am --? 

Balloon competit ion 

10am -- 10:50 am: 1. Albert Alter 

2. Character drawing , Angel Contreras 

11 am -- 11 :50 am: 1.Taking clonwing to the next level. 

Noon -- 1 pm: 

Noon: 

1 pm -- 1 :50 pm: 

2 pm - 2:50 pm: 

3pm - ? 

6pm -- 7 pm: 

7 pm--? 

Professiona l entertainment 

2. Booking and working restau rants , Jewls 

Lunch on your own 

Dealers room closed 

1. Mr. Santa Himse lf 

2. TBA 

3. TBA 

1.Mr.Santa cont'd. 

2. Fast fund for funds face painting, 

Lyn Nicho ls, Sana White 

3. Shoe care , Spears Shoes 

COAi Auction , Atrium 

Cocktails (open bar), Atrium 

Prom (Awards Banquet) 

Sunday, April 24 

6:30 am -- 8:30 am: Hospitality room open 

9 am -- 10:15 am: Worship service , Duane Laflin


Clowns of America International 

Convention 2005 

Grand Rapids, Michigan 

April 19-24, 2005 

Crown Plaza 

Grand Rapids, MI 

1-888-957-9575 

Convention Rates: Reserve by March 27, 2005 

$77 per night (1-4 people) 

After March 27 higher rates apply (based on availability) 

Compliance to Americans w/Disabilities Act, you must 

notify us if a handicapped accessible room is needed. 

Registration includes: 

All sessions, dealers room, theme party, competitions, 

and awards banquet. Full adult registration required 

to participate in COAI competitions. Single day 

registrations available, which does NOT include 

banquet or theme party, at $30 per adult per day, and 

$15 per youth (under 15) per day. All payments by 

personal check or money order only - no credit cards 

accepted. A $25 fee will be ass~ssed for returned checks 

NO refunds after March 31, 2005 

Extra banquet and theme party tickets are available in 

advance. Banquet $35 Theme $20 

Registration posbnarked: 

By December 31, 2004 $105 

By January 31, 2005 $115 

By February 28, 2005 $125 

By March 31, 2005 $135 

After March 31, 2005 $150 

(Junior ]oeys deduct $25) 

~ 

l:J 

Make checks payable to: 

Clown World Alley 

7294 Marshall Rd. 

Olivett, MI 49076 

......... , 

......... -.... 00 

Follow Rt. 68 for a fun filled 

convention .. . 

Don't forget to bring ua 

all of your SO's attire. " 

First Name: Last Name: Clown Name: 

COAi# : 

Address: 

City: 

State: 

Zip Code: 

Daytime Phone: 

Evening Phone: 

E-mail Address: 

11 am 15 years of age or less (Junior Joey) YES NO 

Gotta picture of your clown shoes? Please send the picture of them with your name on the back 

along with your registration!!! 

--14-- 

I


Original Albert th~ Stickernu111 Stickers App : 2"" in size and app: 250 p~r roll. 

$8.00 ptr roll plus S & H per oi·d er. 

• 

• • 

~ 

P.ed. No • ,e, 

acd 

'l a.l J...ol,l 

For new products check us out at 

www .stickerus.com 

J T ·· BubbaN Stke~ 9 4-.OL-5878 FL 

T Myers Magi.c l-800-64~-022 l TX 

1_''.owntng For Cho.st 1-800 4 7-CLOWN GA 

Llo\irn &Jppltes.Com 60J -43S-8812 N H 

Balloons & Clowns 1-919-75 1 7887 NC'. 

LaRocks 704-653 -9300 N C 

Oown City I -8 60-899 -1000 CT 

Steve Bend~ 314-434-3630 MO 

Please order from the one near you. 

--15--



Mixing school 

with clowning 

By Candy "Butterscotch" Will 

Junior Joey Chair 

32302 Alpaz St. 193 

San Juan Capistrano ,CA 92675 

Clownbutterscotch@yahoo.com 

So you want to attend the Convention but it is during 

the schoo l year? Well, there are ways to prepare your 

school for your clown education, but the key word here is 

RECENTLY I RECEIVED an emai l from Ricky "Trixter" 

Nelson Burns II, in regards to my last article , "Working as 

a Team." Although Ricky is no longer a Jun ior Joey, (he is 

now 18), he received most of his clown education as one. 

He started as a Junior Joey when he was 11 years old. 

He is a part of the Jolly Raleigh Clown Alley in Raleigh 

NC. 

EDUCATION . The school and the teachers won't under- Ricky is a hemiplegic and is paralyzed on the left side 

stand if it is approached as if you are going on "vacation. " ,,--:--i r::rr. 

Thi s is far from the truth . a Shriners child. Here 

is some advice he 

wanted to share with 

all of you: 

Every year I help my child ren put toget her letters for 

each teach er, asking for class ass ignments for each day 

missed. One of the biggest things I have the children 

stress is that this trip is an educat ional experience. 

Some teachers will ask that there be a write-up after 

attending about what was learned. Now that is a great 

assignment! Here is how my daught er, Chrissy "Beary" 

Will gets ready for convention: 

"Ever wanted to go to a clown convention but you 

couldn't because it was during schoo l? I know how that 

is because every time a conventio n comes around, I 

always go through a simp le process in order to cover all 

my schoo lwork and still clown around . 

"The first thing I do is help my mom write up a letter to 

all of my teac hers and the school attendance office 

explaini ng that I will be leaving for a certain period of 

time. The letter includes information on how I'll need all 

of my necessary homework prior to the day before I 

leave. I try to get these letters out a week or two before I 

will be leaving. 

:-:---- of his body.He is also 

"Remember to 

perfect your craft. You 

shou ld always do 

your best and never 

do sloppy work.The 

better you are the 

more likely you will be 

asked to come back. 

Always stay with the 

flow. Stick to the 

show, you're not there 

to keep crazy children 

..a...--- ---- - - -~ under control. 

"Trixter" at work 

"Keep smiling! 

That is most important even if you mess up; you are a 

clown, you are supposed to make mistakes and no one 

knows it is a mistake but you , the y think you did it on purpose. 

Keep laughter alive!" 

"I then collect my homework , {from all six teachers!) 

whe re the office has collected the assignmen ts with the 

teacher's signatures on them.The work is organized into 

small packets for each day that I am go ne, including one 

page from eac h subject.I bring all the necessary books in 

my backpack . 

"On the way to the conven tion I often find that I can 

get a lot of work done on the flight or drive , then by the 

time I get to the conve ntion I can either complete my work 

a little bit at a time or get it all out of the way quickly. 

"Homework and school are both taken care of in time 

and I am able to enjoy the convention too!" 

I ALSO RECEIVED an email from Matthew "Phineas " 

Lish after he read the same article .. His father , Bruce 

"Dr. Molar Magic" Lish, taught his son about caring clown 

clowni ng two years ago and now Matthew is a seasoned 

performer. Mr. Lish feels that wor king with his son is one 

of the best exper iences he's had .They are from Brooklyn, 

NY, and here is what Matthew writes: 

"Hi! My name is Matthew. I am seven years old and I 

like doing Clown Dr. with my dad. I like doing Clown Dr. 

with my dad because I get to meet kids. I like telling 

jokes and doing magic tricks. My clown name is 

"Phineas the Clown." I also was a clown with my dad at 

my school carn ival making balloon animals. I like clowning." 

--16--



The GagBag 

"The place to go for Clown 

Stickers" 

also available 

Magic Supplies 

Balloons and 

Accessories 

Juggling Equipment 

Handbells 

Rhythm Instruments 

CD's 

61:.ND ~5 fOJ2.. TJ.lt:.. ·cot.1PU:..Tt:.. CL..O\VN 

CAT AL..OCjUt:.." A CjUIDt:.. TO t.1012..t:.. T J.JAN 

500 CL..O\VN PJ2..0DUCT 6 

12..No~G»llc.12..12..cot.1 

~---··· 

t.1AJOJ2.. CJ2..~IT CAJ2..D6 ACct..PT~ 

· - -~ ~~--· .,,/ CALL 1- 888-52.3-2640 

·.. ,.. 

5-~: 

«) 2000 THE GAGBAG by Rex Nolen 

~,.,. 505 ~l.~J ~~ 

CHERRI-0Af5 

.Specializing 

in· • 

WWW.STUFF4CLOWNS.COM 

TOME BOY'S FUN STUFF 

EASY TO DO "CLOWN' MAGIC AND GAGS 

MAGNITT CAR CIRCLES CLOWN ID CARDS 

THE ORIGINAL "SPRING CHICKEN' 6A6 

GOD MADE CLOWNS JUST FOR LAFFS T - SHIRTS 

CLOWN "TUX" T- SHIRTS AND MORE 

TOM "TOM E BOY" KING 

704 BONA VISTA PLACE 

CHARLESTON.s WV 253 11 

304-920-6408 

HAVE TOME BOY VISIT YOUR CLOWN GROUP OR ALLEY 

CLOWN BOOT CAMP ON THE ROAD - WORICSHOPS & LECTURES 

BADGES BADGES BADGES BADGES BADGES 

OVER 50 COLOR COMBINATIONS 

a 

New process allows multiple 

Colors on all badges ec'I 

c ···:[filir..:') 0\ s9~ 

~R.:: f.tA .:P:Y nee. O FIRE 

8 

Con be done 1n nesn co101 e..'0O\r- .~ 

oo~ w=w 

* 

0 s, ~@ 

0 s'0O\J For a quote: ~ 

S ~ __ Coll: 408-266-1791 D 

,il..e [ Badge ] Fox: 408-266-5364 

&, '-----' E-ma il: roc kyflv@ool.c om 

0 

~e d Rocky Five . 5705 Begon ia Dr., San Jose, CA 95 124 

V1SA.. MASTE ACAR D & 0JSCOVE 

& COMPANY 

A 

. •-'~ 

CHERRI-OATS and Co. 

• P.O. BOX 367 • DESTREHAN, LA. 70047 

CHER/OATS@AOLCOM Visa •Maste,CardAccepfed 

·-17-· 

• (985) 764-0080 • 

(877) 569-WIGS (9447)


January/ February 2005 

Alley 

update 

The holidays are over and we're well into the new 

year. I mailed the 2005 Alley Report at the end of 

November. I know all the alleys got their report, because 

I was able to get new addresses for the ones that were 

sent back. 

I would like to thank the following alleys for returning 

their reports already, even though they are not due until 

March, 2005. 

Alley 51 Merri - Makers 

Alley 84 Asociacion De Payasos De Puerto Rico, Inc. 

Alley 110 Happy Valley Clown Alley 

Alley 113 Grease Paint Alley 

Alley 128 St. Louis Clown of America 

Alley 196 Rose City Clown Alley 

Alley 338 BG's Sappy Slap Stick 

Around COAi -- 

Convention questions? 

By Pat "Bashful: Roeser 

COAi Convention Director 

Many thanks to the members of Clown World Alley 

364 for their hospitality during the fall COAi Board meeting. 

They are energized and excited about the events of 

the 2005 COAi Convention and are looking forward to 

meeting and greeting one and all. This will be one fun 

filled week . Make sure to make your room reservations 

early as the room block expires March 28, 2005. 

HAVE YOU AND YOUR ALLEY considered hosting a 

COAi convention? How about for 2007? This may be the 

prefect time to put a committee together and research the 

possibilities. Contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau 

in your area for help with the hotel selection. They can 

assist with letters, presentations , tours , as well as providing 

free visitors guides, maps and brochures. 

What are some of the things to consider? A location 

near an airport and other forms of transportation is important. 

Off property attractions, restaurants , and shopping 

make the location more interesting . A hotel with a secured 

area for exhibitors from Wednesday through Saturday is 

essential, as well as accommodations for several classrooms 

running simultaneously which may also be used as 

an area for competitions. 

One concern from hotels that may occur is that we 

Alley 353 Hartford County Clowns 

Alley 357 Kolonia! Klowns of Williamsburg 

Alley 369 Fuddi-Duddy Institute 

For those who have not returned their report, please 

do not put them off -- do them now. This makes my job 

easier. I have to make a report in April to the Board of 

COAi. I need all the information that is on the report. So 

Please don't put it off, do it now. 

I have been asked to remind you about items that 

should be in your alley's library. When an alley is charted, 

the following items are sent for the alley. 

Clowning 101 - Teacher Ed. and Student Ed. 

Two Videos- Paradeability and Competition 

For the alleys that were 100 percent, the following 

items have been sent in the past: Regional Festival 

Cookbook , Bubba's Ballooning Book, and an year's subscription 

to Mama Clown's Face Painting Magazines. 

If these items are not in your alley's library, check with 

past members to locate them so that others in your alley 

can benefit from them. I cannot replace these items for 

the alley. 

are not a huge group but we require a lot of space. Also, 

with the space needed for the award banquet , competitions, 

and exhibitors , we are too large for some smaller 

hotel properties . "The Regional Festival Cookbook" is a 

great resource for hosting a COAi convention. The information 

in this book will help from beginning to end. The 

COAi Board has also set aside a startup fund for the 

awarded bid winne rs. 

Contact me with any questions. I am willing to assist 

your alley, the area CVS, and hotel. There is a simple 

form to send to each Board member 30 days before the 

2005 COAi Convention being held in Grand Rapids, Ml. 

The 2007 convention site will be selected there on Friday, 

April 22. 

General meeting notice 

The 2005 COAi general membership meeting shall be 

called to order at 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 20. The meeting 

shall be conducted at the Grand Rapids Crowne 

Plaza, 5700 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, Ml, 49546 as 

part of the 2005 COAi Convention . 

President Cheri Venturi shall preside over the meeting. 

The meeting is open to all COAi members in good standing. 

Members should be ready to present their current 

credentials/membership card to the Sgt. At Arms or his 

designated representative prior to meeting's opening 

--18--


gavel. Any member who desires to have an item placed 

on the meeting agenda is asked to contact their regional 

vice-president. 

Notes from South Central 

By Cindi 'Yakidy Yak"Quarles 

South Central Regional Vice President 

Since being appointed last August, I have spoken with 

so many of you from the South Central region. We have 2 

new ambassadors representing our region: Deloris 

"Pedals" Vetsch, and Dorothy "Giggles" Caroll, both of 

Albuquerque, NM, . If you see them along the way give 

them a high five. Many others of you have shown interest 

in being a Region Ambassador. If you would like to 

receive information about being a SC ambassador, email 

or drop a line to us here in New Mexico. 

A few alleys have sent your newsletters out this way. It 

is really great seeing all the activities going on. If your 

alley has a newsletter, please pass it along , I would like 

to know how things are going in your alley. 

The Cheerful Clown Alley in Texas had several members 

take awards at the Texas Clown Assoc .. Convention. 

They have a huge alley and are very active in Houston. 

They are also the 2005 host alley for the Texas Clown 

Convention this fall. 

Our Colorado Clown Alley had several members 

attend the Western Region Clown Convention and WCA 

Convention with awards taken in both. 

Clowns of Enchantment in New Mexico also had 

attendance and awards taken in both WRCA and WCA 

conventions 

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible 

at the COAi International Convention in Grand Rapids, 

Ml. I will also be attending the TCA convention in Houston 

in the fall. 

The South Central Region has a lot to crow 

about. So send me your ideas and activities along with 

the names of joeys you think would make great Region 

Ambassadors. We will get the information out to you. 

Notes from Southwest 

By Candy "Butterscotch" Will 

Southwest Regional Vice President 

My clowning education has always been important to 

me, not just to learn how to improve my clowning , makeup 

and skills, but also to meet and to learn from other 

new clown friends. Here in the Southwest, there have 

been several good clown education opportunities this 

year. 

First there is the Western Region Clown convention 

held every year in Laughlin, NV. The convent ion never 


fails to have a big turn out. I personally have attended 

every year since 1997 and there are always plenty of 

classes, great instructors, great 'after class" activities and 

a fun theme party. 

There were two new educational opportunities in 

California this year .Although I could not attend the 

Face Painting convention put on by Mama Clown, held in 

San Francisco in November, several Southwest ambassadors 

did attend. Ambassador Pat "Peppermint Patti" 

Prickett felt that the convention was worth every penny. 

She is looking forward to another one. 

Another new learning opportunity that one of my 

Clown Clubs, Funny Business, helped put together, was 

the Peachey Keene University held in San Juan 

Capistrano. Steve "Peachey Keene" Long did a great one 

day workshop on improv, skits, working with props and 

make up application. The response from clowns who 

attended felt it was a breath of fresh air and helped those 

who were on the fence about staying in clowning to come 

back and enjoy it again. 

Remember to attend as many clown education opportunities 

as you can, that is how we stay fresh and keep 

them laughing! 

Last walkaround 

Vivian "Boom-Boom" Gerry 

Vivian D."Boom-Boom" Gerry, 78, of Reading, PA, 

made her last walkaround July 25, 2004, 

after a 13-month battle with breast cancer. 

Vivian was a clown for about 20 years, 

active in a variety of venues in the 

Reading area: hospital clowning, numerous 

civic, charitable and childrens organizations. 

She was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, with 21 years of 

service. She will be missed by her many friends. 

Got questions? 

Need to find out about your COAi status? 

Are you changing your address? Contact 

COAi's Business Manager, Shirley Long: 

Toll-free phone:1-888-52CLOWN 

email:coaibusinessmgr@aol.com 

--19--



From the 

President 

By Cheri "Cherri-Oats" Venturi 

COAi President 

A belated Happy New Year to Everyone! I hope 2005 

will bring you exciting surprises, good health, and many 

hours of clowning. In this column, I will: (1) consider if 

COAi as an organization can make a difference by contributing 

to the relief for the victims of the disaster, and (2) 

announce the location of COAi's 2006 International 

Convention. 

In late December, our world suffered an unimaginable 

loss of lives. The New Year brought to all of us a new 

awareness of our sisters and brothers in lands far away. 

So many lives have been affected in one way or another. 

This is the question that has been asked: What can COAi 

do to help? Can we make a difference in spreading cheer 

and aid through clowning? 

In the days since 12/26/04 I have received emails and 

phone calls about COAi doing something to help the persons 

involved in the Southeastern Asian disaster. Due to 

the fact that COAi is a not-for-profit organization, the IRS 

has specific stipulations as to how we raise money and 

for what purpose. Susan Donnelly, one of our members, 

had spent several years in Sri Lanka with her husband 

who was the American Ambassador at the time. Both 

COAi Secretary Teresa Gretton and Keith Stokes (South 

East Regional VP) gave her a call to see what we could 

do. She in turn contacted several agenc ies to seek the 

best for the people of the area. She asked what they 

needed the most and they said, financia l aid to purchase 

necessary items from sources closer to the disaster victims 

, since shipping is incredibly expensive. 

Susan has offered to help COAi members if they are 

interested in aiding the victims of this catastrophic disaster. 

Since the recovery is going to continue for a very long 

time, COAi will get a clarification on the specific stipulations 

governing a not-for-profit organization. Just think of 

it: a few clowns working in alleys or individually, doing 

gigs and donating their proceeds to aid humanity. Please 

email me if you would like to contact Susan for further 

information. (Cherioats @aol.com). 

CONVENTION 2006 

Announcing the location of Convention 2006: Kenner, 

LA (20 minutes from the French Quarter in New Orleans) . 

March 28 - April 1, 2006 

an alley to host the International Convention for 2006. As 

the responses were received, we found we had alleys 

thinking of 2007 and 2008, but no one for 2006. We had 

one of two avenues to follow: 

1. The Board would have to figure out how to host 

the convention. 

2. There would be no convention in 2006. 

Since the Board did not want to accept a no-convention 

year, we started contacting convention bureaus in 

cities that would be fun places to visit. Angel Morales 

suggested the Dominican Republic. Although the accommodations 

are wonderful , we thought we should do more 

investigating about the location and flights, etc. The head 

joey from the Dominican Republic is planning to attend 

our April conventio n 2005 in Grand Rapids, Ml, to see 

what would be needed to host a convention. The New 

Orleans area responded with four locations. I visited all 

the sights and found two hotels that were accommodating. 

As we were looking into the New Orleans area, 

Executive VP Paul Kleinberger started looking in the 

Albany/Saratoga, NY, area. 

By the fall 2004 Board meeting, we had all the information 

ready for New Orleans. The big problem was that 

there was no alley in the area to host it. So the Board 

made a commitment to run the convention as long as all 

legal details could be worked out. This is not something 

that the Board has ever done, so more time was needed 

to work out the legal terms, so as not to put any area of 

COAi in jeopardy. 

Paul, Convention Director Pat Roeser and I worked on 

the organizational details. The best idea for Board and 

the membership was to form an alley for the sole purpose 

of hosting the convention. Stipulation: absolutely no 

member of the alley would benefit from the proceeds and 

all proceeds would be given to COAi after all the bills 

were paid. No member of the Executive Board could hold 

a position in the new alley but could work with it. All local 

members that would like to join the alley would be welcome 

and if they would like to continue with the alley after 

the convention, COAi would pass the charter on to them 

by electing new officers. If there is no interest in continuing 

the alley, it would be disolved. 

At the same time, Miriam Kleinberger came in with a 

bid from the Northeast.Th en the Board met in a conference 

call and discussed all the possibilities. Given the 

room costs, the location, the parking and the facility, 

Board members chose the Greater New Orleans area, 

even though it means a great deal of work that was not in 

their job descriptions. Everyone is excited about the site. 

DETAILS: : 

Date: March 28 through April 2. 

Several months ago the COAi Board put out a plea for 

--20-- 

Hotel: A newly remodeled Radisson. 

Continued page 22



\\Up 

· -lau~ Clownstuff 

We have the best prices for all 

your Facepainting needs 

p~~ 

12 Color Professional Case 

$100.00 

:.h, Professional · 

Most recommended 

Revolutionary nozzle 

Extreme comfort 

NEW 

10th anniversary model 

by Maji!oon 

use SLA or NiCad batteries 

Starting @ $199 * 

cre d it car ds welcome - Sold Wo rd - wi d e 

fr Academic discoun t only 

Paula "Stickers" Biggio 

PO Box 1023 

Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 

847 698 3378 Fax 847 384 1822 

www.clownstuff.com 

Finest handcrafted wearable custom comfort 

battery powered balloon pump since 1994 

530-246-7043 USA 

www.maJlloon.com 

.... .. click on products 

Mark Y oor Calenda? I 

April 14-16, 2000 

for the 

ZOOS F.aat:em Michigan FCM 

Chlltben'• Mhwrtrg Conferenae 

At Tri-City Christian Center 

3855 So. Sheldon Rd. 

Canton, Ml 48188 

On-line registration available at 

www.emfcm.org 

Contact us at: 

emfcm@emfcm.org with 

questions, and to be added to our 

mailing list. 

ty1agic, Clown· 

Chalk Art, v~ng, Puppetl'Y 

13a11oons, Storyt nt, Jugglin9 

Music, and 8 11ing, oran'l~ 

More . .. 

2004 FCM Children's Ministry Conference 

Pre•r~ation due ~ April 7, t005 

Name: _______________ 

_ 

Address: ______________ 

_ 

City: _______ State: ___ Zip: ___ _ 

Phone#'. ______________ 

_ 

.: E-Mail: _______________ _ 

I 

Other Names: _____________ 

_ 

I ncivicl.lal 

Family 

___ 

__ 

x 

_ x 

$40.00 =---- 

$67.00 = _ __ _ 

At the Door 

Individual _ _ _ x $45.00 = _ __ _ 

Family __ _ x $77.00 = ___ _ 

Non FCM Members Add $3-h,dv;dual or $5.00 Family 

Total: 

Mail to: Brenda Ross, 2914 Simpson 

Rochester Hills, Ml 48309 

--21--


President-- 

From page 20 

Rooms: $89.00 plus tax. All convention prices on 

rooms will be available two days before the convention 

and two days after the convention. No charge tor additional 

people in a room. Rooms are designed tor up to 4 

people. Refrigerators can be rented tor 5.00 tor the week. 

Workout facilitie s are also available. 

Parking: No charge. Huge parking lot tor trailers, etc. 

Airport: Airport is seven minutes away. Shuttles available 

from 3:00 am to 12:00 pm daily: NO CHARGE tor the 

Shuttle at this signing. We will be working on a deal with 

Southwest and or American to see it we can arrange special 

flight deals. 

Tours: Hotel is located equal distance from 

So what kind 

of clown am I? 

By Tom King 

Mideast Regional Vice President 

Tom@stuff4clowns.com 

www .stuff4clowns.com 

Have you ever been asked: "So you think you are a 

clown"? Well, it's obvious we think we are -- or know we 

are -- clowns. The question 

I have is "So what 

kind of clown am I"? 

I know I am an 

Auguste clown , or is it 

more of a European style 

•t,.. 

~,,~ clown? I do clown magic, 

,;,;;,,;:::~,,;..- 10r is comedy magic? I 

am a face painter who is 

sometimes dressed as a 

clown, or am I a clown 

that paints faces? I am a 

birthday party clown , or 

am I a family entertainer 

that entertains at birthday parties? I clown while doing 

school and library programs, or am I an educational 

entertainer? I am a clown that does balloon sculptures, or 

am I a balloonist that dresses as a clown? I am a corporate 

entertainer, or am I a clown that does work tor corporations? 

This started oft to be such an easy question. I thought 

no problem. Maybe I'm in over my head. I'm contused! 

What am I? Who am I? What do I really want to be? Do I 

want to be an entertainer, clown, comedy magician, face 


Plantations, The French Quarter, Shopping Malls, and 

Swamp Tours. 

Food: Many food sources within walking distance 

There are still many details to be worked out but your 

Board is working hard to make this an incredibly successful 

internationa l convention. Should you be willing to pitch 

in and help, please contact Pat Roeser. 

With that said, let's point our thoughts to Convention 

2005 in Grand Rapids. What a celebration awaits! This 

years international convention promises to be filled with 

good educational experiences and tun. Step back in time 

with your poodle skirts and saddle shoes. The Internet 

has some great places to buy 50s items. Get into the spirit 

of the moment or should I say tor some of us, let's 

revisit the past. 

painter, corporate speaker or a balloon artist? 

I decided that as clowns more is expected of us than 

most other art forms. A singer is expected to sing. An 

artist who works with paints is expected to paint. Most 

artists are judge d on how well they do one thing. We, as 

clowns, are judged on how well we do many things. I 

know it is important that we respect our art. I know the 

way we carry ourselves, the way we walk, the way we act 

while clowning are more important than how well we do 

any one skill. As a clown it's the entire package that 

defines us. That package not only includes how well we 

do things. It includes our appearance. We must be sure 

that we project a positive image tor our art with our costumes 

and makeup. 

What I do know is I want to be the very best I can be 

at whatever part of the art of clowning I'm performing. I 

know that I may be judged more ·on my appearance and 

actions than on my abilities to do one or more entertainment 

skills. 

What kind of clown am I? I am the type of clown that 

will always put forth my best effort to represent our art in 

the best of light. I have an understanding that all clowns 

may be judged on my appearance and skills. I know it is 

important that I always project a positive image tor the art 

of clowning. 

For COAI Liability 

Insurance Program, 

call 

K&K Insurance 

1-800-328-2317 

--22--

The New Calliope Januar y/February 2005 

C&OWM~S>0~"08f' 

"STRINGS ATTACHED" 

America'• Beat Balloon Pump 

J,,s, Sol lleNer Ill 

PU-MP260 

Lightweight 

Large Air Volume 

Carrying Handle 

Rugged 

Field Tested 

Over /000 Sold 

Smooth Performance 

Carefully Tested 

Dependable 

Made to Last 

No Batteries 

____ 

3 Year Warrant 

plus Sl-1.95 s&h 

_.ASK ABOUT OUR DEALER PROGRAM 

omowoc, WI 53066 

· www.clownsoport.com 

e-mail info-csp @clownsoport.com 

1-800-6 79-7 463 

Vi sit us at www.ma stersentertainment.com 

CALL 1-937-294-6952 

· Masters Spotlight Entertainment "" 

DAYTONA MAGIC 

I 

SHOP AT HOME VIA OUR WEBSITE: www.daytonamaaic.com 

THOUSANDS OF ITEMS EACH WITH PICTURE AND DESCRIPTION 

PRICE BUSTING ONLINE SALES EVERY WEEK OF THE YEARI 

SIGN-UP WITH YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF OUR 

WEEKLY SALES AND SPECIALS. 

INCLUDES A SUBSCRIPTION TO THE HOT SHEET BEST PRICES IN MAGIC! 

136 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 

1-800-34-MAGIC 

(386) 252-6767 All Other Inquiries • (386) 252-9037 Fax 

HARRY ALLEN & IRV COOK I V/S4· I - -~ [ii 

SPECIALIZING IN MAGIC FOR CLOWNS 

X: 

--23--

I he New Calliope January/February 2005 

St. Patrick's Day magic with numbers 

Request from yet another volunteer a three-digit num 

~--- - ---......,..,..--- - ----, ber. Be sure to tell them that all these 

digits must be different. If you are confronted 

with someone who insists 

that they give you a zero as their first 

number, you can use it if you treat it 

as a three-digit number. For example, 

35 would be recorded as 035. When 

you reverse it to do the arithmetic, it 

would read 530. By adding the zero 

before reversing the order, numbers 

normally thought of as two digits will 

work in all stages of the trick. 

By Ann "Tuttles" Sanders 

225 LakeView Drive 

Toano, VA 23168 

TuttlesTC@hotmail. com 

You'll be amazed at how baffling the following routine 

can be, yet how simple it is to learn and perform. By 

adding one additional step to the Mental Magic: Fun 

with Numbers article in the January/February, 2004, 

issue of The New Calliope (pages 20 

and 22), we will magically transform 

the theme of our original routine. 

As with the Fun with Numbers trick, 

the only props needed are a couple 

sheets of note paper, a pencil or similar 

type marker, and a place to hide 

your prediction (a place where it can 

be kept safely out of sight, like an 

envelope or shirt pocket). 

A hand-held calculator is optional 

but recommended . By adding some 

personalized "Shtick" to this easily 

mastered routine, you will most definitely 

be ensured that your audience 

will be convinced you have the ability 

to perform real magic! 

Officer. If you opt to use an envelope, add to the mystery 

by placing the envelope in full view of the audience, thus 

showing that your prediction cannot be altered. 

You now need to select a member of the audience 

and ask them to serve as your Recorder. 

THE TRANSFORMATION 

You will record a prediction, place it '-------'"--"--.._ ____ _ __ ...._ ____.teer 

in a secure location, and that prediction, when revealed, 

will match the number provided by a randomly selected 

member of your audience, just as you did with the Fun 

with Numbers trick. The twist is that the final number will 

be 317, and that trans lates into the month of March and 

the 17th day: St. Patrick's Day. 

HOW IT IS DONE 

Begin by telling your audience that you are going to 

make a prediction. Make the set -up to the trick as mystical 

and entertaining as possible by adding personalized 

patter. 

Without letting your audience see what you are writing, 

clearly print on a piece of paper the following: March 

17 --St. Patrick's Day (or you may wish to draw a shamrock 

or pot of gold and write 3/17 inside of the figure; the 

results will be the same if you opt to use pictures as long 

as you remember to include the number 317). 

Have your Recorder write, near the 

top of the paper, the three-digit number 

provided. 

At this point, you may wish to select 

another volunteer and give them calculation 

duties along with the hand-held 

calculator. You can introduce this volunas 

your Accounting Agent and, in a 

comical fashion , ask that they certify the calculations that 

are about to transpire. This will remove the pressure from 

your Recorder to do "public math." Further, by identifying 

volunteers with titles, this opens up the possibility of 

dressing them in props that represent the type of work 

they will be performing. Example: large comical-size pencil 

for writing and dark glass frames for the Recorder, 

policeman's hat with badge for the Securities Officer, a 

mortarboard (graduation hat) for the Accounting Agent, 

etc. 

Have your Recorder reverse the digits and subtract 

the smaller three digit number from the larger one (example: 

381 reversed equals 183). 

With the resulting three digit answer, have them 

reverse the new number and add the two numbers 

together. You guessed it! The result will be a four-digit 

number, in this instance 1089. 

Fold the paper several times so that what you have 

written or drawn cannot be seen or read. At this point, you 

may wish to solicit the help of an audience member by 

having them place the folded paper in their shirt pocket or 

have them place the paper in an envelope , then seal the 

envelope. This volunteer could serve as your Securities 

From this number, ask your Recorder to subtract the 

three-digit number 772 and announce the result. The 

answer is always 317. Now you can reveal your prediction 

and explain that 317 represents St. Patrick's Day, a 

holiday that occurs in the third month on the 17th day. 

Continued page 26 

--24--


KaaseDui-9mc1awn 

Ar-h CGMp 

.Jul~ :re .. 24, 

Our first-class instructors 

will make sure you have 

the education and 

confidence to become the 

best clown you can b _, 

We invite you to 

participate in the 

performance of 

a lifetime -- the 

ALL 9TAR CLOWN 9HOW!! 

zees ht 

'!'he 11ew 

ull~ air .. 

•Yca11clitia11ecl 

CaMp 

lacatia11 

~read~ 

!far YllUI 

Go to www.mooseburger.com or call 

{ 800) 973-62.n for more information 

Announcin~ 

F 

IRST of ,ts 

. f r clown · 

the s· 

1


St. Patrick -- 

From page 24 

I will leave: it up to your imagination as to why you are 

using 772 as the number to make the final compilation. 

Use words that come naturally to fit the personality of 

your clown character as well to explain the reason for 

selecting the number 772. 

Within my routine, I become baffled that my prediction 

doesn't seem to be following the "mental transmissions." 

As I am trying to figure out why things are not progressing, 

I announce that there were seven days last week that 

I did not perform this trick and there will be seven days 

next week when I will not be performing this trick. While I 

am speaking I will hold my left hand, fingers closed, at 

shoulder level. The first time I say the word "week," I hold 

up my thumb. When I say the word "week" the second 

time, I hold up my index finger. I usually look over at my 

fingers pointed in the air and do a double take. I count the 

two fingers that are in the air. I will usually start repeating 

what I just said in a mumbling tone, but emphasize the 

numbers so they come out loud and clear. I now have the 

number that I need to complete the math. 

A REVIEW OF THE MATH 

1. Three digits provided by your volunteer 

2. Reverse the digits in line 1 

3. Subtract the smaller from the larger 

4. Reverse digits in the new number in line 3 

5. Add the two new numbers, lines 3 and 4 

6. Subtract 772 

7. The answer will be St. Patrick's Day 

381 

-183 

198 

+891 

1089 

- 772 

317 


can be interpreted as the second month (February) and 

the 14th day (Valentines). To increase your mental power, 

be sure to experiment with other ways to "force" the outcome 

of your magical predictions. 

CONCLUSION 

As you can see from the simplicity of this trick, you 

don't need to perfect difficult sleight of hand moves in 

order to perform impressive magic tricks or routines. 

There are dozens of tricks, both for sale by vendors, plus 

homemade, that can be learned without having to spend 

endless hours rehearsing or mastering intricate manipulations. 

However.no matter what the skill level, the one 

thing all magic tricks require is PRACTICE. It takes practice 

to perfect your performance technique and it takes 

practice to make the trick look effortless. 

Please keep in mind that, no matter what type of trick 

you present, magic only looks amazing to the audience 

members who don't know how the trick is performed. If 

you tell how the magic is actually accomplished, you are 

not just ruining your own show, but you are ruining it for 

other clowns who perform the same or similar ticks. In my 

opinion, the only time you should reveal the "secret" to a 

trick is when you are teaching how to perform the trick to 

a fellow clown or entertainer. 

If you talk while performing, be sure to take the time 

to develop a line of patter, keeping in mind that your 

patter should complement the illusion and enhance its 

entertainment value; After all, doing a magic trick is like 

telling a story. Since you are a clown, you may want to 

tell a funny one. 

AN ADDED EXTRA 

If you substitute the number 875 for 772 (in line 6) 

THEN subtract 875 from 1089, the result will be 214. This 

Wanted: 'Mature' clowns 

Yes, it's important that we get the young folks involved in clowning, as is 

being done in COAi 's great Junior Joeys program. But there's another side to 

the clowny coin: The Senior Clown. And we'd like to determine just how old 

(no, let's call it "mature") some of COAi's active clowns really are. 

For starters, picture at right shows Betty "No Name" Schultz, a member of 

Northland Clown Guild Alley #217 in North Kansas City, MO. A member since 

2002 , she's 80 years old, and according to Alley Secretary Shirley D.Beeley, 

"can still walk a good parade." 

It strikes us that 80 is a good round number. But surely there are active 

COAi clowns out there of even more advanced years. Let's hear from you - 

and see you. Send your picture to The New Calliope, with some background 

about yourself . Send information and photos via U .S. mail to editor's address 

shown on page 3. 

No contest, no prizes --but we'd like to salute the senior segment of this 

wonderful business. 

--26-- 

In the future, don't let holiday or special occasion 

entertaining pass you by. A simple alteration to a trick 

that you already have in your repertoire can transform 

your presentation.


January/t-ebruary ~uuo 

COSTUMES 

You 

,. expect 

the best 

from the 

best ... 

Don't 

settle for 

less ... 

by Betty 

We have clown dresses starting at 

$135. Call us for a free catalog. 

Call us at 

1-800-47CLOWN 

or Fax at 1-800-442-6432 

or on line secure ordering at: 

www.clowncostumes.com 

Betty Cash • 2181 Edgerton St.• St Paul MN 55117 • 651-771-8734 

Tony Jones •1061 Indian Bend Dr• Rutledge, GA 30663 • 706-557-9821 

\V\",'W 

KUDOS 

Clown and Magiu 

Complete Selection of Clow,i 

and Magic S11pplies 

(817) 282-3339 

Fax (817) 282-3707 

. kt 1do~clown andmagic.com 

PO Box 666 • I Iurst, TX 76053 

Andy&Rhea 

Anderson 

Owners 

THE PR@P SH@P 

V isit me on the web! 

www.kbc lown.com 

or call for brochure 303 -934 -8997 

Your# I Balloon Source 

160Qs 

1-800-636-4887 

Standard Assorted & Solids 

Jeweltone/Fashiontone Solids 

260Qs 

Traditional & Entertainer Asst. 

Standard Solids 

Jeweltone/Fashiontone Solids 

Pearltones/Neons Solids 

Pro Pack- 250/bag 

350Qs 


Jeweltone/Fashiontone 

321 s - Bee Bodies 

~ Standard Assorted & Solids 

~ Jeweltone/Fashiontone 

$3.50 

$3.75 

$3.75 

$3.75 

$4.15 

$4.60 

$8.85 

$5.75 

$6.15 

$4.30 

$4.90 

--2?-- 

,-.,, ' "'. .. - - - ---~ -- ]: 

_ ( Same Day Shipping §~ ~- ,, 

~= :;::u4 _v, 

No Minimum 

www. 

BTYDIR ECT. 

COM 

6" Hearts 


Jeweltone Assorted & Solids 

6" Geo Blossoms 

Jeweltone Assorted & Solids 

5" Smiley Face 

5" Alien 

Knobby 

Wobbly Worm 

5" BSA by Qualatex 

Standard 

Royal Rich 

$5.15 

$5.65 

$9.95 

$8.50 

$8.50 

$5.95 

$6.95 

$2.75 

$2.85

The New Calliope January / February 2005 

Winter agenda for working joeys 

or 

What to do for your clown business during the slow months 

By Arla "Go-Go"Albers 

increase your income. 

3210 Wynford Drive 3) Review you r inventory. 

Fairfax, VA 229031-2831 

This is the slower time of year for a lot of 

a) Look at your inventory of wardrobe, 

clown businesses. However, there are lots of magic, balloons , face painting suppl ies, etc. Do 

things that you can do for you r business to they look run down, dented, shopworn , faded? 

keep it going, thus not having the down time What needs replacing to make you look like the 

that you might have had otherwise. 

1) Find out what your 

business did last year. 

a) How did you get 

your jobs? You should be 

keeping track of each jo b you 

get. If you have not in the 

past , ask each customer how 

they found you. 

b) Where did you 

advertise? Look at (a) and 

see if your ads paid off. If 

not, cancel them. Why pay 

needless money for something 

that is not paying off? 

c) Was there anyth ing that held your 

business back last year? If so, what can you 

do about it for next yea r? Did you do enough 

advertis ing? Do you know enough skills to 

effectively sell yourself? Do your clown clothes 

reflect a true, profess ional clown? Assess 

everyt hing that is within your business, then act 

upon the negative aspec ts. 

2) Review your custome rs. 

a) Th ink about what you can do to get 

repeat business from them again next year. Do 

you send thank you cards right after the show 

or holiday ca rds (or at least "thank you for your 

business" cards) at the end of the year? Could 

you change your show for next year? Add a 

couple of new magic tricks. Take a class to further 

your skills so you can offer more to you r 

previous clientele next year. Add a skill so you 

can offer a deluxe show and automatically 

best profess ional clown you 

.--- -------------, can be? This is the time of 

yea r to make new wardrobes 

if you sew. 

b) Can you find all 

your clown paraphernal ia or 

is your clown box, closet, 

room stuffed to the hilt with 

old items that you thought 

you might use, but never 

did? Clean out and auction 

those items at your clown 

alley, or put them in a box to 

donate to another auction. 

Or you can advertise it for 

sale in your alley news letter. 

c) Come up with 

new patter for an old trick. 

4) Learn during the slow months . 

a) Take classes or go to conventions 

and learn a new trick. 

b) Go visit other people perfor ming in 

you r area. Find out what your competition is 

doing. Ask a fellow perfor mer if you can view 

one of their shows. Have the m come to one of 

you rs and swap critiques of one anot her. 

5) Make some phone calls. 

a) Do some cold-ca lling of restaurants, 

bigger businesses, for future. Maybe you 've 

developed a new skill, charac ter, or someth ing 

else. Let your old clientele know. 

Be creative. Be inventive, and most of all, 

have fun doing it! 

--28--

The New Calliope January/Febr uary 2005 

WWW.MYCOMEDYBITS.COM 

MY FAYOBITE COMEDY SKETCHES 

Item# 

045469 

045470 

045471 

045472 

045468 

045473 

045 ... 

045414 

045417 

045332 

045415 

045416 

04533 1 

045421 

0454 18 

0454 19 

045420 

045350 

045 ... 

la Rock', run & fflagic Oullet 

38 47 Rose haven Drive• Cha rlotte. NC •282 05 

Orders Only (800) 473-3425 • Information (704) 563-9300 

FAX (70 4) 568 -84 34 • emai l laroc ks l@ao l.co m 

BI 

Jen D' !1JB11 

~ 

1111 THIIT"S llf01 ' 1111) 

• Maktiip & Castuma Tips • Haw ta thraw a pie safe ly 

lllustratiaas 

• Prop & Gimmick ldeu • Hates 011 being 

And much, much mart ! 

D'Auria Productions• P.O. Bax 749 •Pasadena .CA• 91102-0749 

WWW.MYCOMEDYBITS.COM 

Mehron Makeup Paradise Face Paint Multi•Media Supplies 

a CIDWII 

Product Price Item# Product Price Item# Videos& DVD Price 

Clown Pink 2 oz $ 4.00 045629 Paradise Basic Kil $24.00 045790 Make Your Face Come Alive $29.95 

Clown While 2 oz $ 4.00 045630 Paradise Pastel Kit $24.00 04579 1 Illusion By Jinny $29.95 

Clown White 8 oz $ 8.95 045628 Paradise Trop ical Kit $24.00 045792 Try Abstract Face Painting $29.95 

Clown White 16 oz $15 .95 045794 Face to Face 3 Tape Set $59.95 

Clown White Lite 2 oz $ 4.00 045 ... Paradise 2 pack $ 7.50 045793 Jinny -M akeup Artiste DVD $39.95 

Clown White Lite 8 oz $ 8.95 7 gm refill for kit Choose Books 

Black, Dark Brown, Dark 978094 1599276 Birthday Party Business $ 22.00 

Foundation 1.25 oz Choose Auguste $ 6.00 Green, Dark Pink, Gold, 978094 1599108 Clown Make Up $ 24.00 

7.5, Auguste 8.5, Black, Blue. Green, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Light 978094159 9 160 Creat ive Clowning $ 24.00 

Grey, RIB Red, & Sunburn 7B Brown, Light Green, Light 978094 15993 13 Worlds Funniest Skits $ 15.00 

Pink, Orange, Purple, Red, 978094 1599214 Clown Magic $ 20.00 

Pro Pencil Slim Black 

- 

$ 3.95 Silver, Teal Violet, White, & 9780941599306 Gospel In Greasepaint $ 15.00 

Pro Pencil Slim Blue $ 3.95 Yellow. 9780941599351 Clown Jokes & Walkaround $ 10.00 

Pro Pencil Slim Green 

$ 3.95 045 ... Paradise Pro Size 40 gram $ 7.50 978094 1599467 Son of Clown Jokes & Walk- $ 10.00 

Pro Pencil Slim Red 

• 

$ 3.95 Same colors as above . round 

Pro Pencil Slim White $ 3.95 9780794502362 Usbome Book of Face Paint- 

Pro Pencil Slim Yellow $ 3.95 045 ... Paradise Detailz .25oz $ 4.95 ing $ 7.95 

Pro Pencil Jumbo Auguste $ 5.95 Choose Black , Blue. Gold. 0950 12 Professional Magic for Children $19.95 

Pro Pencil Jumbo Black $ 5.95 Green, Purple, Red, Silver 

Pro Pencil Jumbo Red $ 5.95 S6S 00 or less, add S6 50 We airmail upon request at 

While, & Yellow. 

Over S6S 00, add . ... l~ /4 current ra1es 

Pro Pencil Jumbo White $ 5.95 Paradise Brushes SIOOOO& over FREE NC Residen1s. add Sales Tax 

Dual Sharpener $ 3.95 04563 1 Brush Fine Point Round $4.95 AK, Ml and Possessions ISo/o 7 S°/4 Prices subject to change 

Cream Blend Sticks 045632 Foreign Orders, add ..... 25% without notice. 

Brush Flat Versatile 1/8 $ 4.95 

Choose: Auguste 7.5. Auguste 8.5, $ 7.50 045633 Brush Medium Round $ 5.95 

Black, Blue, Green, Grey, Natura l 

Dealer Inquiries Invited 

045634 Brush Wide Chisel 816 $ 7.00 Purch • H I catek>g for M.00, 

Beige, Orange, RIB Red, red, Sun- 045635 Wide Foam Smoothy $ 7.95 

burn 7-b, Cream Warm Natu ral Tan, 

White. Yellow. 

www.larocks.com 

and ge t • coupon good ror $-4.00. 

--29--


Cha Cha and Muswog in Mexico 

By Regina "ChaCha" Wollrabe 

Portland, OR 

Michelle "Mushwog" Janis , of 

Milwaukie , OR, and I had the opportunity 

to teach some 200 people the art of 

clowning at a clown convention in 

Hermosillo, Sonora , Mexico , early last 

November . We were the headliners , 

taught all the classes and did two 

shows. The people were like sponges , 

absorbing all they could , and with tears 

many expressed their gratitude and 

des ire to be the best clowns they could 

be. They were all brand-new to clowning 

and learned clown skills, ethics and 

the importance of honoring children. 

Michelle had received an invitation 

to teach at this convention from the 

organ izers here in the States. We were able to go as 

COAi Internationa l Ambassadors by contacting the 

committee chairman, Forrest "Muggins" Wheeler , a member 

of our alley, Rose City Clown Alley #196 , Tigard , OR. 

We were a little nervous about how this would work , 

but we learned that through translators we could jump out 

of our little American box and jump into another culture 

and language and teach the art we love so dearly. 

Mushwog also experienced what it was like to be a clown 

in another culture and not need an interpreter. At one 

point while "Cha Cha" was teach ing, some children in the 

back alley coaxed Mushwog outside to play games with 

them . She discovered that smiles, laughter and playing 

needed no translating. 

I speak some Spanish, but the interpreter was 

adamant that I speak only English, rather than confuse 

him with chopped up Spanish . However , I do bilingual 

shows in the US, and in a show during the convention , I 

accide ntally let a Spanish phrase slip out. I then looked 

at the translator and told him he should translate to 

English. The crowd burst out laughing and I couldn't 

resist playing with the two languages during the rest of 

the show. 

We found we had to work hard not to use puns. 

They're funny to us in English , but don't trans late. We 

relied on physical comedy and expression. 

Clown wannabe in makeup leads applause 

for the clown teachers from Oregon. 

and crafts. We gave copies of our handouts on ethics, 

balloon ing and creati ng clown faces and character to the 

conve ntion leaders before going. They had translated 

them into Spanish, so we had materials to leave with participants. 

The organize rs provided a dealer room with products 

the participants could buy. Michelle and I also came home 

with fewer props, as we felt led to give away some of ours 

which we could replace later here at home where they are 

easier to find. 

We also met "Yayis," a professional clown who happened 

to be face painting at our hotel , and gave her information 

about COAi to pass on to her clown agency. She 

was precious . We were curious to learn abo ut clowning in 

Mexico. For over an hour we plied her with questions 

about games she uses , her training and how much 

clowns charge in Mexico. 

This was not a planned trip for me. Rose "Lovie 

Wubbie " Vaida graciously invited me to take her place 

when she broke her foot 5 days before the ir trip and the 

leaders agreed to let me go. It was a trip that has 

changed my life and has challenged me to grow in my 

bilingual skills and to push forward in performing as well 

as teaching. I had more to give than I realized. 

We taught classes on ethics, make up application in 

each category (White face, Auguste and Hobo) , ballooning, 

face painting , puppets and ventriloquism, mime, 

staging, and how to put together a show, illusion/magic , 

Want to become a COAi Foreign Ambassado r? 

Contact Forrest Wheeler, Foreign Ambassador chair, at 

PO Box 283, Vernonia, OR 97064. email 

Forrest2W @aol.com. 

--30--

The New Calliope January / February 2005 

Clowning or Christ is dedicated to bringing some of the 

best instructors in Clowning to you for a 2 day conference in 

your area. A great conference with 10 workshops, competition 

and large vendor area. All this for only $35. And that not 

all there are special discounts available. Check it out. 

Dave"Mr Magish" Mitchell John "The Balloon Man" Holmes 

Brenda "Flower" Marshall Dana "Liberty" Abendschein 

* Steve "Salty" Kissell * Jane "Belle" Abendshein 

Tony "Junior" Jones Phillis Schfield 

* Nikki "Lala" Jones * Sue Kleinwachter 

(Instructors will very at the verious location. Check our web site www.clowning4christcom for an 

exact list of the instructors ot call us at 1-800-442-6432 for more information . 

Stlouis, MO 

May 20 and 21st 2005 

Hope Church 

200 Dapron Dr 

Belleville. IL 62226 

Margie Miller 

Stillwater MN. 

May 6th and 7th 2005 

Calvary Assembly of God 

5805 Osgood 

Stillwater MN. 55082 

TimMcCail 

Rockford, IL. 

May 13th and 14th 2005 

Rockford First Assembly 

5950 Spring Creek Rd. 

Rockford , IL 61114 

Randy Christensen 

815-871-8000 

Cincinnati, OH 

April 8th and 9th 2005 

Dayspring Church of God 

1060 Smiley Ave . 

Cincinnati, OH 45240 

Martha Hensen 

Omaha, NE. 


Southside Assembly of God Church 

4815 Harrison St. 

Omaha NE. 68157 

Kris Schwarz 

402-593-9180 

Tulsa OK 

March 18th and 19th 2005 

Arrow Heights Baptist Chureh 

3201 S. Elm Pl. 

BrokenArrowOK . 740 12 

Sheri Airs 

918-369-3864 

Ft Worth TX. 


First Baptist Church 

1801 N. Norwood 

Hurst TX 76054 

Andy Anderson 

817-282-3339 

Schenectady NY 

April 1st and 2nd 2006 

Christ Church 

970 State St. 

Schenectady NY 12307 

Marie Beck 

518-785-3046 

Richmond, VA. 

April 22nd and 23rd 2005 

New Life UMC 

900 Old Hundred Rd. 

Midlothian VA. 23113 

Vickey Help 

804-794-0781 

New Hope Bapust Church 

551 New Hope Road 

Fayetteville GA . 30214 

Oea11 Cotton 

770-461-4337 

Fill in name and address information (listthe names and 

addresses of any additional people you are registering on 

a seperate sheet of paper and enclose with this sheet) 

Conference Location ___ ______ 

Name __________________ 

___ _ 

_ 

Address ________________ 

_ 

City, State Zip _____________ 

_ 

Daytime Phone ,.._____________ 

_ _ 

E-mail Address ______________ 

_ 

Postmarked 

Postmarked less lhan 

Number of 

at least 10 10 day 

people 

days prior to from dale 

registering Type of Registration the event of event Tolal 

__ Single registration Both Days $35 each $40each __ _ 

__ Group Rate (Min . 6 People) $30 each $35 each __ _ 

Subscriber to the Cross $25 each NIA ____ _ 

and the Clown (each person 

registering must be a subscriber) 

__ Single registration Friday only $22 each $25 each __ _ 

__ Single registration Sat. only $22 each $25 each __ _ 

Total Amount paid $ 

--3 1--



H Japanese gig 

Toto on stilts during a 

Japanese street perfor mance. 

By Ron "Toto" Johnson 

1715 Winding Hill Rd. #203 

Davenport, IA 52807 

When "Shobi Dobi" emailed me 

to see if I might be interested in performing 

at the National Cultural 

Festival of Japan last November, I 

did not have to think twice . She 

probably heard me yell "YES" all the 

way out to California long before my 

return email reached her. To write 

about all of the wonderful adventures 

I had, people I met and food I 

ate would take up 10 issues of The 

New Calliope, so I will just mention a 

few highlights. 

First, I was honored and privileged 

to perform with four marvelous 

clowns: Kenney Ahern , 

Danny "Lanky" Kollaja, Karen 

"Vinny" Ciocchini, and "Shobi Dobi." 

Each person brought unique talents 

and gifts to the festival. It was a thrill 

working with them onstage and a 

joy to spend time with them off. 

Second, we performed at a variety 

of venues around Fukuoka 

Prefecture on the island of Kyushu 

in southern Japan. We did shows 

and held workshops for two elementary 

schoo ls.We provided 

strolling entertainment at a street 

perfor mers' fest ival as specia l 

guests. We did a "meet and greet" 

session at a mall in Kokura. We 

entertained the residents of a nursing 

home. We even did a stage 

show right in the middle of the 

Kokura train station. 

Third, our audiences were marvelous. 

The children and the staffs 

at the schools were very excited to 

have us there. They even had special 

presentations ready to show us. 

We were treated to a display of traditional 

Japanese drums and songs 

at one school, while the other school 

wowed us with accordions, drums 

and other instrum ents, playi ng 

--32-- 

"Tequila." 

Both schools presented us with 

bouquets of flowers. We drew large 

crowds at all of our shows and 

strolling events. The language barrier 

was not really a barrier at all. I 

know a few words of Japanese, I 

met folks who knew English, and 

laughter sounds the same all over 

the world, no matter what language 

one speaks. 

Fourth, the food was superb. I do 

not think I have ever enjoyed meals 

as much as I did on this gig. One 

day I mentioned that my favorite 

food when I lived in Tokyo 13 years 

ago (while performing at the 

Carnival Plaza restaurant) was okinomiyaki. 

And the very next night, 

Yoshiko Takada (our "agent" and 

director of Art Land Co.) took us out 

to a terrific okinomiyaki restaurant. 

Okinomiyaki is a sort of stuffed pancake 

containing squid or cabbage or 

other ingredients. Yum! 

One night we went to a sushi bar 

and for the first time in my life I tried 

whale. I even tried fugu, a type of 

blowfish which if not properly prepared 

will kill you. Both were very 

good. 

Fifth, the staff was top notch. 

Yoshiko, Torno, Chiaki, and the others 

took care of our every need. 

Bottles of water were always available 

on our chartered bus taking us 

from event to event each day. I was 

constantly having folks come up and 

taking my equip ment out of my 

hands so I would not have to carry it 

myself. I have never had so much 

care, concern, and help while on a 

gig in my entire 20-year career in 

clowning. 

In brief, the National Cultural 

Festival of Japan was the highlight 

of my clowning in 2004.


Spring In The Clowns. 

March 18 - 20, 2005 

Plymouthl MA 

,~,...,, ·---...~ 

f~~ 

\. ;!;:!. 

·-, _ _ __,___)' 

(~I" 

aturing: 

.--: d'Sr. .:~ k•) 1 Karen Bell 

i~~e;0 ?, ;~ 5 1 Convention goals: 

~e ~ rve A Education and Fun 

,


Mining gold 

• 

1n your 

customer base 


they encounte r others who might be looking for entertainers. 

The most cost-effective media for commun icating is 

through email as this is essentially free •· but it might not 

be practical. The next most cost effective is the use of 

postcards. At the very least you should be sending a postcard 

to your customer base around six weeks before they 

booked you last year. 

For birthday parties , I always take a picture of the 

kids during my show and include it in the Thank You letter 

that I send after the event. Then , around 6-8 weeks 

before the birthday next year, I send them the same picture 

but use it as a postcard! Digital cameras make this 

By Esther Beris .-----,.,..,=------very cost effective , easy and this is getting 

CEO, Clown Marketing Institute 

www.ClownMarketingTips .com 

eberis@lightst ream.net 

Recently I was speaking with a clown 

business owner who was concerned that 

his number of bookin gs had grown stagnant. 

He was thinking that maybe it was 

time to increase the size of his ads or 

spend more time cold calling. His concern 

was due to how things just dried up and he 

was not sure why. 

So I asked him, "How much of your 

marketing efforts are devoted to getting 

new customers and how much is devoted 

to your current customers? " 

He looked at me a little confused and replied , "What 

do you mean, current customers? Once I do a show for 

someone , that's it. I put on the best show I know how and 

wait to see how many others at that show saw me. I 

i:nake sure to hand everyone my business card and if they 

liked me, hopefully they will call me to do their event also. 

I spend as much time as I possibly can finding new people 

who want to book a show." 

He just didn't understand the total value of his current 

customer base. Your current customer base is a gold 

mine just waiting to be cracked open. 

You see, many clowns take much energy and effort to 

gain a first time booking and then spend a disproportionate 

amount of time looking for new customers when there 

is a gold mine within their current customer base. 

You have to be able to contact your custome rs in 

order to market to them . That 's why it's so important to 

capture your customer 's contact information at the point 

of every inquiry and certainly every booking. 

Statistics show that you need to get your name in front 

of your customer base three to four times a year. This 

keeps your name fresh and in the front of their minds as 

.. 34 .. 

very good conversion to repeat bookings. 

Addit ional communicat ions might be an 

announcement of a special limited time offer 

where you can run a special promotion during 

your slow period . Or a postca rd of you 

at your latest clown convention where you 

are promoting your professionalism and letting 

them know that you are always pursuing 

excellence in entertainment. Or how 

about just a personal ized postca rd sent to 

them from your vacation? These do not 

have to be postcards where you are trying 

to sell somet hing; just maintain a relationship 

with them. 

So what percentage of your business is new business 

and what percentage is repeat customers? Do you know 

why the one-time customers are not repeat customers? 

FACTOID: The number one reason why most clowns 

don't get repeat business is because they don' t ask. 

The_re are some startling statistics that show the average 

business spends six times more to attract new customers 

than it does to keep old ones. 

Imagine a large hot air balloon that requires a fuel 

tank and flame to get the air hot so the balloo n becomes 

lighter than air. Now imagine a large flap at the top of the 

balloon that is letting the hot air out. That fuel tank and 

flame are a good representation of time , money and effort 

that goes into gett ing new customers. 

If you do a thorough job of going back to your current 

customer base for repeat business , then the flap on the 

top of your hot air balloon keeps getting smaller and 

smaller, losing less of your initial (and costly) effort. 

How big is the flap at the top of your hot air balloon 

and how much is it costing your business? 

Have a successful day bumping noses!


EVERYDAY'S A HOLIDAY 

WIGS*WIGS*WIGS*AND More !! 

Disco Cleo Eve Party Guy Mrs. Claus~ 

Dimples Silly Boy China Girl Ggachi Rag Doll 

Circus-Circus Homey Secret Braids Tinsel 

Short Curly Bald Long Party Page Lil Brat Marilyn M n 

Giggles Afro Gypsy Mohawk and More!!!!! 

Bibs, Collars, Vests, skull Caps, Picture Bags, Scrunches, Bows, Bags, 

Wig Stands, Petticoat Bags, Petticoats, Pettlpants, Clown Socks, Gloves, 

Hats, 

* 

Delt>les, Storytelling 

Q Needs, 

Award Winning Design Costumes: 

* 

6y Caro{"Jfofi,{iry" Colt,,,.n-S~ * 

410-956-5275 iii • 

Remember your alley n-d• for education 

and morel * * 

© Available for Lecturer and Retail Sales * 

* 

Ask about THE GIRLS ON THE ROAD 

See Everyday's A Holiday in 2005 at: 

Cheer1ead81'S for Christ Confel'8nce: June 17-18, State College,* 

Fun-A-Rama: July 21-23, Sheraton Four Points, Aberdeen, Md. 

Pony/Smi le: Oct 5-8, Hilton, Wickliffe, Ohio 

email : holidaythcclown @att.net 

January / February 2005 

Popsicle & Company 

Snazaroo Face Paints 

& Other Clown Supplies 

All Items l 0% off Retail 

We accept most major 

credit cards and pay pal 

314-522-64 l 6 

www. popsicletheclown. com 

Wayne Scott's 

elOWN SHOES A~D PRoP$ 

INe. 

Visit Us At GCA Las Vegas Nv Jan 30 - Feb 3 2005 

And Peoria Days Peoria II Apr 5 - 10 2005 

www.clownsboesandprops.com 

Fun Sight www.folkvine.org 

Call or Write for Catalog 

Clownshoes & Props Inc. 

23313 S. Dewey Robbins Rd. 

Howey in the Hills, Fl 34737 

Ph. (352) 324-3256 Fax (352) 324-3119 

Visa Mastercard 

Midsum mers 

N"ght's Dream 

E"'h,1nted for st 

-··- _..____ 

M""11°'W, 0Jy W.-eh1,d 

----- 

M,y Ji 29, 101


Januar y/February 2005 

'joev' o'(anterns? 

WhenThe New Calliope 

opened its search for clowny 

jack'o lanterns , we found out 

just how creative pumpkin 

sculpture can be -- everything 

from self portraits to COAi 

logos. Winner of the Editor's 

Award for best jack o'lantern is 

shown at right. Editors Award 

patches went to all others. 

Editor 's Award plaque went to 

Evelyn " Giggles " Smth , of 

Gloucester,VA , for her self por 

t rait. 

.... 

Self portrait by Joyce "Joy" 

Payne, Los Angeles, CA; hair is 

a spider plant, eyes are olives, 

nose and corners of the mouth 

are radishes, and the lower 

mouth, an apple slice. 

Stars form the nose and the 

hat decoration for jolly 

jack created by Lois Merrill , 

of Sarasota , FL. 

Balloon-blowing jack o'lantern , 

created by Ann "Tuttles " 

Sanders, Toano, VA. 

Another self portrait, by 

Bonnie "Tiggles " Lipe, 

of Gloucester, VA 

--36-- 

Jack o'lantern created by William 

"E'zel" Salupe, of Sarasota , FL, 

has a good reason to smile. It's 

part of a display helping to raise 

funds for FACE, which aids kids 

born with facial deformities. 

Display includes colored lights, 

fog machine, music .



Jack with rubber nose, by Craig 

Checkers" Engel , Indianapolis, IN 

Doug "H appy Face" Bengtson , of Wood Lake , MN, says 

"I found my clown match at the pumpkin patch ." 

Jack o'lantern with bow tie, 

by Eric "Colosso" Plaut, of 

Highland Park, IL 

Apple forms nose of jack o'lantern carved by Michael 

"Korky McClown" Bennett, of Clarkesville, GA 

Jack with clown shoes , by 

Toni Dufrene, Metairie, LA . 

Pumpkin COAi logo was created by Timothy 

"Sawdust" Laynor, of Toano,VA 

--37--


Storyline magic 

By Steven Bender 

Alias Mr. OPickle of lcklePickle Products 

"I'd like to show you a magical little bag." (I now show 

the brand new Micro Mini Change Bag. This looks like a 

change bag, but in reality it's not. There are not two compartments. 

There is simply one compartment., but this 

tiny little bag has a handle just like a change bag. Its 

opening is about the size of a quarter and it's about 2 1/2 

inches long. When I say Micro Mini, that's just what it is.) 

"I'll poke the inside of the bag outside so that you can 

see there's nothing inside. I mean if the inside is outside, 

how can anything be inside? But the inside doesn't 

belong on the outside. So I'll put the inside back inside 

where it belongs since it is, after all, called the inside. 

That allows you to clearly see the outside, but then you 

saw the outside when I began prior to my pushing the 

inside outside. But when the outside is on the outside and 

the inside is on the inside and I wave my hand over the 

bag and say, 'lckle De Pickle De lckle De Woo,' do you 

know what happens? Of course not. So I shall show you. 

Now there is more inside the bag than merely the inside 

of the bag. Now there is a magic wand in the bag." (I now 

begin to pull out the 19-inch expanding wand from inside 

of the bag. Once I produce the wand I hand the bag to 

my spectator helper.) 

"Do you see anything else in the bag other than the 

inside of the bag? No. Are you sure? Well, then take this 

magic wand and wave it over the bag and say the magic 

words , 'lck le De Pickle De lckle De Woo.' Now I shall 

reach in the bag and oh my, will you look at this." (I now 

pull a 3-inch rainbow 

streamer from 

the bag.) 

~~~~ 

FE.A THERS CLOWN SHOES 

(-"fF~DABLE AND fEATI-ERlIGHT) 

FACT : thre.c things kids never forget 

the clown's ~se. t~ .-,9 and .. 

the big_sho


Clowns of America Intl. Application & Renewal Form 

First Name ................... ........ Mid Initial ....... Last Name .......................................... 

. 

Street Address ................................... .................................................... 

........................... . 

City ............................................... 

State .......... ZIP Code ....................... Country ............ 

Phone (Required) ....... ..... ········· ...... ............ ... ............... Emai I (Optional) ................................................. . 

Date of Birth (Required) ..................................... .... Age ........... Sex: M ............. F ............. 

Clown Name ................................. ............ Alley Affiliation (Optional) 

Referring Sponsor-if any (MUST include name & COAI #) 

ANNUAL DUES RA TES 

Active Member Renewal: $25 . 00 New Member US: $30. 00 

Family Member Renewal (US & Intl):$12.00 New Intl Member:US funds $35 .00 

Intl Renewal: US funds $30.00 New Senior Intl Member: US funds $30 .00 

Senior Member Renewal (65+) $20.00 New Senior Rate (65+): $25.00 

Senior Intl. Member Renewal $25.00 New Junior Joey (age 8-15): $25.00 

Junior Joey Renewal: (age 8-15): $20.00 Lifetime Membership: $500.00 

• Seniors and Junior Joey must provide proof of age with ap1>lication •.• copy of birth cert, license, etc. 

• Seniors must be age 65 or older within the enrollment or renewal year. Junior Joey must be age 8 to 15 

in the enrollment year 

• Children age 8-15 can choose to .ioin as family or Junior Joey ... family members can be an y age. 

• Full members and Junior Joeys receh ,e The New Calliope ... family members do not . 

.. Renewals Please Show COAI Member Number and Expiration Date** 

COAI Number _______ 

Exp. Date 

Payment Method 

Check____ Visa____ MasterCard ____ Discover __ _ 

Credit Card Number ____ -__ _ ________ _ 

Credit Card Exp. Date __ ___ _ CC Verification Code (3 digits) __ _ 

Signature (required for cc). ___ __ ______________ _ 

SEND APPLICATION/ RENEWAL TO: 

Clowns of America Intl P.O .Box C Richeyville PA 15358-0532 

Ph/Fax: 1-888-522-5696 (1-888-52clown) /724-938-8765 Web . 

l\lemh


COAi competition rules 

I. GENERAL 

A. National Competition Chairman 

1 . The Director of Conventions 

will appoint an International Competition 

Chairman to serve as the Chief Judge at 

COAi annual conventions. 

2. The chairman will be responsible 

for maintaining current competition 

rules, criteria for selection of judges, and 

criteria for judg ing of categories by 

means of a standing competition committee. 

He/she will conduct a judges' 

seminar prior to the start of competition . 

3. The chairman is the chief 

advisor to the convention host alley 

regarding requirements and procedures 

for conducting the competition. He/she 

will maintain a Manual for Hosting a 

COAi Annual Convention Competition. 

The chairman will also coordinate 

procuring competition awards. 

4. If the chairman is unable to 

attend the convention, the Director of 

Conventions will appoint a qualif ied 

COAi member to act as the competition 

chairman/chief judge for that convention. 

B. Awards 

1. First, Second and Third 

Place awards for categories listed in 

these rules will be presented by COAi. 

In the event of a tie for any award, a 

duplicate award will be sent to the winner 

as soon as possible by COAi. 

2. Each person entering competition 

will receive a Certificate of 

Participation from COAi. 

3. Each person placing in the 

TOP TEN within a competi tion will 

receive a TOP TEN Certificate and a 

TOP TEN Patch wit h a date strip. 

Subseq uent TOP TEN winners will 

receive a date strip. 

4. A minimum of one clown 

must be registered to allow competition 

in any category. When there are five or 

less competitors, the first place winner 

must have earned a minimum of 90 percent 

on their score. Likewise, the second 

place winner must have earned a 

minimum of 83 percent. The third place 

winner must have a minimum of 75 percent. 

If a competitor scores 74 percent 

or less, they will receive a certificate of 

participation . Top Ten competitors will be 

acknowledged with a minimum of 55 

percent on their score . 

II JUDGING 

A. Selection 

1. The COAi Competition 

Chairman-/Chief Judge will select all 

judges. 

2. Five judges will be utilized 

for all competitive events. 

3. One judge will be a qualified 

COAi officer, and four selected from 

qualified members at large. 

4. All judges must be COAi 

members in good standing and must 

have been certified as a COAi judge by 

the COAi Competition Chairman. To 

qualify as a COAi judge, members must: 

a. Have been a clown 

for at least five consecutive years prior 

to the convention. 

b. Have extensive 

experience in clowning through public 

performances, education, teaching the 

art of clown ing or competi tion. 

Competition experience should include 

placing within the top three in regional 

and/or internationa l competitions, not 

necessarily COAi competitions. 

c. Have judgi ng experience 

in local and/or regional conventions/seminars. 

d. Attend a judging 

seminar conducted at a COAi annual 

conventio n, an ISCA judging seminar or 

any other judging seminar certified by 

the Competition Director on or after May 

199 0. 

5. Members desiring to be certified 

as a COAi judge must send a 

resu me to the COA i Compe tition 

Chairman at least six months prior to a 

convention. 

B. Judging procedures. 

1. Judging will be in designated 

areas, which will be announced by the 

hosting alley. 

2. Each judge will complete 

and sign the appropriate score sheet. A 

copy of the score sheets will be returned 

to the contestants prior to the end of the 

convention. 

3. The decision of the judges 

--40-- 

will be final. The Chief Judge has the 

right to disqualify participants in any category 

for infractions of any competition 

rule or the Clown Code of Ethics. 

4. Contestants may not speak 

to any judge unless in response to a 

question from a judge. Judges may not 

talk to other judges during the competition. 

Unresolved quest ions regarding 

rules and procedures will be directed to 

the Chief Judge. 

COMPETITION CATEGORIES AND 

SPECIFIC RULES 

A. Professional conduct 

1 . Each clown is expected to 

conduct him/herself according to the 

Clowns of America International Code of 

Ethics and The Seven Clown 

Commandments at all times . 

2. Any clown whose conduct is 

deemed inappropriate or unfavorable in 

the competition may be disqualified by 

the judges. 

B. Eligibility 

1. All clowns in good standing 

with COAi are eligible to participate in 

the competition, except for members 

and associate members of the host 

alley. 

2. All contestants must be fully registered 

with the convention. 

3. Contestants must show their 

current COAi membership card at competition 

registration. A current membership 

list will be at the competition registration 

desk. If a contestant joins COAi 

for the first time at the convention, 

he/she must have a certificate from a 

COAi officer that he/she is a new member. 

C. Makeup/Costume Competit ion 

1. Five types of clowns will be 

judged in makeup/costume competition: 

Classic Whiteface, Comedy Whiteface, 

Auguste, Tramp, and Character. 

Members who are 55 years and older 

may compete separately in a Seniors 

Division. Clowns classe d as Novelty 

clowns cannot compete in makeup/costume 

competition. A Novelty clown is 

one whose costum e is primarily 

designed for a parade or as a sight gag. 

2. Contestants must have applied their 

own makeup without anyone else's


assistance. 

3. Registratio n 

a. Contestants must register 

for their appropriate category no later 

than 12 hours or midnight (which ever 

comes first) prior to the date/time of 

makeup/costume competition. Contestants 

must list their COAi number and 

city/state at registration. 

b. The host alley will assign 

convent ion registration numbers to contestants 

.which will be used as the 

clown's numbe r for competition . 

c. A clown may enter only one 

makeup category. A first place winner is 

prohibited from entering that category 

for three consecut ive years , but may 

enter any other makeup category. 

4. Competition procedures. 

a. All identification tags, 

badges , or patches that give the contesta 

nt's name, clown name , and/or 

alley/c lub must be removed or concealed 

. Failure to do so will result in a 

five (5) point penalty per judge. 

b. A contestant may carry a 

prop(s) if it is part of his/her character 

(what the public normally sees with the 

clown) , but the prop(s) may not be 

demonstrated in any way during the 

judging of the contestant. Failure to 

comply will result in a five (5) point 

penalty per judge. 

c. At a time designated by the 

host alley, contesta nts must assemble 

and line up in numerical order in designated 

areas. Any contesta nt that arrives 

afte r the designated time will be disqualified. 

d. All contestants in a makeup 

category will be paraded in front of the 

judges and then be judged individually. 

e. Each contestant wil l be 

called into a judging area in front of the 

judges and told to turn around slowly, 

and then asked to strike a pose. At no 

time will a judge touch a contestant, but 

the contestant may be asked questions . 

After judging , the contestant will be 

excused from the judging area. 

f. If a contestant leaves the 

holding area after the parade and does 

not return when his/her number is called 

for the individual judging, that contestant 

will be disqualified. 

g. During the time contestants 

are in the holding area, individual judging 

area or in the audience , they must 

conduct themselves in an orderly manner 

at all times. Performing in these 

areas is prohibited. 

5. Contestants will be judged on the following 

(total 200 points): 

a. Makeup design 

b. Makeup application 

c. Costume design 

d.Costume accessories 

(shoes, gloves, ties, hats, collars, vests) 

e. Wig 

D. Skit Competition 

1 . Skit competition is divided 

into two (2) categories: "Individual Skit" 

(limited to one person on stage), and 

"Group Skit" (two or more persons on 

stage) . If a member or members of the 

audience are needed for the skit, the skit 

will be considered a group skit. 

2. All identifica tion, tags , 

badges, or patches which give the contestant's 

name and/or alley/club name 

must be removed or concealed. Failure 

to do so will result in a two (2) point 

penalty per judge . 

3. Skits must be suitable for all 

ages and in keeping with clowning. They 

must be kept clean and decent in both 

word and suggestion . Skits should not 

be able to cause injury to any person, 

performer, or member of the audience. 

Violation of these principles can cause 

disqualification. 

4. It is up to the contestant to determine 

the allowed use of smoke and/or 

pyrotechnics with the host alley prior to 

the convention. 

5. Competition procedures. 

a. Time. Contestants may have 

up to one ( 1) minute to set up 

props/scenery on stage , and one (1) 

minute to remove all props/scenery from 

the stage after their performance. It is 

the contestant's responsibility to set up 

the skit. Stage hands will be available to 

assist. Any skit set-up time or breakdown 

time that exceeds this limit will 

automatically be penalized five points 

for every 15 seconds over the time limit. 

Contestants in single skit competition 

will have a maximum of three (3) minutes 

to perform their skit. Contestants in 

group competition will have a maximum 

of five (5) minutes to perform their skit. 

Any skit that exceeds the limit will automatically 

be penalized one (1) point per 

judge per second. Time starts from the 

complet ion of the Master of Ceremony's 

introduction of the skit and a contestant's 

entrance onto the stage, or the 

start of background music and/or sound 

effect, which ever comes first. 

b. Facilities 

1 . If the competition 

cannot be held in a theater setting, a 

portable stage 12'x18'x3' should be 

--41-- 


made available. Specific sizes may vary 

based on local facilities. 

2. Contestants must 

supply their music and/or sound effects 

on cassette or compact disk properly 

cued. An adequate sound system and 

operator will be provided by the host 

alley. The operator, however, will not be 

allowed to start, stop, start the tape or 

compact disk. Once the tape or compact 

disk is started, no other cuing will be 

allowed. 

3. Stage hands will be 

available to help contestants with props 

and scenery . Some tables and chairs 

will be provided by the host alley for contestants 

to use. 

4.Contestants using 

pies, water, confetti, etc., must clean up 

the stage during one (1) minute takedown 

time. If something falls or is thrown 

into the audience, it must be cleaned up 

after the competition by the contestant(s) 

unless otherwise directed by the 

host alley skit competition committee. 

Failure to do so will result in a ten (10) 

point penalty. 

c. Registration 

1.Contestant(s) must 

register for skit competition no later than 

12 hours or midnight (which ever comes 

first) prior to the beginning of skit competition. 

All contestants ' names, COAi 

numbe rs and city and state will be 

required on the registration. 

Contestant(s) must also indicate what 

facilities-/equipment are needed from 

the host alley at the time of registration. 

A member can only register for one skit 

per category. 

2.Within one (1) hour 

after the close of registration a computer-generated 

number will be assigned to 

each contestant /group which will be 

their order of performance. This list will 

be posted at or near the registration 

area. 

3. At the time of registration, 

contestant(s) will be given written 

information regarding the stage 

facilities, sound and lighting facilities 

and available props. The host alley may 

decide to hold a meeting to provide this 

information. 

d. Performance procedures 

1. Skits will be performed 

in the sequential order established 

after close of registration. 

Contestants and all members of groups 

are responsible to be in the holding area 

at least 15 minutes before their performance. 

Contestants will be disqualified if 

not in the area when prior contestant(s) 

take the stage. 

2. A Master of

The New Cal liope 

Continued next page 

Competition ... 


Ceremonies will introduce the skit in 

accordance with directions given by the 

contestant/group. MC should not make 

any remarks during the competition 

which may influence the judges. 

3. A contestant in 

Individual Skit competition may not have 

any assistance from anyone off stage 

during the skit other than a sound technician 

starting a music-/sound effects tape. 

4. A member or members 

of a group skit may leave and reenter 

the stage as long as there is at least 

one clown on stage at all times. 

e.Contestants/groups will be judged on 

the following for a total of 200 points: 

1, Definite begin 

ning, middle, end 

2. Pace and timing 

3. Characterizations 

and clown character 

involvement 

4. Quality and use of 

props 

5. Facial and body 

movements 

6.Costume/makeup 

7 Originality 

8.Professional behavior 

on stage 

9. Audience reaction. 

1 0.Overall effectiveness 

of presentation. 

E. Paradeabililty 

1 . This competition is designed 

to judge a clown's or a group's ability to 

perform, entertain or bring laughter during 

a parade. Contestants may use a 

sight gag, an object or prop, using signs 

or vocal expression. Parade gimmicks 

may be carried, pushed, pulled or driven, 

and do not require a setup or tear-down 

time. Objects used are those that can be 

"reloaded" on the move. 

2. Clowns wearing novelty type 

costumes must participate in this competition 

instead of makeup/costume competition. 

3. All identification tags , 

badges, or patches that give the contestants' 

name and/or alley/club name must 

be removed or concealed. Failure to do 

so will result in a five (5) point penalty per 

judge. 

4. Competition procedures 

a. Registration 

( 1 )Contestant(s) 

must register for paradeability 

competition no later than 12 hours or 

midnight, which ever comes first, prior to 

the beginning of the competitor. All contestants' 

names, COAi number, convention 

registration number and city and 

state will be required on the registration. 

Two separate categories , individual 

clown and group, will be judged . A member 

can register in only one category. 

(2) Within 

one (1) hour after the close of registration, 

a random number will be assigned 

to each contestant /group, which will be 

their order of performance. This list will 

be posted at or near the registration 

area. 

b.Parade procedures 

(1) A simulated, 

roped-off parade route will be provided 

, at least 40' long and 20' wide. 

Appropr iate parade music may be playing. 

(2) At a time 

designated by the host alley, contestants 

must assemble and line up in 

numerical order in designated assembly 

area. 

(3) One by 

one, each contestant/grou p will travel 

down the "parade route" and must 

demonstrate their parade prop or entertain 

at least twice within a one (1) minute 

time frame . A one-point penalty per second 

per judge will be awarded for failure 

to cross the finish line of the parade in a 

one-minute time frame. All makeup categories 

will be grouped together. 

c. Judges will be 

placed along the "parade route" and will 

judge on the following (total of 200 

points): 

(1) Act and/or prop 

appropriate to type of crowd. 

(2) Originality 

(3) Quality and practicality 

(4)Costume-makeup 

(5)Audience/crowd 

appeal 

F. Balloon Sculpture Competition 

1 . There are three categories in 

the Balloon Sculpture Competition: 

a. Single Balloon 

Sculpture -- A sculpture using only one 

145, 245, 260 or 360 balloon or similar 

balloon, without the use of an adhesive. 

b. Multiple Balloon 

Sculpture -- A sculpture using any combination 

of balloons the same or varying 

--42-- 

January / Febr uary 2005 

sizes without the aid of an adhesive. 

c.Balloon Arrangement - 

A sculpture and/or arrangement using a 

combination of balloons the same or 

varying sizes with or without any other 

object(s). Adhesives may be used. 

2. Registration : Contestants 

must register for each category at least 

12 hours or midnight, which ever comes 

first, prior to the beginning of the competition. 

Contestants may enter all three categories. 

3. Competition procedures: 

a. Contestants must 

be in the competition area when competition 

begins. Contestants entering late 

will be disqualified. 

b. Contestants must 

furnish their own supplies . 

c. Balloons may not 

be inflated before competition begins. 

Contestants may use inflating devices. 

d. Only one (1) sculpture 

arrangement may be submitted for 

judging per category. 

e. Contestants will 

have fifteen minutes in the Single and 

Multiple Balloon categories , and 30 minutes 

in the Multiple and Arrangement 

categories. 

f. Sculptures that 

have won First Place may not be reentered 

by that contestant for three consecutive 

years. 

4. Sculptures will be judged on 

the following criteria (total 200 points): 

a. Appearance 

b. Uniformity 

c. Originality 

d. Use of type of balloon 

e. Use of color 

Judges will not enter the competition 

area until all contestants have completed 

their sculptures and have departed 

the area or began working in another 

category. Depending on space availability, 

COAi members may watch the contestants 

build their sculptures. 

COMPETITION JUDGING CRITERIA 

The following are the criteria that COAi 

judges will use when judging makeup 

and costumes in COAi competition. The 

makeup and costume competition categories 

are Classic Whiteface , Comedy 

Whiteface , Auguste , Tramp/Hobo, 

Character, and Seniors Division. The 

overall appearance of the clown, not just 

the color of the face alone, establishes


the appropriate classification. 

Whiteface Clowns 

a. Character: Also 

commonly called the Pierrott clown. An 

elegant clown, artistic, colorful, bright 

and cheery. Its perfo rmance is highly 

artistic and skillful, but done with a 

comedic or dramatic flair. 

b.Makeup.AII exposed 

flesh will be covered with white makeup. 

Minimal lining color(s) and/or glitter will 

be used to express the features of the 

eyes , nose, and mouth. A white skull cap 

would be worn in lieu of a colored wig. 

The European Whiteface general ly does 

not wea r a comedy nose, false eyelashes, 

or large ears. 

c.Costume: Considered 

the "most beautiful" of all clowns , it 

would be outfitted with the traditional 

one or two-piece jumps uit of white or 

colored material to fit the character of 

the Classic Pierrott. The styles may vary, 

but are generally roomy and well-fitted 

and may have a detachable collar. The 

tunic or blouse can be straight, flared, 

short, medium or long with the long 

sleeves. Buttons, pompons, piping and 

ruffles should be of a contrasting color. 

The pants can be straight, flared, ruffled 

or pantalooned.A clown hat should fit 

the clown's character/personality (short 

or tall cone hat, short cup or flat hat, or 

the typical Pagliacci hat). Gloves should 

cover the hands and wrists and should 

be white or colored to fit the wardrobe. 

Ballet or dancing slippers would be worn 

in lieu of large comedy shoes. 

Straight Whiteface 

a. Character: The aristocrat of 

all clowns. An elegant clown, artistic, 

colorful , bright and cheery. In a setting 

with other clowns , the Straight 

Whiteface would be in charge. Its performance 

is highly artistic and skillful, 

but done with a comedic or dramatic 

flair. When performing with the Auguste 

and/or Tramp, this clown will remain in 

charge, setting up the routine, throwing 

rather than taking the pie, slap or kick. 

Although more com ical than the 

European Whiteface , this clown is a bit 

more reserved than the impish and gregarious 

Auguste. 

b. M akeup:A I I 

exposed flesh will be covered with white 

makeup . Minimal lining color(s) and/or 

glitter will be used to express the features 

of the eyes, nose and mouth. 

Varying styles and colors of clown wigs 

are used in lieu of only the skull cap. The 

color of the wig is generally chosen to 

accent another color in the costume. 

c. Costume: The costume 

will fit well. Satins, sequins, rhinestones 

and theatrical fabrics (shiny, 

flash, beaded, etc.) can be used. A one 

or two-piece jumper worn with a ruff is 

the most common Whiteface costume. 

However, a two-piece suit or tuxedo 

style is also acceptable. The costume, 

including the accessories, should be 

color coordinated. Shoes can be large or 

small but should be simple. Gloves 

would always be worn. 

Comedy Whiteface 

a.Characte r: As the 

Straight Whiteface is the more "traditional" 

clown, the Grotesque Whiteface, also 

known as the Comedy Whiteface , is 

today the most com mon Whiteface 

clown. When performi ng with the 

Auguste and/or Tramp, this clown will 

usually take charge, setting up the routine, 

throwing rather than taking the pie, 

slap, or kick. Although more comical 

than the Straight Whiteface, this clown is 

usually a bit more reserved than the 

impish and gregarious Auguste. 

b. Makeup : As in the 

Straight Whiteface, all exposed flesh of 

the face, neck and ears will be covered 

in white makeup. The coloring and 

design of the facial features are what differentiate 

it from the Classic design. 

Whereas the Straight design is purposely 

kept simple, the (Comedy) Grotesque 

Whiteface design may include large 

false eyelashes, a larger mouth design, 

a clown nose and other features on the 

face. Some of these features may be 

outlined in black; glitter and sparkles are 

also common. Varying styles and colors 

of clown wigs are used in lieu of only the 

skull cap. The color of the wig is generally 

chosen to accent another color in 

the costume. 

c. Although the traditiona 

l jump suit can be worn , the 

(Comedy) Grotes que Whiteface is 

equally acceptable in brightly colored 

shirts and pants, suits and large comedy 

shoes that complement the costume. 

Costumes will be more "glitzy" and color 

coordinated than the Auguste costume. 

White or colored gloves should be worn. 

The female clown costuming does not 

vary much between the Auguste and the 

Whiteface; the tradition of color coordination, 

sparkles, glitter, ruffles and ribbon 

remain. Even when using cotton 

fabrics, the total look will be pretty and 

elegant. 

Auguste 

a.Character:The most 

comical of all clowns. He/she is impish, 

grega rious and thrives on slapstick . 

His/her actions are big, clumsy and awk- 

--43-- 


ward. He/she does not have much in 

common with the Whiteface except for 

the makeup and costume. His/her personality 

is that of a rabble rouser. When 

appearing with a Whiteface, the Auguste 

is the brunt of the joke. However, with 

the Tramp he becomes the instigator in 

control of the situation. 

b.Makeu p: The Auguste 

has a highly colorful makeup with 

a base color of flesh tone (pink, tan, reddish 

brown) on the face and neck. The 

eye and muzzle areas are usually covered 

in white to produce a wide-eyed 

expression and to accentuate the mouth 

design. Designs in and around the eye 

area and mouth design are generally 

black or red, but other lining colors, in 

moderation, are acceptable. A red shadowing 

around the muzzle area is generally 

outlined in black (or occasionally 

red). This clown will normally wear a 

large comedy nose appropriate to the 

size of the clown's face. The Auguste 

will always wear a wig, but can choose 

from the many varied styles and colors 

that will accentuate the costume and 

flesh tones of the Auguste. 

c. Costume:The Auguste 

clown has the widest variety of 

costume designs to choose from, except 

it would not wear the "traditional" jumpsuit 

of the Whiteface clown . The 

Auguste clown could wear a jacket or 

coat, short, medium or long, with or without 

tails, or go without. The pants could 

be short, long or oversize. It can choose 

from a wide selection of colorful plaids, 

stripes, polka dots, and checks, as well 

as solid colors. Commonly called "the 

tailor's nightmare," the colors and patterns 

should compleme nt the overall 

clown's appearance , whether or not they 

are coordinated or matched. Theatrical 

fabrics or sequins are inappropriate on 

the Auguste costume. He/she is usually 

a notorious prankster and may need a 

lot of pockets to carry gags and tricks. 

The costume can be complemented with 

outland ish accessor ies like large or 

small ties, vests, colorful socks, large or 

comical collars, suspenders and many 

styles and colors of comedy clown 

shoes. 

These and one of the many hat 

possibilities, like skimmers, Irish derbies 

, bowlers, top hats , stovepipes , 

madhatters and crushables in various 

bright colors, will enhance the Auguste 

clown characte r. White or colored gloves 

are also worn. Although the classic 

European Auguste is used in skits, it is 

not appropriate for COAi competitions. 

Costuming does not vary much between 

Continued next page


Competition -- 


the Auguste and the Whiteface female 

clown regarding style, but the Whiteface 

tradition of color coordination , sparkles, 

glitter, ruffles and ribbon remain. Even 

when using cotton fabrics ,the total look 

would be pretty and elegant. The 

Auguste female clown may wear mismatched 

colors and be totally uncoordinated, 

but may also prefer to be a pretty 

clown. This is acceptable.However , the 

female Auguste must never wear 

sequins and glitter or use theatrical fabrics. 

These belong only to the Whiteface 

beauties. Large comedy shoes should 

be worn. The female Auguste may 

choose to be a bumbling, stumbling or 

slapstick personality, much the same as 

the male Auguste clown. 

Tramp/Hobo 

a. There are some 

variations in this clown category. The 

classic Tramp epitomized by Emmett 

Kelly and Otto Griebling of circus fame is 

the forlorn and downtrodden character 

who has nothing and knows he will 

never have anything. By nature he probably 

will be a loner, which is reflected in 

his determination to be silent, generally 

not talking to anyone but his peers. His 

downcast mannerisms and shuffling , 

burdensome movements reflect his hard 

life. The vagabond , elegant or happy 

Tramp is the businessman , scholar or 

playboy who, being fed up with his 

life.walked out of society for the wanderlust 

of travel.He is the king of the road, 

happy with what he has, and does not 

expect much. His character may take on 

some of the characte.ristics of the 

Auguste . This type of character was portrayed 

by Red Skelton in his Freddie the 

Freeloader character. Considered the 

only true American clown, some believe 

that this character developed from the 

days of the depression in the '30's when 

men "rode the rails" looking for work. 

Other historical references indicate the 

Tramp makeup goes back to vaudeville 

and minstrel shows of the 1800's and 

early 1900's. Regardless of the type of 

Tramp/Hobo, he is the one who is the 

brunt of the joke and will be on the 

receiving end of the pie, slap or kick 

from the Whiteface or Auguste.Both 

va riations of tramps will be judged 

together. In addition , the "bag lady" 

would be considered the female version 

of a Tramp/Hobo. 

b. Makeup: The 

makeup represents the soot deposited 

on the face from the coal and woodburning 

trains their originators rode. The 

eye and mouth areas were wiped clean 

of soot in order to see and eat. White 

makeup is used in the eye and mouth 

areas to exaggerate this cleaning 

process. The upper face is a blend of 

flesh tones to reflect the outdoor look. 

The beard line of the male is black or a 

shade of dark gray to reflect the soot 

and beard, feathered into the upper 

cheeks and down under the chin. A 

ruddy nose is used. A little red shading 

in the cheeks can help create the sunburned 

look. The difference between he 

types of Tramp characters is generally 

depicted by the shape of the eyebrows 

and mouth, either down or up to reflect 

sadness or happiness. 

c. Costume: Usually a 

dark suit, tuxedo, tails or just shirt and 

pants made to look old and worn for the 

male and an old worn-out dress and/or 

coat for the bag lady. These could be 

well patched with rags or other materials, 

with uneven stitching or held together 

with whatever available. A dark, battered 

hat, tattered shoes and socks, 

worn shirt and tie will exaggerate the 

character. Gloves are generally old and 

worn. In keeping with the unemployed 

status of the Tramp, this character would 

not wear expensive watches, rings, or 

new belt, shoes or socks. 

Character Clowns 

A Character clown is 

one who portrays an identifiable character 

and/or occupa tion, i.e. , fireman, 

nurse, doctor, cowboy, hockey player, 

policeman , sailor , small child , etc. 

Contestants must remember that this is 

a clown competition; therefore, realistic 

impersonations or clown impersonations 

of famous personalities , i.e., Charlie 

Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Col. Sanders, etc., 

are not co nsidered "clowns. " 

Representations of animals or cartoon 

characte rs, i.e.,dogs, cats, smurfs, etc., 

are also not considered Character 

clowns. Rules regarding costumes mentioned 

above would not necessarily be 

used in judging this category. The 

judges will grade the contestant on how 

well the costume helps to identify the 

character. When judging this 

category.judges will evaluate the contestant's 

make up accord ing to the 

appropriate makeup guidelines. 

Seniors Division 

Contestants who are 55 years of age or 

older may elect to be judged in the 

Seniors Division rather than other makeup 

and costume categories. All types of 

clowns will be judged in this category, 

using the criteria set for the various 

types of clowns. A Senior may enter 

--44-- 


only one category. 

Novelty Clowns 

A Novelty clown is 

one whose costume is primarily 

designed for a parade as a sight gag. 

Members who want to compete with 

these types of costumes must enter the 

paradeability competition. 

FACE PAINTING COMPETITION 

Competitors must be COAi members 

in good standing , and registered attendees 

at the convention where the competition 

is being held. 

Competitors must supply their own 

live model, and must use paints and 

supporting products approved by the 

FDA. 

Painting will be by paint brush and/or 

sponges only. 

All painting will be free hand -- no 

stamps, no stencils, no air brush .. 

Use of jewels, glitters and artistic 

accessories is authorized. 

There will be two categories of competition: 

Full Face, and Cheek Art. 

Full Face will have a 30-minute time 

limit. 

Cheek Art will have a 20-minute time 

limit. 

Five (5) judges will judge each competition. 

All -face painting will be done in 

front of a live audience. There will be no 

interaction with competitors. 

Further details of face painting competitio 

n will be provided at COAi's 

Internationa l Conven tion in Grand 

Rapids, Ml, well in advance of the competition 

date.

The New Calliope January /February 2005 

CLOWN SUPPLIES INC 

16 Moore St. Epping, NH 03042 

SERVING THE 

INDUSTRY SINCE 

1977 

MAKEUP - WIGS- MAGIC - BOOKS 

VIDEOS-BALLOONS 

BATTERY & MANUAL BALLOON PUMPS 

SHOP ONLINE: http://www.clownsupplies.com 

SECURE SITE - M/C - VISA - DISC - AMEX 

E-mail: mep @clownsupplies.com 

SHOP BY PHONE: ... 603-679-3311 

SHOP BY FAX: ....... .. 603-679-1315 

Free Catalog Available 

---. 

t & B House Of Clow# · 

• 

ALL 

TYPES OF CWWN JSWSLRY 

C/0 ~ne Cooper 

ZS69 Seventh Avenue Ste. 1S-C 

New 'fork N.Y. i00:39 

Cookie 

(ZlZ) 926-6448 

2 SEAT BIKE 

DRIVES LIKE A CAR 

T 

a 

ARE YOU PROPERlY INSURED 

FOR YOUR APPEARANCE? 

• Join the Association - Open to Most Performers in the U.S. 

• Membership Benefit is Coverage Under the Association's 

Master Policy. Liability Limit of $2 ,000,000 per occurrence 

with $3,000,000 General Aggregate. 

• Membership is $180 Per Year. 

Policy Renews April 25th. 

• Certificate of Insurance to be Sent Out 

From The Master Policy. 

• No Charge for Certificates of Insurance. 

• Need Name and Complete Address. 

Application is available from our website at 

www.clownsoftheus.com 

With a Check Made Out To: 

SPECIALITY INSURANCE AGENCY & 

CLOWNS OF THE U.S. INC. 

P.O. Box 24 

New Richmond, WI 54017 

Ph: (715) 246-8908 

--45--


Calendar 


Clown s of Ame rica International 

Income, expense and balance statement 

COAi INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONs: 

April 19-24, 2005: Grand Rapids, Ml.See page 12. 

March. 28-April 1, 2006. Radisson Hotel, Kenner, 

LA. Stay tuned. 

Feb. 18-20: Show Me Clowns for Jes us National 

Conference , Liberty Belle Minist ries, 9909 Manchester 

Rd. #327, St.Louis, MO Info: Ph: (314) 822-5315 

Feb. 25-27: Clown Fest 2005 beginners clown school, 

Thunder Bay, On .. , Canada. Info.: Linda Ph. (807) 939- 

2160 emai l lulu955@yahoo.com 

Feb. 25-27: Circus Magic , Williamsburg , VA 

Steve Kissell and Lou Page Info.: 757-4 23-7503 . 

www.CircusMag ic.com 

March 4-5: Clown Workshop "Weekend with Pricilla," 

Mercy Medical Center, Nampa , ID. Info .: Linda (208) 887- 

2050. email lindalau @aol.com 

March 18-19: Clown training program. Bubba 

University, King of Pruss ia, PA. Info.: Bob Raker. emai l 

bobraker@G renterta inerp lus.com 

March 18-20: Spring in the Clowns, Plymou th, MA. 

Info: www.ssjoeys.com , Brenda Smith, 508-946-353 1, 

lemonzap@ao l .com 

March 22-24: Comedy Magic Wor kshop, Las Vegas , 

NV Steve Kissell 800-523-4887. Info.: 

Kisse11Ta1ks@cs.com 

www.Come dyMagicWorks hop.com 

April 14-16: Eastern Michigan FCM Ch ildren's 

Ministry Confere nce , Tri-City Christian Ce nter, Canto n, Ml 

48 188. Info.: ema il emfcm @emfc .. org 

REVENUE Sept/Oct. '04 

Membership $ 11,451 

Lifetime membership 100 

Magazine ads 4, 11 o 

Alley Charters o 

Merchand ise 293 

Interest 821 

Web page 130 

Misc. 156 

Convention income o 

TOTAL $17,061 

EXPENSES 

Bank charges 

o 

Credit card fee 238 

New Calliope Product ion 4 ,321 

Editor 's fee 5,520 

New Calliope postage 1,730 

New Calliope other exp. o 

Business Manage r 2,908 

Natl. office postage 1,923 

Natl. office suppl ies 695 

Natl. office phone 998 

Natl. office other o 

AIR 642 

COA i grant 500 

Merchandise 150 

Professional serv ices o 

Misc. 215 

Convent ion Expense O 

Trophies 94 

Printed matter 61 

Web page 390 

Insurance -Board 1,105 

Media Liab. Ins. 3,035 

TOTAL $24,812 

Natl.Dity Bank chg. acct. 

$5 1,600 

Year to date 

$39,536 

1,100 

9,985 

400 

464 

1,230 

460 

336 

3,564 

$57,075 

130 

689 

8,983 

10,640 

3,977 

0 

6,176 

3,977 

695 

2,158 

0 

642 

500 

420 

657 

2,867 

433 

584 

302 

390 

1,105 

3,035 

$48,340 

April 14-17, 2005 : Texas Moose Camp Caravan , 

Arlington.TX. Info.: www.topper.us. Ph. (800) 973-6277 

May 13-15: 17th annual Clown Conference, Clown 

Tow n '05 , OSU/COCT Cam pus, Newark , OH .Info.: 

www.clowntown .org 

May 19-33: New England Moose Camp Caravan , 

Lennox, MA. Info . www.moosebu rger.com. Ph. (800) 973 - 

6277 

Money Market accts. 

Scholarship account 

Contingency reserve 

Natl. Offic e operating fund 

TOTAL 

12 1,577 

12,663 

72 ,341 

4,000 

$262,181 

(Amounts given to nearest dollar) 

Respectful ly subm itted, Claud ia Keener , Treasurer 

--46--

The New Ca lliope January/ February 2005 

Ouafafex Balloons 

~,: Now 

~"~ New 100 Count 

Available In 

Bagsl 

www.laroda.com 

Free S/Jipplng Over $100, 00 l 

260Q Assortments A1so Available by Qualatex 

260Q Entertainment Assortment 

Winter Green, Goldenrod, Rose, Lilac, Amethyst , Gray, Brown, & Clear. 

71444 43961 $4.25 Per 100 count Bag 

71444 77565 $10.25 Per 250 count Bag 

260Q Traditional Assortment 

Orange, Pink, Pale Blue, Wh ite, Emerald Green , Sapphire Blue, Purple. 

Red, Yellow, & Black. 

71444 43956 $4.25 Per 100 count Bag 

71444 73062 $10.25 Per 250 count Bag 

260Q La Rock's Special Assortment 

Blush, Dk Blue. Green. Lime Green, Orange, Red, & Yellow 

71444 89104 $4.95 Per 100 count Bag 

260Q Neon Assortment 

71444 73308 $5.50 Per 100 count Bag 

260Q Plain Solid Colors 

Like to buy one co lor in a bag . Choo se from the following. 

$4.25 Per Bag 

Green 

Dark Bl ue 

Orange std 

Pale Blue 

260Q Jewel 

$4.95 Per Bag 

Amethyst 

Blush 

Cltrlne Yellow 

Coco Brown 

Diamond Clear 

Emerald Green 

Goldenrod 

Gray 

LIiac 

71444 79698 

71444 79697 

71444 79701 

71444 43948 

Pink 

Red 

Yellow 

White 

71444 43950 

71444 79699 

71444 79700 

71444 43962 

& Special Tone Colors 

71444 43936 

71444 80343 

71444 43939 

71444 43938 

71444 43940 

71444 43941 

71444 43942 

71444 43944 

71444 43945 

' Lime Green 

Mandarin Orange 

Onyx Black 

Quartz Purple 

I Rose 

Ruby Red 

Sapphire Blue 

Wintergreen 

71444 79698 

71444 43946 

71444 43937 

71444 43955 

71444 43957 

7144443958 

7144443959 

7144443963 

Alien 5" Round 

Geo 6" Blossom Jewel 

Heart 6" Red, Wht, & Pink 

Heart 6" Pink 

Heart 6" Purple 

Heart 6" Ruby Red 

Heart 6" Red 

Heart 6" Jewel Tone Asst. 

Heart 6" White 

Heart 6" Rose, Wht & Red 

Smiley Face 5" JT Asst. 

Smiley Face 5" Yellow 

160Q Assortment 

350Q Assortment 

321Q Bee Body Asst. 

321Q Bee Body Orange 

321Q Bee Body Pink 

321Q Bee Body Red 

321Q Bee Body Yellow 

3210 Bee Body White 

Pocket Pump ( 160's) 

Qualatex Red Pump 

Magic lnflator Pump 

La Rock's Pro Pump 

Shipping Charges 

71444 79711 

7144443615 

71444 43644 

7144443642 

7144443643 

7144443647 

7144443645 

7144443638 

7144443651 

7144447949 

71444 38968 

71444 39270 

7144443915 

71444 44047 

71444 44032 

7144444030 

7144444031 

71444 44033 

7144444029 

71444 ....... . 

086083 

086082 

086037 

010216 

$65.00 or less, add ............................................ .. 

$100.00 and over .......... .............. .. ........ ....... .. 

Over $65.00, add ............................... ........ .... . 

AK, HI. & Possessions, add .............................. . 

Foreign Orders ($126 min.) add .......... ......... .... . 

Foreign Credit Card Fee ................................. . 

We airmail upon request at current postal rates 

NC Residents , add Sales Tax ... ................. .... . .. 

Prices Subject to change without notice. 

Free catalog with order. While supplies last. 

Dealer inquiries invited! 

Free 

10% 

15% 

25% 

$3 00 

7.5% 

$ 8.95 Bag 

$11.00 Bag 

$ 5.25 Bag 

$ 5.25 Bag 

$ 5.95 Bag 

$ 5.95 Bag 

$ 5.25 Bag 

$ 5.95 Bag 

$ 5.25 Bag 

$ 5.95 Bag 

$ 8.95 Bag 

$ 8.50 Bag 

$ 4.15 Bag 

$ 6.75 Bag 

$ 4.95 Bag 

$ 5.30 Bag 

$ 4.95 Bag 

$ 5.30 Bag 

$ 5.30 Bag 

$ 4.95 Bag 

$ 4.95 Ea. 

$ 3.95 Ea. 

$ 4.99 E~. 

$175.00 Ea. 

~E-iai 

Le Rock's Fun & Me19ic Outlet 

3847 Rosehaven Dr• Charlotte NC• 28205 

To Order 1-800-473-3425 • Info 1-704-563-9300 

Fax 1-704-568-8434 • http://www.larocks.com 

--47--


ghter 

Clo" ns of Amui,-.1 !111t'rn ,1tion.il ,111J Turnn Publi;hing. CompJn)' .,re pl,·.,s,·J 

10 .1111101111c,· dw 11p,·0111 ing. rdeJsc of"COA! : 20th Anni,·crs.1ry." This comme111or,11iw 

hook. ,l\·,1il.1b le only through pre-or,kr. will featur,· ,, "r i11,·11 ,1nJ pi.:tori.,I history ol' 

1h,· org.111i7,1tion. somi' fun f,,cts .111d history abo111 do" ning.. ,1 highlight on 1h,· 

Clown oi'tlw Yl',ir .rnd pic111rcs ,rnd hiog.r,1phit'S M1h111i11,·d by 111

Jan_Feb_2005

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?