MarApr11

y Ann Sanders
Keith “Toby” Stokes of Pataskala,
Ohio, and Lake Placid, Florida, has
a lengthy and admirable history with
Clowns of America International
(COAI). In February 2011, his work
on behalf of COAI, dedication to
the art of clowning, and various
clowning accomplishments were
recognized when Toby was named
the third recipient of COAI’s Lifetime
Achievement Award. When asked for
a comment he was speechless. “I am
very humbled to be selected.”
Toby started his clowning career
as more than 35 years ago as a Shrine
clown in Springfield, Illinois, as a
white face with The Ansar Walking
Clowns Group. Since there were no
instructions on how to apply makeup
or create a costume, Toby learned by
watching older, more experienced
clowns. Over the years, he has had
four different clown characters. His
most recognizable and the one whose
face appears on the Toby the Clown
Foundation logo is Toby the auguste
clown. His others include Dr. Gee
Whizz, a medical doctor; Tex, a clown
cowboy from Florida, and Box Car the
sad but happy tramp.
Elected to his first term in 1996,
Toby served as the COAI South East
Regional Vice President for 10 years.
While in office, he served on the
By-Laws and Budget Committees.
Most notably, he proposed the
State Ambassador Program. (The
program is currently called Regional
Ambassadors.) The year after the State
Ambassador Program was introduced,
Toby pioneered the International
Ambassador Program.
Toby’s resourcefulness extends far
beyond COAI. Believing all children
should experience the joy of a circus
performance, he worked with three
hospitals in Highland County, Florida
in 1994, to ensure parents of children
born in 1994 would receive a free
admission ticket to any Ringling Bros.
and Barnum & Bailey ® Circus – in any
city, any year of the child’s life.
Toby strongly believes that children
are the future of clowning. He has
taught and continues to teach Junior
Joeys in his Alley, Toby’s Clown
Alley – Alley #296, as well as for the
Toby The Clown Foundation, Inc. He
started teaching Junior Joeys at the
Foundation in April 2004. “If we don’t
teach children we are missing our
chance to guarantee the continuation
of clowning.”
Today Toby is an award winning
competitor earning awards in makeup,
skits, and, paradeability. Not only
has he competed, but as a COAI
certified judge, has judged numerous
makeup and skit competitions. In
addition to judging and competing in
COAI events, he has also competed
and judged South East Clown
Association (SECA) conventions
and the International Shriners Clown
Association, among others.
Toby never misses a chance to
promote COAI. In 2007, he went to
Costa Rico as an International
Ambassador and used his
doctor character at the
hospitals in San Juan.
With his assistance a new
clown alley was formed
– most likely the first
COAI Alley in that
country.
Toby has traveled
across the country
teaching the art of
clowning. During his
travels, he signed up
new COAI members.
When he left the
Board, he was told
that he had signed
up over 175 new
members! He still
works to enlist new
members. According
to Toby, “Just a
habit I guess.”
While living
in Florida, he
encouraged
attendance
continued on
page 5
Keith “Toby”
Stokes-Lifetime
Achievement
Recipient
“I am very humbled
to be selected.”
March/April 2011 Page 3

Your COAI Officers
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President:
Pamela Bacher
3019 Smiley Rd.
Bridgeton, MO 63044
(314) 291-2048
p.bacher@sbcglobal.net
DIRECTORS
Page 4
Exec. Vice President:
Michael B. Cox
9415 Alameda Ave.
Richmond, VA 23294
(804) 270-1165
(804)337-6143 C
bonkerstc@aol.com
Secretary:
Catherine Hardebeck
6027 Deerwood Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63123
(314) 481-6808
catheoh@aol.com
Treasurer:
Candyce Will
32302 Alipaz St. #193
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 489-9971
clownbutterscotch@yahoo.com
Sergeant-at-arms:
Glenn Kohlberger
4155 Torres Circle
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
(646) 210-2238 (C)
(561) 687-1126 (H)
soundsfunny2me@aol.com
Membership:
Teresa Gretton
3411 Lisa Circle
Waldorf, MD 20601
(301) 843-8212
gretton@verizon.net
Education:
Cheri Venturi
P.O. Box 4382
Chesterfield, MO 63006
(877) 569-9447
cherioats@aol.com
Conventions:
Patricia Roeser
2840 Jordan Dr.
Woodbury, MN 55125
(651) 578-1573
coaidrconv@aol.com
Alley, Region Support:
Toni Dufrene
2001 Cypress Creek Rd., A208
River Ridge, LA 70123
(504) 812-9003 (C)
(504) 469-4740 (O)
toni_dufrene@yahoo.com
Director At Large
Tom King
PO Box 304
Tad, WV 25201
(304) 542-6408 (C)
thehumorman@yahoo.com
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
Northeast:
Bill Le Blanc
2 Dee Jay Road
East Bridgewater, MA 02333
(508) 378-1545
bildabbles@aol.com
North Central:
Vivian McArthur
155 Mikel Road
Kirbyville, MO 65679
(417) 546-2391
mcarthurvm@centurytel.net
Northwest:
Albert Alter
5848 S.E. 18th Ave.
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 231-8576
altered @europa.com
Mideast:
John Kral
42 Constitution Blvd.
New Castle, DE 19720-4404
(302) 322-3773
K1Lown@aol.com
Midwest:
Georgia Morris
4234 Woodworth
Holt, MI 48842
(517) 694-7100
clownshananigans@
sbcglobal.net
Southeast:
Kent Sheets
4375 St. Clair Ave. W
N. Ft. Myers, FL 33903
(239) 995-8881
SheetsKent@aol.com
South Central:
Dale Flashberg
117 Saddle View Drive
Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 537-5704
patches@gvtc.com
Southwest:
Bonita Love
4916 W. Mountain View Dr.
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 282-9668
bonbonsandiego
@yahoo.com
Canada:
Dale McKenzie
867 Raynard Crescent SE
Calgary, AB T2A 1X6
(403) 273-9047 (H)
(403) 606-7750 (C)
funehappenings@shaw.ca
Latin Countries:
Angel Morales
24 RR5 Jardines de
Caparra, Bayamon,
PR 00959
(787) 565-3205
jobolin@onelinkpr.net
International
Lee James
Meisenweg 26,49191
Belm, Germany
004916096744317
rolliepollie@web.de
STAFF
Management
Newton Studios, Inc.
Tom Newton
HOURS: Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM EST
P.O. Box 1171, Englewood FL 34295-1171
(941) 474-4351 • 1-877-816-6941
Fax (941) 474-8317
Business@COAI.org
The New Calliope:
Newton Studios, Inc.
Tom Newton
HOURS: Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM EST
370 W. Dearborn St., Englewood FL 34223
(941) 474-4351 • Fax (941) 474-8317
NewCalliopeEditor@comcast.net
NewCalliopeAds@comcast.net
COAI WEB SITE: www.coai.org
STANDING COMMITTEES
Bylaws and Rules: Mike Cox,
Cheri Venturi and Cleon Babcock.
Clown Week: Barbara Waters-Riddle,
2800 Kiskadee Dr, Englewood FL
34224 (941) 468-6762 BTnuzzles@
aol.com.
Competition: Cathy Mackey,
151 Route 28B, Valatie NY 12184
(518) 784-2127 - ctots@aol.com,
Pat Roeser, Bill LeBlan & Walt Lee.
Ethics and Grievance
Junior Joeys: Candy Will, Ricky Burns,
Alex Zabrusky, James Cunningham,
and Chrissy Will.
Public Relations: Merilyn Berrett
P.O. Box 574781, Orlando FL
klownkop@prodigy.net
Historian: Walt Lee, Jeannie Woska, Pat
Cashin and Teresa Gretton.
Good Cheer: Fred Scholsshauer,
8 Alanon St., Whippany NJ 07981
(973) 887-2617 oscarboj@aol.com
Merchandise: Glenn Kohlberger
Parliamentary Procedure Advisor:
Cleon Babcock.
Regional Ambassador Appointments:
Toni Dufrene and Angel Morales
International Ambassador Program:
Paul Kleinberger • 518-489-2680
FuddiDuddy@aol.com
Audio Visual Chairperson: Merilyn
Barrett, P.O. Box 574781, Orlando FL
klownkop@prodigy.net
Clowns of America International, Inc.,
Annual Membership Fees
US New Members: $40 • US Renewals: $35
Seniors (65+): $30 • Senior Renewal: $25
Junior Joey: $30 • Junior Joey Renewal: $25
Internat’l New: $45 (US funds) • Internat’l Renewal: $40
Internat’l Senior: $35 • Internat’l Senior Renewal: $30
Family membership, US and Internat’l: $17
Lifetime membership: $500
Membership includes 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 1171 • Englewood, FL 34295-1171 USA.
Make all checks payable to Clowns of America International, Inc.
Questions regarding COAI membership concerns, including status of
membership, change of address, failure to receive The New Calliope,
should be referred to the COAI's business office.
Mon thru Fri: 9 am to 5 pm (EDT)
1-877-816-6941
941-474-4351
The New Calliope

The New
C u A u L u L u I u O u P u E
The mission of Clowns of America International is to organize
all members desiring to pursue the honorable profession or art
of clowning and the dedication towards its advancement
and the education of its members.
March/April 2011
ARTICLES
Keith “Toby” Stokes - Lifetime
Achievement Recipient.........3
How To Get The Most Out Of
Your Class..........................19
Everybody's Grandma ...
Barry Lubin.........................20
Oh! What A Tangled
Web We Weave...................22
Kids And Clowning.................30
FEATURES
Last Walk Around...................12
Good Cheer.............................25
Look Who's Reading..............25
Services Clown Perform.........39
Traveling The World
As Ambassadors.................41
Members On The Move..........44
Foto Funnies...........................46
SKILLS/IDEAS/TIPS
My Favorite MAGIC.................. 28
Who's Hiring You.................... 38
Where Are Those Instructions .38
Show Up.................................. 43
FFF
COAI NEWS
President’s Comments..............9
Term Limits..............................9
Are You Competing In Anaheim..
10
What's Buzzing In Membership..
11
Junior Joeys...........................14
You Too Can Be A Star............16
Convention Tentative Schedule.17
New Members........................33
Alley Report............................34
Financial Report......................34
COAI Application.....................35
COAI Application (Spanish)....36
Calendar.................................37
Midwest Regional VP..............39
Editor’s Comments.................47
Ad Directory...........................47
Ad Rates.................................47
Deadline Dates........................47
The New CALLIOPE (ISSN 1072-1045) is published bimonthly:
Jan/Feb, March/April, May/June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec,
by COAI, P.O. Box 1711, Englewood, FL 34295-1711
Periodicals Postage Paid at Richeyville, PA
and additional mailing offices.
FFF
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
COAI, Business Manager:
P.O. Box 1171, Englewood FL 34295-1171.
FFF
The New Calliope articles are protected by U.S. copyright and international
treaties and may not be copied without the express permission of
Clowns of America International,
which reserves all rights.
Re-use of any of The New Calliope editorial content and graphics online, in
print or any other medium for any purpose is strictly prohibited.
For further information on copyright and use policies,
contact Clowns of America International
business office, P.O. Box 1171, Englewood FL 34295-1171.
toby
continued from page 3
at the events and helped
financially support the
Circus Sarasota group, a
501(3)(c) corporation that
promotes clowning and
the circus performances in
Sarasota, Florida.
For a number of years,
after retiring to Florida,
Toby maintained a
membership in Calaboose
Clowns – COAI Alley #97
based in Fort Meyers. In
1981, Toby taught a small
group how to master the art
(of clowning). That was the
beginning of Toby’s Clown
Alley – Alley #296.
Toby’s Clown Alley
presents The Red Nose
Award annually to an
ON OUR COVER
individual doing the most
outstanding work for and
on behalf of the Alley. In
1997, Toby was the first to
receive the award; an honor
of which he is extremely
proud.
In 1990 he started and
chartered the Toby The
Clown Foundation, Inc.
He served as the founder
and president. In 2000 he
purchased seven lots in
downtown Lake Placid,
which he donated to
the Foundation. Almost
before the ink dried on the
paperwork for the original
purchase, Toby pushed for
more space. On January 9th,
2010, the ribbon cutting
ceremony was held for the
expanded Toby’s Clown
Museum and Library.
Keith “Toby” Stokes is awarded the
COAI Life Time Achievment Award.
Read his story starting on page 3
March/April 2011 Page 5

Page 6
The New Calliope

Toby
continued from page 5
According to Toby, “It is
the largest American clown
museum in the United States.
The expansion of our present
museum will create a
lot more interest in
clowning and
add more
tourism.” The
new facility
houses
office space,
clowning
items of
interest and
clown-related
supplies for
sale.
Toby is one of the founding
Directors of Red Nose Relief
(now known as Red Nose
Response). “I personally wrote
the mission statement for this
501(c)(3) foundation. I served as a
founding director until I had to move
(for medical reasons) to Ohio. I now
serve this corporation as advisor to
the Board of Directors.”
In 2001, the Mayor of Lake Placid
presented Toby with the “Citizen of
the Year” award. In fact, the mayor
who presented the award at the January
9 th Foundation expansion and wore
the red nose that Toby had given her
in 2001!
In 2007, at the annual SECA
convention in Lexington, Kentucky,
SECA presented Toby with their
most prestigious award – the Bobby
Williams Memorial Award.
Toby embodies what it means to
be a clown, educator, business person,
mentor and friend. As he describes
himself, “I am a clown, a Shriner, a
Rotarian, a Methodist, and most of all
a dedicated person who loves to help
others, and to promote this age old art
of clowning.”
Toby attributes his success as
a clown to his wife, Reba, and six
children. “Without their support, I
could not have accomplished all
that I have.”
When seeking endorsement
letters for Toby’s nomination,
Ann “Tuttles” Sanders,
2007 COAI Clown of
the Year and
member
of
Kolonial Klowns
of Williamsburg
– Alley #357, was
overwhelmed by
the response. The
following are excerpts
from those that
were selected to go
forward with the
nomination package:
Albin “Big Al”
Pelski, President,
Toby The Clown
Foundation, Inc., Lake
Placid, FL: We (the Toby
the Clown Foundation, Inc.)
have a growing number of visitors,
not only from our area, but from
people who found us on the Internet
and traveled to take a clown class
or to visit our facility. We’ve come
a long way from Toby’s first class
to over 1500 graduated clowns. It
always amazes me the amount of
people whose lives were touched and
changed by this wonderful person. At
87, he continues his love of providing
smiles, love and laughter to everyone
he meets. He has earned the love
and respect of, not only the people of
Lake Placid and Highlands County
(Florida), but people from all over the
country and the world. Please visit
Toby’s Clown Museum and Library to
experience, firsthand, the impact that
Toby has had on Lake Placid.”
Jayne “Twinkle” Urquhart, Guys
Mills, PA: Keith “Toby” Stokes if one
of my favorite clowns. Toby is always
ready to share all of his talents. It
only takes a small amount of time
to figure out he is dedicated to the
preservation of the art of clowning.
He’s never too busy to help (when
asked) any clown sharpen their image,
perform a skit better of perfect their
makeup. He always comes prepared
to compete. Thus, setting an example
for all clowns that you are never too
old to play! His own clown school
guarantees there will be future clowns,
not only adults but little Joey size, too!
I am proud to be called his friend and
be part of his clown family.”
Jim “Stritter” Roberts, a Past
President of World Clown Association,
Elizabethtown, KY: COAI is what it is
today because of the support of many,
and the tremendous work of a very
few. Toby is one of those few. Toby is
known by clowns, not only throughout
the Southeast, but throughout the
entire United States. His enthusiasm
is contagious and any group, in
which he becomes involved, such as
COAI, SECA, or the Toby the Clown
Foundation, is a better organization
because of Toby. I have known Toby
for many years; I consider him a dear
friend. His character is outstanding.
He is the kind of person COAI can be
proud of. He is the kind of person who
has represented COAI well over the
years. He will carry the honor well.”
Keith “Toby” Stokes has honorably
served our organization and now,
deservedly so, COAI honors him.
Congratulations Toby!
u u u
March/April 2011 Page 7

Page 8
The New Calliope

President’s Comments
by Pam Bacher
Time to get ready to leave
for the COAI “Be a Star
Convention” at the Paradise
Pier Hotel on Disney property.
I am so excited to see my
extended family again. It’s
like a homecoming or family
reunion for me. I can not wait
to see the Fantasy Showcase
event.
The event is scheduled
at this moment prior to
the General Membership
meeting. During the General
Membership meeting By-Law
changes will be presented
by Mike Cox, Executive
VP. Please read the January/
February 2011 “New Calliope”
for those changes, and if you
should have any question,
contact Mike for clarification
prior to the meeting if possible.
We all were saddened
at the end of the year with
the passing of part of our
COAI contractor family, Pat
Newton. She was a warm,
caring, talented person who
gave so much of herself. She
was always there for us and
will always be in our hearts
and memories. She was the
calming influence in my life
and also was there with advice.
Rest in Peace Pat, you will be
missed.
Special thanks again to
our good cheer chairman Fred
Scholssauer, for his reminders
of our clown family in need of
a little Clown TLC. Reach out
to our members and show them
you are thinking about them.
The Board is gearing to
have a full schedule prior
to, during and after the
convention. Flexible will be
their middle name. We will be
arriving on Saturday and begin
our meetings on Saturday
night, with a full schedule for
Sunday. The goal is to work
thru the agenda items until
the last night. I have arranged
with my 'friend' Mickey Mouse
for our hard working team to
break around 9:30 pm for one
of his special fireworks display.
On Monday, Board members
and the convention team will
be preparing for the convention
for part of the day, then back
to the meetings. Meetings will
be held throughout the week
as needed to complete the
meeting agenda and to recap
the days and resolve issues if
necessary. A fast pace and fun
week awaits us all. During the
week we will be honoring a
few of our Joeys who share of
themselves and volunteer. My
hat’s off to all who have given
of themselves and helped those
in need.
Congratulations to our new
Clown of the Year for 2011
Barbara Bird. She was able to
spend a special weekend with
her mother on her birthday and
share the news. Mom is proud
of her daughter and I heard she
could not stop talking about
her new honor. We made sure
she had an extra copy of “The
New Calliope”so her mother
could keep it by her side to
show all her friends.
I want to thank all the
kind members who have been
sending me great items to use
in our decorations. They will
tie into the convention theme.
Did you know that the first
movie ever fully produced
without any help from outside
vendors had a clown in it.
It was called “He who gets
Slapped”. Study up on your
vintage movie stars and
movies. There might just be a
test of your knowledge during
the theme party.
On New Year's Eve, St.
Louis was hit by an F3 or F4
tornado. I was at work when
it hit. We were all moved to
the basement of the building
and wondered if our homes
and families would be safe.
When we returned to the
offices calls began to roll
in. The tornado had struck
the South County Area of
St. Louis and had destroyed
homes and businesses. I left
early that day and on the way
home received a call from the
St. Louis response Red Cross
unit that they were looking for
volunteers to help out and take
information. Due to the holiday
they were very shorthanded.
I had my badge and stuffed
bears in the car and headed
out. I began doing paperwork
and data entry. A very upset
lady began to cry and I tried to
console her. She could not find
her dogs and she was beyond
that point of reason. She took
the laptop I was working on
and threw it to the ground.
Immediately she realized what
she had done. All we could
do was to hug her and tell her
it would be OK. The point is
that you may not
always have the
right words to
console someone in a time like
that but often just a hug will
help them to feel better.
In closing I want to remind
you that the board is looking
for feedback on what we can
do to secure our future and to
help come up with ideas for
membership retention. This is
a priority for us and we would
love to hear your ideas. Tell us
what we can do to make this
organization strong. No one
person runs this organization.
It takes all members to make
this organization successful.
Thanks for being members
of the greatest Clown
organization in the world.
u u u
Term Limits
by Cleon Babcock, COAI Parliamentarian
Generally I do not think term limits are a good
idea, but there are some exceptions. For board
members, I have found that once you find a good
one, keep that person. They produce. In the many
organizations I serve as a parliamentarian, I find
some get onto the board of an organization only to
fill their resume, some get on the board for one term,
do nothing and leave and sometimes they don't even
attend a board meeting. Personally, I served on a
board for 28 years before resigning. They didn't want
me to leave.
Term limits might be good for president and vice
president. After serving two or three terms, they can
get burned out and the limits really serve them.
If you find a good secretary and a good treasurer,
keep them. It takes so long just to learn the system. If
they do a good job, do not limit them.
These are my observations after serving and working
with many organizations.
March/April 2011 Page 9

Clownstuff
We have the best prices for all
your Facepainting needs.
12 Color Professional Case
Are You
Competing In
Anehiem?
You MUST Present
Your Current COAI
Membership Card In
Paula “Stickers” Biggio
P.O. Box 1023
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
847 698 3378 Fax 847 384 1822
www.clownstuff.com
Order To Register For
Any Competition.
Page 10
The New Calliope

What's Buzzing In The Membership
by Teresa Gretton, Membership Director
I have several areas I want to touch
on here: mentoring at the convention,
awards, Clown Week, membership
retention, renewal of dues, and gift
giving.
Congratulations to two of the most
prestigious award winners COAI can
honor for their great gift of clowning
and support: Lifetime Achievement
Award recipient Keith “Toby” Stokes
and 2011 Clown of the Year Barbara
“Sparky” Bird. These winners
constantly personify excellence in
their daily lives by performing in our
special art form and by promoting and
supporting COAI.
Clowning is a never-ending
wonderment of giving and receiving.
As clowns, we are continuously
finding new and old ways to entertain
and bring that smile to someone’s
face. That is the giving side of our
art. But there is another side as well
and that is the “receiving” side. All
of us delight in receiving the good
vibrations from those we entertain and
instruct. It’s a win / win situation that
we strive to attain. When we produce
that smile or giggle or belly laugh, we
automatically receive the satisfaction
and warm fuzzy feelings. It’s what
keeps us going.
What a great way to “give” of
ourselves at the convention, too. We
still need mentors to assist the firsttime
convention attendees. Please
contact me if you plan to attend the
convention and give some of your
time to helping a first-timer.
COAI offers fantastic awards to
the membership and each member
is entitled to capitalize upon these
special perks. In some instances, such
as with the Lifetime Achievement
Award and the Clown of the Year
Award, members are called upon to
nominate another member. If members
do not step up to this opportunity
to honor others, the awards have no
meaning. Please consider taking time
to honor another member who has
shown greatness and can represent our
international organization. It is not a
difficult process to nominate someone.
The criteria are indicated on the
website, www.coai.org.
As indicated in the criteria,
clowns who meet and well exceed the
criteria deserve recognition for their
outstanding work. COAI relies on its
membership to submit nominations for
this great honor. Please take some time
to think about a deserving member and
then take action today by nominating
someone you believe fits some or
all of the outstanding qualities. The
Clown of the Year nomination package
is due into the Membership Director
(that’s me, Teresa Gretton, gretton@
verizon.net) no later than September
1. The Lifetime Achievement Award
nomination package is due no later
than October 1.
Perhaps you feel YOU deserve a
little recognition as well! We all feel
that way once in awhile. Well, there is
another award you should consider—
Excellence In Clowning. Check it out
on the website. This award is also due
by September 1st.
Then, there are the awards for
showing the great promotion of Clown
Week (August 1 – 7). YOU can vie
for the C.H.A.R.L.I.E. awards in
best alley and individual scrapbooks
that are submitted to our Clown
Week Chair (Barbara Waters-Riddle,
btnuzzles@aol.com). Those are due
by October 1. If you are a scrapbook
enthusiast, this is a great chance to
show your creative talents as well.
While the entry is not based on the
most beautiful scrapbook, it does help
to have a very organized and colorful
presentation.
Clown Week will be here before
you know it. So, start now in planning
your week with your alley or totally
on your own. Decide who you want
to approach for proclamations. It’s
the time in which to make the public
aware of our art form. You can do that
in a public appearance, performance or
educational display. Check with your
local library about a window display
of clown materials and perhaps a
program in which you can talk about
what it takes to become a clown. Do
a makeup demonstration at a day care
center. Visit a nursing home. Make it a
week of love in sharing our talents and
knowledge.
Don’t forget while you are on the
website to check out the wonderful
membership perks, especially the
scholarship opportunities.
Have you considered giving a gift
of a COAI membership to someone?
The next time you meet a new clown,
why not give them the best means
of learning? Give them a COAI
membership. The same holds true if
you know someone who has let their
membership lapse due to financial
hardship. Give them a lift by sending
in a renewal membership for one
year. It is no more than the cost of a
dinner for two. Alleys can help too
with an incentive program to assist
those having problems. Help keep
our organization healthy and vital by
bringing in and keeping members.
We have the finest members in the
world. I’m talking about YOU!
u u u
March/April 2011 Page 11

Page 12
Last Walk-Around
Glen
“Frosty”
Little
Glen “Frosty” Little, born 1925 in
Genoa, Nebraska, was a circus clown
who served with the Ringling Bros.
and Barnum & Bailey Circus for over
20 years.
Little saw his first circus at the age
of 7, which instilled a life-long love
of the circus in him. His nickname
“Frosty” was given to him as a boy by
his grandfather, who compared him to
Jack Frost due to his love of playing
in the snow.
Little served in the U.S. Navy
during World War II, and was
wounded. He learned juggling from
a fellow patient while convalescing,
a skill that would later help him land
his first clowning jobs.
In 1950 he married his wife,
Patricia, who is a photographer and
former schoolteacher, with whom he
had two daughters.
Prior to joining the Ringling Bros.
and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Little
worked as a postal employee and land
surveyor in Colorado. From 1954 to
1956, he performed as a clown at a
local amusement park on weekends,
wearing a rented costume. In 1956,
he went into clowning full-time after
he was hired by the Joe King Circus,
with which he toured the Rocky
Mountain states for half of the year.
The rest of the year, he freelanced as
a clown at birthday parties and special
events. He continued working for the
Joe King Circus for seven years until
its closure in 1962.
Little also worked for other small
outfits like the Tom Mix Show and
Sells Floto Circus, but he had long
had his eye on “The Greatest Show on
Earth” – Ringling Bros. and Barnum
& Bailey. In 1968, he finally got his
chance when Ringling created the
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Clown College. Little was in its first
graduating class, and at the age of 44,
he landed a job with Ringling's newly
split-off second touring unit.
In 1970 Little was promoted to
“Boss Clown” of his unit, and from
1980 until his retirement in 1991, he
was the circus' “Executive Clown
Director”, overseeing clowns in both
units, and writing new gags for the
clowns to perform. In his lifetime, he
has written over 300 gag routines. In
his later career, Little also served as
an advance man for the circus.
Little also taught at his alma
mater, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum
& Bailey Clown College. In 1988,
Little also helped establish the
Ringling Circus' first overseas touring
unit (based in Japan), choreographing
gags and training members of their
clown Alley.
In 1983, Little was named “Master
Clown” by the Ringling organization,
only the fourth clown ever to be so
named (after Otto Griebling, Bobby
Kaye, and Lou Jacobs – Little's
mentor). Little remains the last
person ever to have been awarded
the title. Little was inducted into the
International Clown Hall of Fame in
1991.
Little retired to Burley, Idaho,
where he ran his own circus museum.
In 1996 he wrote a book on his
experiences as a clown, entitled
“Circus Stories: Boss Clown on
the Ringling Brothers and Barnum
& Bailey Circus for More than 20
Years”. In 1977 Little was asked by
the Sarasota Herald-Tribune what he
would do after he retired from the
circus. Little replied, “Leave here?
Are you out of your mind? I'm never
going to leave here. I'll always be a
clown.”
u u u
Mary Wright
February 25, 1941 –
October 23, 2010
The clowning community lost a legend
when Mary “Bubbles” Wright died after a
valiant battle with cancer. Mary began clowning
over 25 ago in their small town of Newton, IA.
She loved entertaining kids of all ages. Over
the years, Mary accomplished numerous clown
skills which she shared in nursing homes,
birthday parties, schools, community events,
her church, and more. She started a clown
troupe called Clowning Around, which focused
on youth and teaching them the art of clowning.
She managed the troupe for a number of years.
One of her students, whom she took great
pride in, was Sean Carlock (aka Stuart Pid).
With Mary as his mentor, and when Sean was
18 years old, he was accepted into Ringling
Brothers Greatest Show on Earth. He toured for
a year. He remains an accomplished full-time
entertainer and is quick to credit Mary for his
many successes.
Often you could find her husband, Jack
“Popper” Wright, accompanying her at gigs.
He may have created this character just to
spend a little more time with his wife, who was
constantly on the run either clowning or seeing
to the needs of others. They were just the kind
of people you always wanted to be around!
Anyone who came in contact with Mary
knew her for her warmth, kindness, and loving
smile. To anyone who encountered Mary, she
became a friend. She loved children and loved
clowning for them. The number of people who
loved and cared for Mary was evidenced by the
long visitation line, which extended around the
outer walls of three rooms of the funeral home.
The next day’s funeral was also packed. It
seemed like the whole town came out to honor
her.
Mary is survived by her husband, Jack; two
sons, Jim and Rod; daughter, Stephanie Sparks;
eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Mary was a longtime member of COAI
and Korn Patch Klowns in Des Moines, IA.
She will be sorely missed, but will never be
forgotten. She left her imprint on the hearts of
many.
u u u
The New Calliope

Pat
“PitterPat”
Newton
Patricia “PitterPat” Newton, went
to be with the Lord on December 24,
2010. She was born March 18, 1955 in
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Visited
Englewood Florida and met Tom
Newton. They married and had two
children, who are now in college.
Pat was stricken with bacterial
meningitis in March of 2010. She spent
nearly a year back and forth between
hospitals and rehabs. She just could
not fight off all the infections that
plagued her. Pat never recovered from
the infections; her heart gave out on
Christmas Eve, 2010 after a visit from
her entire immediate family.
Pat came back to clowning with
her two children, Kate “Candy”
and Jimmy “Racket” and joined the
Clowns Like Us, Alley 303. Pat was
the backbone for the alley for she had
so much business sense. She served
on the Board of Directors for Clowns
Like Us. Then she moved on in
pursuit of her passion, face painting.
It was her creative outlet. Pat was the
featured painter for Circus Sarasota
and the Waterloo Buskers Festival. She
traveled all over helping people to learn
the real art of face painting. She was an
advocate of getting the face painter out
there with the right paints, brushes and
strokes to make them successful.
Pat and her husband Tom, edit
the New Calliope, became the COAI
business managers and also published a
local newspaper for Englewood, FL.
Englewood clowns are saddened by
the loss of such a friend, teacher and
one always willing to help anyone out
with a problem.
I “Nuzzles,” painted and clowned
with Pat for many years and will miss
her terribly. Pat always seemed to have
the right answer for my problems and
could help me make the right decisions.
As Karen Bell said at Pat’s
memorial – “Pat ‘PitterPat’ Newton,
and the words just won't come out as
there are not enough words to describe
her. So much talent, so much creativity,
so much life … I could go on for ever.”
Our tears flow and the world is a
little sadder with her gone. Remember
to Live, Love, Laugh. These are the
words on Pat’s living room wall, these
are the words she lived by.
u u u
Bob Gibbons
Many COAI members knew him
as Bob Gibbons, the owner of Fun
Technicians, publisher of Laugh
Makers and the host of many Laugh
Maker conferences over the years.
Bob died December 16, 2010 after a
long battle with cancer. His obituary
can be found in the pages of the
Syracuse Post Standard. He was
well known in the worlds of family
entertainment, magic and clowning.
He was Ronald McDonald! He often
performed as Skoopy The Clown
throughout the Syracuse area. A
notable comic magician, thousands
knew him and purchased the illusions
and gags he was always developing.
Hundreds of thousands knew him
as the voice of the New York State
Fair for over 20 years. Still others
knew him as the face of the Syracuse
University Athletic Department. One
thing most people agree on, is that
Bob was a very witty and entertaining
man with many talents who always
made them smile. We will miss you
Bob.
u u u
Clara
Katherine
“Raindrop”
Scheef Virgin
11/12/1914 – 1/24/2011
Clara Katherine Scheef Virgin, also
known as Raindrop, was born November
12, 1914 in Houston, Texas and left
this earth on January 24, 2011. Coming
from a very musically inclined family,
Katherine was educated in piano and
voice, performing in choirs and musical
productions in her youth and throughout
her college years. She chose social
work as a career where she applied her
education, organizational skills, and an
extraordinary understanding and love of
people. She joined Cheerful Clown Alley
in 1986 and will be fondly remembered as
Raindrop for her creative and entertaining
performances as a clown. She formed
the delightful “Kitchen Band” in 1987,
which is still in existence, entertaining
at retirement homes, hospitals, and other
organizations. Her generosity and support
of many organizations has been an
inspiration to all.
Often at clown events and conventions
she would share “raindrops” with her
new friends (giving each person one
of those little glass beads like the ones
you might find at the bottom of a vase
or fishbowl) and say “Here’s a raindrop
from Raindrop.” For many years she
clowned at MD Anderson Cancer Center
and she loved to sing to and with the
many patients. With the Kitchen Band
no matter how good or bad a rehearsal or
performance might have been, she always
said “well…I think that’s just wonderful.”
Raindrop had nothing but compliments
and enthusiasm for every show and song.
What a sweet, sweet spirit Kay was. Our
lives are more wonderful because she
shared hers with us.
u u u
March/April 2011 Page 13

I Love A Parade!
For many years I have
entertained in parades with
various clown clubs, but
mostly with the 4H clown
troupe that I ran for several
years when my own children
were in 4H. We would walk
the Swallows Day Parade
in March to welcome back
the Swallows to the Mission
San Juan Capistrano. This
parade is a non-motorized
parade, so there are some
Candy “Butterscotch” Will,
Junior Joey Chair
clownbutterscotch@yahoo.com
strict rules regarding parade
participation. One major
rule that should always be
followed even before entering
a parade as a group is to know
who the director or leader of
your troupe is and to follow
all instructions given by the
leader.
Every parade has its
special rules and anyone who
participates needs to know
them and follow them. Most
parades require that there be
no passing out of balloons,
candy, stickers, etc while in
the parade. The reason they
require this is mostly for
safety’s sake, especially were
little children are concerned.
If you are walking in a
parade and you are handing
out candy or stickers, you can
be sure that the children will
try to come into the parade
line up to get these items. This
creates a hazard, especially if
there are cars or horses coming
up from behind. Small children
can be hit by the car or stepped
on by the horse.
Balloons are usually not
allowed in a parade because
the popping of the balloons
can scare horses. Throwing
of candy and trinkets from a
moving vehicle can cause an
eye injury or injury to other
areas of the body. Stopping
along the side to shake hands
or entertain usually causes the
parade to slow down. This can
also eliminate a group from
competition.
Many times I have been
asked by the parade committee
to entertain the crowd before
and/or after the parade. This is
the time to hand out stickers
and walk along the side and
shake hands or whatever you
do as a clown to entertain.
Remember not to do anything
to the audience that would be
offensive, such as spraying
water. Clown gags should be
done only with the permission
of other clowns and the gags
should not be harmful in any
way. During the second parade
I ever did with the 4H clowns,
my daughter, Beary the clown,
(who was only four at the
time) walked in the parade
with us. She was not an official
4H member yet as she was
not old enough, but she was
considered a mascot among
the older Junior Joeys. As we
Page 14
The New Calliope

walked we were holding on to
each other and being silly then
the group starting running,
“whiplashing” the end of the
line. Guess who was at the
end? Yes, Beary! They were
going so fast that Beary went
flying, and skidded along the
street! Fortunately she had just
a few scrapes on her face, but
we had to take her out of the
parade and keep on going. This
was a lesson learned by the
whole group, including me, as
to how important it is to think
about safety for each other and
the crowd we entertain.
Walking in a parade,
looking funny and waving
is fun, but why just walk
when you or your group can
entertain too? There are many
different types of parade
routines that a clown group
can do. One routine that
the 4H clowns did was the
“Umbrella Brigade.” There
was a lead clown and an end
clown with several clowns
in between. Starting out with
a line up, each clown had an
umbrella or a cane, or colorful
duster in hand. As the leader
called out, the clowns started
out following directions,
but then went in different
directions, just being silly and
having fun! The last clown in
the formation did more silly
things, like walking around,
going backwards, walking
through the group, etc. As
with any type of routine, there
should be lots of practice
before the actual performance.
There are many other group
parade routines available.
Another example of a fun
routine is the “Kazoo Band”
which would also include a
bandleader and a group of
kazoo players. Pick several
songs, practice before the
parade and have fun! Add in
some silly clown moves. An
example might be that the
bandleader will call out “Line
up!” where the clowns attempt
to line up but end up going
in several different directions
acting confused and “gently”
bumping into each other.
One more fun idea for a
parade is to make up a sign
that says on one side your
name and on the other side the
word “me”. When you show
the crowd the side with your
name on it, ask them, “would
you like to see a picture of
me?” then show them the other
side. This always gets a good
laugh!
As the next convention
draws near, I am excited to see
all of you soon!
Until then, happy parading!
u u u
COSTUMES by Betty
Quality Clown Costumes
Accessories & Supplies Since 1967
We’re Going That Extra Mile For The
Quality & Service You Expect.
Order Line
800-47-CLOWN
or 651-771-8734
Order On Line
www.bettycash.com
Call For Your
FREE Catalog
Dresses • Suites • Accessories • Hats • Make-up • Wigs
2181 Edgerton Street • Saint Paul, MN 55117
March/April 2011 Page 15

You Too Can Be A Star
by Pat Roeser
Growth – “If you’re not
getting better, you’re getting
worse.” Pat Riley, basketball
coach.
Reasons to come…
excellent opportunities. Yes, the
opportunities for growth will be
at the convention in Anaheim!
Will you take advantage of them?
That is up to you!!! There will be
fabulous instructors, great classes,
competitions (customary and new),
as well as time for meeting old
friends and making new. There will
be children on property that will love
you, great photo ops, Disneyland
discounts, plus extended stay dates
before and after the convention.
There is a great website for
Anaheim coupons at anaheimoc.
org. On the bottom, right side of the
page, click on coupons. There you
will find food, shopping, events and
transportation coupons.
The deadline for the $129
sleeping room rate expires March
7th, 2011. The room rate that we
got is the best possible with no resort
fee (free parking, Internet, exercise
room, etc). Every hotel has their rate.
There is occupancy tax, state tax,
federal tax, city tax, and now the
Convention and Visitor Bureau has
added a Tourism Tax of 2%. That puts
the taxes at about 17%.
Shipping things to the hotel?
Shipments should be sent to arrive no
more than three days prior to setup
date. At the end of the conference,
arrangements should be made to
ship items no more than three days
after teardown date. Storage charges
will be applied to shipments held
more than three days. Make sure
when mailing, you put attention
to yourself, COAI Convention
– April 13-17, and Disney’s
Paradise Pier Hotel, 1717 South
Disneyland Drive, Anaheim,
CA 92802. There is a $7/box
shipping fee.
Check out our website
at the reservation button for
advance tickets to the Disney
parks. They must be ordered
before the convention starts so check the
site for deadline and prices.
Don’t forget to bring things to
donate to the Scholarship Auction.
Encourage your alley/club to donate a
basket of interesting items from your
area. Also, bring money to purchase
some great things. Remember that all
the funds go into the scholarship fund
that is distributed each year. As a COAI
member, you are eligible to apply. Don’t
tell anyone but I heard there will be a
one-week vacation in Hawaii up for bid.
First time convention attendees
ask what do people wear during the
convention. There is no need to wear
your clown outfit during the convention
unless you are competing or performing.
Friday evening is the theme party and
we ask you dress as your favorite movie
character. Saturday at the award banquet
we ask that you dress nicely (no jeans).
It would be wonderful if all would
dress semi-formal to glamorous for the
banquet.
Are you flying in to LAX or SNA?
Don’t forget the shuttle coupon online at
our website. It is a real savings. Or are
you driving? Parking is free as long as
you are staying at the hotel or $15/day
if you are not. Also, there is a car rental
shop next to hotel.
At 9:25 pm at the Pier Side Pavilion,
Paradise Pier simulcasts music and a
story with the nightly fireworks.
Do not base your meals on
convention hospitality. The morning and
evening hospitalities are not a breakfast
and dinner replacement but more of a
“get you started” or snack. There is a
restaurant in the hotel and many just
a short stroll throughout Downtown
Disney. If you have a car, there are lots
more options a short drive away.
We all look forward to seeing you
soon in Anaheim for the 2011 COAI
Convention.
Care for some Hollywood Trivia?
During World War II, the Oscar
statue was made of plaster. Metal was
an essential material. Now, the cost, in
parts and labor, for an Academy Award
Oscar statuette is about $300. It weighs 8
pounds, 13 ounces.
Shirley Temple won an honorary
Oscar in 1934 at the age of five. Tweety
Pie won an Oscar in 1948. Julie Andrews
didn’t get to play Eliza in the film version
of My Fair Lady because she wasn’t a
“big enough star.” So she starred in Mary
Poppins and won the Oscar for Best
Actress the same year, 1964. Shortest
film role to be nominated for an Oscar:
Sylvia Miles, on-screen for six minutes in
Midnight Cowboy.
WC Fields was the first choice for
the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz. Meryl
Streep’s role in Out of Africa (1985)
was first offered to Audrey Hepburn.
The roles played by Tom Cruise and
Renee Zellweger in Jerry Maguire were
originally written for Tom Hanks and
Winona Ryder. Eddie Murphy’s role in
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) was originally
written for Sylvester Stallone.
Chris O’Donnell was offered Will
Smith’s role in Men in Black, but turned
it down. Marie Osmond turned down
the female lead of Sandy in Grease.
Harrison Ford turned down the lead
role in Jurassic Park. Uma Thurman
originally turned down the role of Mia
in Pulp Fiction (1994). Director Quentin
Tarantino persuaded her by reading the
script to her over the phone.
The snow scenes in It’s a Wonderful
Life were shot on a movie lot in Southern
California during a record heat wave.
Oklahoma! was shot in Arizona.
Oklahoma was too well developed when
the film was made in 1955. World War II
made filming in Europe impossible, so a
Welsh mining town had to be created in
Malibu, California, for How Green Was
My Valley.
u u u
You MUST Present
Your Current
COAI Membership
Card In Order To
Register For Any
Competition
Page 16
The New Calliope

Page 12
Last Walk-Around
Glen
“Frosty”
Little
Glen “Frosty” Little, born 1925 in
Genoa, Nebraska, was a circus clown
who served with the Ringling Bros.
and Barnum & Bailey Circus for over
20 years.
Little saw his first circus at the age
of 7, which instilled a life-long love
of the circus in him. His nickname
“Frosty” was given to him as a boy by
his grandfather, who compared him to
Jack Frost due to his love of playing
in the snow.
Little served in the U.S. Navy
during World War II, and was
wounded. He learned juggling from
a fellow patient while convalescing,
a skill that would later help him land
his first clowning jobs.
In 1950 he married his wife,
Patricia, who is a photographer and
former schoolteacher, with whom he
had two daughters.
Prior to joining the Ringling Bros.
and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Little
worked as a postal employee and land
surveyor in Colorado. From 1954 to
1956, he performed as a clown at a
local amusement park on weekends,
wearing a rented costume. In 1956,
he went into clowning full-time after
he was hired by the Joe King Circus,
with which he toured the Rocky
Mountain states for half of the year.
The rest of the year, he freelanced as
a clown at birthday parties and special
events. He continued working for the
Joe King Circus for seven years until
its closure in 1962.
Little also worked for other small
outfits like the Tom Mix Show and
Sells Floto Circus, but he had long
had his eye on “The Greatest Show on
Earth” – Ringling Bros. and Barnum
& Bailey. In 1968, he finally got his
chance when Ringling created the
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Clown College. Little was in its first
graduating class, and at the age of 44,
he landed a job with Ringling's newly
split-off second touring unit.
In 1970 Little was promoted to
“Boss Clown” of his unit, and from
1980 until his retirement in 1991, he
was the circus' “Executive Clown
Director”, overseeing clowns in both
units, and writing new gags for the
clowns to perform. In his lifetime, he
has written over 300 gag routines. In
his later career, Little also served as
an advance man for the circus.
Little also taught at his alma
mater, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum
& Bailey Clown College. In 1988,
Little also helped establish the
Ringling Circus' first overseas touring
unit (based in Japan), choreographing
gags and training members of their
clown Alley.
In 1983, Little was named “Master
Clown” by the Ringling organization,
only the fourth clown ever to be so
named (after Otto Griebling, Bobby
Kaye, and Lou Jacobs – Little's
mentor). Little remains the last
person ever to have been awarded
the title. Little was inducted into the
International Clown Hall of Fame in
1991.
Little retired to Burley, Idaho,
where he ran his own circus museum.
In 1996 he wrote a book on his
experiences as a clown, entitled
“Circus Stories: Boss Clown on
the Ringling Brothers and Barnum
& Bailey Circus for More than 20
Years”. In 1977 Little was asked by
the Sarasota Herald-Tribune what he
would do after he retired from the
circus. Little replied, “Leave here?
Are you out of your mind? I'm never
going to leave here. I'll always be a
clown.”
u u u
Mary Wright
February 25, 1941 –
October 23, 2010
The clowning community lost a legend
when Mary “Bubbles” Wright died after a
valiant battle with cancer. Mary began clowning
over 25 ago in their small town of Newton, IA.
She loved entertaining kids of all ages. Over
the years, Mary accomplished numerous clown
skills which she shared in nursing homes,
birthday parties, schools, community events,
her church, and more. She started a clown
troupe called Clowning Around, which focused
on youth and teaching them the art of clowning.
She managed the troupe for a number of years.
One of her students, whom she took great
pride in, was Sean Carlock (aka Stuart Pid).
With Mary as his mentor, and when Sean was
18 years old, he was accepted into Ringling
Brothers Greatest Show on Earth. He toured for
a year. He remains an accomplished full-time
entertainer and is quick to credit Mary for his
many successes.
Often you could find her husband, Jack
“Popper” Wright, accompanying her at gigs.
He may have created this character just to
spend a little more time with his wife, who was
constantly on the run either clowning or seeing
to the needs of others. They were just the kind
of people you always wanted to be around!
Anyone who came in contact with Mary
knew her for her warmth, kindness, and loving
smile. To anyone who encountered Mary, she
became a friend. She loved children and loved
clowning for them. The number of people who
loved and cared for Mary was evidenced by the
long visitation line, which extended around the
outer walls of three rooms of the funeral home.
The next day’s funeral was also packed. It
seemed like the whole town came out to honor
her.
Mary is survived by her husband, Jack; two
sons, Jim and Rod; daughter, Stephanie Sparks;
eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Mary was a longtime member of COAI
and Korn Patch Klowns in Des Moines, IA.
She will be sorely missed, but will never be
forgotten. She left her imprint on the hearts of
many.
u u u
The New Calliope

Tentative Convention Schedule
Please understand, this is a tentative schedule.
If attending the Convention, please check the
schedule daily for any changes or revisions.
March/April 2011 Page 17

Page 18
The New Calliope

How To Get
The Most Out
Of Your Class
by Karen Bell & Ribin Eurick
With the upcoming COAI
Convention in April, we
thought this would be a good
time to talk about classes and
how to get the most out of
them.
We have all gotten much
or little from classes. We have
learned or not from those that
have presided. A teacher has a
responsibility to the students,
but the students have an
important part in the process
as well.
A good teacher is someone
who can communicate with
you. The teacher’s job is to
find different ways to make
you understand the concept. A
good teacher will tell you why
something is done not just how
to do it.
Just because someone
is a good performer or an
engaging person, does not
necessarily make them a
good teacher. Sometimes
they cannot translate what
they do in terms you can
understand. Sometimes they
don’t even know themselves
why their performances work.
Conversely, there are people
who are not spectacular
performers but are very good
teachers and have a good
director’s eye.
As a student, you can
help the process of learning
by understanding how you
learn best. Some students
learn concepts slowly, others
quickly; some are visual, some
verbal; some are analytical.
At Ringling Brothers Clown
College we had an acrobatic
student. He needed to
scientifically understand
what we were asking him to
do before he could execute
the move. Others needed to
experience the move, overthinking
it would have stopped
the learning process. Some
students might need to see it
first. Feel free to ask a teacher;
“can you show me” or “can I
get up and try it.” There is also
a learning curve; some people
need to learn over time while
others will get it right away.
Students who are aware of how
they learn get more out of a
class.
Obviously a 10-week
course like Clown College
is different than a one-hour
lecture. As a student you can’t
monopolize the teacher's
time in class. However, most
teachers are very happy to talk
with you further after the class.
Take physical notes. Robin
has been taking extensive notes
since 1972, every class, and
every subject. Karen has hand
written journals she refers to
often. Sometimes you will find
the answers to a performance
problem that you had learned
for the first time, 10 years ago.
At a conference you are going
to be slammed with a huge
amount of information and you
will forget. By taking notes, a
class becomes an investment in
your future as a performer; not
taking notes is throwing your
money away.
Robin decided at Clown
College that he both wanted
to learn to ride a unicycle and
did not want to spend the time
to do so there and then. He
took very good notes about
HOW to become a unicycle
rider and consulted them
years later. Robin learned to
ride a unicycle based on the
information contained in his
annotations.
So take and keep notes,
because you have no idea when
you will need them. Items
and ideas, however different
from your current focus, could
become very important to you
as your clowning evolves.
You can never know when a
piece of information will be
important.
In the Classroom:
Show up early, even
watching how a teacher warms
up will give you a feel for their
style.
Be willing to participate!
When the teacher asks for a
volunteer, however frightening
it might be, raise your hand!
You could discover a talent
you did not know you have.
The classroom is the best
place to fail. Take chances, you
are not there to do it right, just
to do it and learn. This is the
perfect place to look foolish, so
commit! Sometimes you can
get more out of your mistakes
in a lesson than from your
successes. How to do it right
and what to avoid are equally
valuable.
Don’t be afraid to take a
class that does not sound like
something you will use in
the future. We recently took
an improvisation workshop
because it was the only class
offered at a time we could
attend. Neither of us thought
that we would get much
mileage out of it but it turns
out we were wrong. We are
constantly referring back to the
lessons we learned.
Discover something new
and find the context for it later.
Once you have the skill find a
way to incorporate it into your
performance. Clowning is very
forgiving. A small amount of
skill can be used right away.
As a clown, performing the
skill badly can be funnier than
doing it correctly.
Like a wet umbrella on a
rainy day, leave your judgment
outside the classroom door.
Just because you have been
told, or feel you are not good
at something should not stop
you from trying. A great
teacher might just change your
mind but cannot do so if you
are stopping yourself from
learning.
Karen and Robin are both
so thankful for all the great
teachers they have learned
from through many years as
students and performers. There
are great teachers out there so
seek them out and become the
best clown you can be.
u u u
March/April 2011 Page 19

Everybody's Grandma ... Barry Lubin
by Ann “Tuttles” Sanders
“We just happen to have the best job in
the entire world, which is making people
laugh.”
The typical Grandma may be known
for her freshly baked cookies or sitting
in a rocking chair while she knits. A notso-typical
Grandma is currently touring
with the Big Apple Circus and his name is
Barry Lubin.
The New Jersey native had aspirations
of working from behind the camera as a
television director, not in front of a live
audience. In the spring of 1974, Barry’s
career path took a different route when, on
a lark, he auditioned for and was accepted
at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &
Bailey Clown College. “I left Boston’s
Emerson College after three years and,
after talking to a friend who had attended
Clown College, I decided to give it a try.
The longer I was there, the more I fell in
love with it. It was only eight weeks, and
by the end of those eight weeks, I found
myself wanting very badly to become a
circus clown.”
According to Barry, the inspiraton
for his internationally famous Grandma
character came, “When I was in my first
winter quarters after being hired for the
Greatest Show on Earth, I thought about
what I wanted to do for walkarounds,
sight gags done repeatedly along the
Hippodrome track during a ring change
until the whistle blew. I came up with
an idea for playing a little old man,
but quickly realized that I would be
immediately compared to a very famous
television character on Laugh-In, played
by Arti Johnson. I changed it to a little old
lady instead, and there was an immediate
reaction to Grandma.
The debut of the character was in
Venice, Florida on January 1, 1975, and
the effect was that the audience, many of
whom were senior citizens, thought that
one of them had wandered out of the seats
and onto the Hippodrome track. What I
did that day didn't get a laugh, but it got a
lot of attention, and I knew that there was
something to this character.
Over the years, I have been a people
watcher, and growing up I was able to
enjoy the seniors walking up and down
Page 20
Atlantic City's boardwalk, feeding
the pigeons, playing bingo, and
strolling along the seashore, and
I also was able to know both my
grandmothers very well, who I
loved dearly. In addition,
a sight I will never
forget is, when I
vacationed during
breaks in high
school in Miami
Beach, seeing elderly
ladies bundled up winter
garb in 80 degree temperatures. That
was the inspiration for the initial look for
Grandma’s red winter coat.”
“I would have to say,
sometimes I wish I had
chosen a male character
so that I could have flirted
with women instead. The
comedy that I have developed
often comes from interactions
with men, and frankly, I like
women.”
Once you have seen
Grandma perform, it is
obvious, Grandma and
Barry are a good fit. “Grandma
is a character compilation based on my
own grandmothers, senior citizens I have
observed, and also based on the things
that the audiences over the years have
told me was funny. I came to realize early
on that Grandma was not an acting job,
but a comedy job. Just because I would
occasionally do things that no little old
lady would do in real life, I could still
decide to keep those things which made
the audience laugh. I am not going for the
Oscar, I am going for the laugh.”
Ever wonder what Grandma carries
in her purse? “Whatever the next act
requires, but always Altoids. Over
the years, the purse has held whoopie
cushions, popcorn, oxygen masks, stuffed
animals, microphones, water bottles, and
much, much more.”
Why Grandma? “Grandma was one
of many characters I tried early on in my
Ringling days, but this particular character
just seemed to resonate with audiences. It
did take me a long time to get consistent
laughs with Grandma, but from the
beginning I knew there was something
Photo by
Bertrand Guay
special
waiting to develop. I am often asked
this question, and perhaps the best answer
is that in one's life, a grandmother is
a beloved figure. Grandmothers get to
spoil the grandkids and then send them
back to the parents for discipline and
rearing. Grandmothers are all about pure,
unconditional love.”
“I would have to say that Grandma is
100% physical. I may not be acrobatic
in any sense of the word, but I never
talk in the ring or on stage, simply
because it all works better silently. My
inspiration comes from the great, early
film comedians, from Chaplin to Keaton
to Laurel and Hardy to Harold Lloyd,
and from television comedians like Ernie
Kovacs, Jack Benny, Burns and Allen, Red
Skelton, and Jonathan Winters. Also, I was
inspired by Jerry Lewis, Carol Burnett,
and Jack Lemmon. From the world of
current clowns, my heroes are Bill Irwin,
David Shiner, Peter Shub, David Larible,
and Bello Nock.”
“Over the years, Grandma has
remained consistent in a few ways. I have
always wanted people to laugh, and I have
always wanted the audience to feel that
Grandma is accessible, more one of them
than a part of the circus. The audiences
The New Calliope

have changed quite a lot since I began
in 1975, and so have I. As we all evolve,
the art has to evolve in order to remain
relevant, I believe. I try to look at trends
in culture and art and politics and business
and to keep up with them. To pay attention
to what is playing on the radio and
television is just as important, I think, as
paying attention to what is going on in the
business section of the New York Times.
You never know what that information can
bring to the art.”
Grandma’s costume consists of a
red dress, bloomers, handbag and white
beaded necklace. How did Barry perfect
his signature look? “When I was training
in Clown College, I was told clearly,
design your own costumes, make them
yourself, learn how to do it all. Do not be
a Salvation Army clown, meaning, don't
just buy junk off the rack. When I was
developing Grandma in rehearsals for my
first tour with Ringling, I immediately
went to the Sarasota Salvation Army and
bought what essentially was the prototype
for what is the look of Grandma today; red
coat, carpet bag, beads. Isn't the clown's
job to rebel against authority?
Over the years, I found various
incarnations of red winter coats, and
ruined all of them on Ringling sliding
down bannisters or rolling down the steps
in the grandstands. Then, when I joined
Big Apple Circus, it was far too hot to
wear a winter coat and lots of Salvation
Army stores were visited in search of a
red dress which fit me. Finally, my exwife,
Roberta, began to design and make
my dresses and carpet bags and bloomers,
and she still does to this day. A Bert Lubin
Original hangs in the Ringling Museum
in Sarasota, Florida, in the International
Clown Hall of Fame, and has been on
display in the holiday windows at Macy's
Department Store in Manhattan and on my
body since 1990.
In reflection Barry added, “Several
years ago, I looked back at the work I had
done and realized it added up to a career.
It wasn't like I planned this as my career,
and several times since 1974, I decided to
leave clowning and try other things. I kept
getting drawn back to clowning because of
the fun, the unique nature of the circus and
that audience, and because I found I had a
knack for it.
It filled my heart and it seemed to fill
audiences' hearts too. No matter what
else I tried, I found myself
missing the camaraderie and
energy and fun of clowning
in the circus.”
What does the future
hold for Barry? “My
contract with Big Apple
Circus runs until July 31,
2012. I will not retire from
clowning once I leave
the Big Top of Big Apple
Circus. I will continue, God
willing, to perform around
the world in various venues.
I have been incredibly
lucky in this life and career,
and there is very little that
I have not checked off
on my Grandma Bucket
List. I would love to do
Broadway and a winter
circus in Europe in Paris
and Amsterdam and Zurich
eventually.
When asked what
advice he would offer about
creating and developing
a clown character, Barry
said, “Character is an inside
job. That was my most important lesson
when I began my career. It isn't an acting
job, it is about finding what it is about
your personality which you can fashion
into a character. At its best, that means
you will always be true to your audiences
if you simply bring out characteristics
inside your true self. Far easier said than
done. Try things on for size, almost like
you would in a clothing store. When
something fits beautifully, you will sense
it. But there is no telling when that comfy
thing will end up on your back. You just
have to keep at it until you discover it
for yourself. Character is everything to
a clown. Material and skill comes in a
distant second. If you are lucky, you will
develop a character that is a pleasure to
the audience from the first moment they
meet you, and remains that for an entire
performance. They will just want to spend
time with you for that pure pleasure.”
“Contrary to what some might say,
clowning is a timeless artform and
timeless means it is never going to go out
of style. It may change with the times,
but at the end of the day, funny is funny,
and the love that the clown brings to the
audience transcends the ages. Children of
Photo by Bertrand Guay
all ages means not just how old you are,
but also time immemorial.”
Outside of center ring, Barry has been
touched by the power of clowning. Years
ago, I appeared at the bedsides of sick
children with Big Apple Circus's Clown
Care Program. In fact, when I was in the
hospital two years ago recovering from
surgery, I was visited by two Clown Care
clown doctors, and appreciated first hand
the incredible healing power of the clown
in the hospital setting.
What would the 2002 inductee of the
International Clown Hall of Fame say to
someone who is interested in becoming a
clown? “I always say, go into plumbing.
Really, I would have to say, go with your
heart and if your heart leads you toward
this very noble art of clowning, then live
your dream. It is a very long and difficult
road, so buckle up. You must develop a
tough skin to get through the tough days
and failures, but without those days you
can't possibly succeed. And if you are
lucky, some day The New Calliope might
be asking to interview you, too.”
u u u
March/April 2011 Page 21

Oh! What a
Tangled Web
We Weave!
Part 2
by Glenn “Clyde D. Scope” Kohlberger
Last time we went through the directions
of registering with the website, getting
your User name and Password and understanding
that no matter where you go on
the site, if you get lost you can always return
to the home page by clicking on HOME in
the upper left hand column.
So now it is time to use what we have
learned. Go to the www.coai.org website,
(Pix 1) and put in your user name and
password on the right column, which brings
you to your Profile Page. So what exactly is
a profile page? A profile page is where you
put pictures and information about yourself
that you want to share with other members
of COAI on the website. And that is where
we will begin our next lesson. Now that you
have signed in, look on the right side of your
profile page and you will see that the menu
on the right has changed. (Pix 2)
Under MY PROFILE (In the green
headliner on the right) you will see: (Pix 3)
PROFILE HOME
MANAGE PROFILE
GROUPS
NETWORKS
FILES & LINKS
FAVORITES
CONNECTIONS
MEMBERSHIP INFO
REFER A FRIEND
Page 22
This lesson will center on the first two
PROFILE HOME and MANAGE
PROFILE because Manage Profile has
many sub menus that are very involved.
PROFILE HOME – Like HOME is your
panic button to always bring you back
to your profile home page PROFILE
HOME is like a safety net, it will always
be on the top right when you are in your
profile and will always bring you back
to the page you are looking at now. The
website has a home page, your profile has
its own home page, and it’s always there
if you need it.
Sometimes when you are in the back
side of the website, you may click on
something and see the PASSWORD
VERIFICATION REQUIRED screen
come up. (Pix 4) It is nothing to worry
about; it is simply the website’s way to
double check that you are who you say
you are. Just put your password in the
space provided and continue on.
You click MANAGE PROFILE to set
up and update your profile. Let’s click it
and see what’s inside. (Pix 5)
Manage Profile has a lot of sub menus
inside: Directly under the yellow headliner
that reads MANAGE PROFILE is
another PROFILE HOME tab to help
you get back to your profile. You will
find many ways to return to your profile
when you need to.
Next you will find the heading
INFORMATION & SETTINGS,
with three sub menus below it.
EDIT BIO
PREFERENCES
SUB ACCOUNTS
EDIT BIO - is where you click to set
up and update your profile information. It
is also where you choose privacy settings
for your individual field.
Let’s click EDIT BIO. (Pix 6)
In the yellow headliner it will read: Edit
My Membership Profile.
Underneath that it will read:
Below is the information you provided
during the registration process. Only
registered site users and administrators
can view your profile.
Please Note: All information entered
below will be visible to site administrators.
If you wish for information to be excluded
from your public profile (as seen
by registered members), uncheck the
box(es) next to the field(s) you wish to
be hidden. If you uncheck the box next to
“E-mail Address” it will not be displayed,
but site members can still contact you via
email through the site's email system.
* Required Fields
Checked = Visible to Members
Unchecked = Hidden from Site
Simply: if you want other registered
members of COAI to see your information
leave it checked - if not just
uncheck it.
You can change your user name and
your password at any time:
Simply click on the blue (CHANGE)
to do so.
Most of what is on this page is automatically
inserted for you or is very selfexplanatory,
but remember at the bottom
to click SAVE CHANGES when you
are done, it will save your work and will
The New Calliope

also bring you back to your
PROFILE HOME page just as if you
clicked profile home on the right.
All your changes will appear there. If
you made a mistake just go back into
MANAGE PROFILE and then
EDIT BIO to fix it and SAVE
CHANGES again.
This is also the place to make any
changes to your information. For
example if you got a new email address
or phone number you can simply go
into this page, at any time, type in your
NEW email address or new phone
number and it will be sent directly into
the COAI database as well, updating
your contact information. But
again please be sure to click SAVE
CHANGES at the end to save your
information.
Next is: PREFERENCES - where
you would view and manage your
preferences & decide which you want
to use.
(Click - MANAGE PROFILE -
again but this time click –
PREFRENCES) (Pix 7)It will say MY
PREFRENCES in the yellow headliner
Customize your member profile
options using the form below. Checking
the box next to a specific preference
turns the preference “on.”
So Check means YES and no Check
mean NO
My suggestion is to make your
changes in this area AFTER you
have learned what a Connection, a
Group or an Event is. Then you can
come back here and decide which
ones work for you.
Again ALWAYS make sure you
SAVE your SETTINGS which brings
you back to Profile Home.
Next (Click - MANAGE PROFILE
- again but this time click – SUB
ACCOUNTS)
SUB ACCOUNTS - where you
view and manage your current
sub accounts. A sub Account would
be a family membership and you are
the main member, your family member
will be in this section. Mouse over the
symbols under options WITHOUT
CLICKING and you will see what each
symbol can help you do. The first is to
edit your Sub Accounts Bio; the second
is to cancel your Sub Account. The third
will let you SEE the Sub Accounts Profile,
and the last (Arrow) will take you
TO the Sub Accounts Profile.
We will skip CONTENT &
FEATURES and COMMUNITY
for now, because there is a lot to
understand, but will discuss them in
detail in my next article.
The last item in this section section
will be ACCOUNT HISTORY. (Click
Manage Profile and then ACCOUNT
HISTORY) (Pix 8)
ACCOUNT HISTORY
Membership: This is where you can
view your membership status and view
membership renewal options
If you click on the icon under
OPTIONS, you can view and print
your invoice, the rest explains your
membership and is pretty self explanatory.
I hope you are following along as you
are on the website to get the most of
this information. We will continue next
issue but feel free to click on any of the
sub menus in this area and take a look
around. Remember that PROFILE
HOME will bring you back to your
profile page or HOME will always bring
you back to the start.
If you are planning to attend the
COAI convention in Anaheim, CA. I will
be giving a COAI Website 101 Class
on two different days during the convention,
plus I am available to answer
your questions at anytime by calling
646-210-2238 or writing to
soundsfunny2me@aol.com.
u u u
8.
1.
2.
3.
7.
5.
6.
4.
March/April 2011
Page 23

“You Design – We Refine”
Custom Made Clown & Theater Footwear
COAI InternatioanConvention
Aniehim, CA
April 13-17, 2011
413-739-5693 - Days • 413-732-7184 Evenings
12 Orlando St. • Springfield, MA 01108 • www.spearshoes.com
Page 24
The New Calliope

Look Who’s Reading The New Calliope!!
(L-R) Clowns of Aloha President Richard “Scrapee” Shaedon,
Sheila “Shamrock” Gleason, Mary Ann “Sparkles A. Clown”
Changg.(Sheila “Shamrock” Gleason was the 2010 winning
bidder at the COAI Convention, for the weeks' stay at an
Hawaii condo.) In a note from Sheila to the editor, Sheila says,
‘My daughter, her husband, their three-year old-daughter and
twin 16-month-old-sons and I visited Hawaii from January
15-22, 2011. We made so many memories. I have to tell you,
I was treated like a QUEEN!! The condo was TERRIFIC!! It
was a mere four blocks from the ocean! Richard made sure we
experienced all of the sights, sounds and events of the island.’
The “Clowns of Aloha” in Honolulu, Hawaii,
feted 2010 COAI Convention “Richard's Waikiki
Vacation in Hawaii” winner, Sheila “Shamrock”
Gleason, from Omaha, to a fun-filled dinner
at Buca Di Beppo, Honolulu. Pictured left
to right seated: Al Chock, Yona “The Magic
Storyteller” Chock, Sheila “Shamrock” Gleason,
Lisa “Lavender Lolly” Ponce de Leon, Bonnie
“Delightful Dolly” Parsons, Lisa “Confetti”
Tong. Standing: “Clowns of Aloha President,
Richard “Scrapee” Shaedon, Zeelon “ZeZe”
Zeden, Noreen Watanabe, Fanny “Fun Fun”
Kwan, Mary Ann “Sparkles A. Clown” Changg,
Rodd “Hott Rodd” Johnson, Norene Young, Linda
Thompson, Douglas Odani, Arthur Stout.
Our Good Cheer List
Please take a minute and spread a few words of cheer with
a card or note to one of our less fortunate members.
Ms. Jackie “Lollibells” Garner
418 Sharmain Place
San Antonio, TX 78221-1846
Debbie “Dizzy” Kordon
133631 Blacktail Road
Fairfield, ND 58627-9453
Babara “Patches” Nichols
504 College Place
Kingsville, TX 78363-4901
Betty Schultz
8300 NW Barry Road, Apt 238
Kansas City, MNO 64153
Sissy Womack
2602 Maplewood Road
Richmond, VA 23228
Roland “Rolo the Clown” Wood
60 River Road
Edwards, NY 13635
Fred Schlosshauer,
Good Cheer Chairman
8 Alanon Street
Whippany, NJ 07981
973-887-2617
oscarboj@aol.com
March/April 2011 Page 25

Look Who’s Reading The New Calliope!!
Bob “Bobaluba” and Madeline “Mumsy” Weidner
were married on January 1, 2011 (1-1-11 @ 1pm)
in Greenwood Lake, NY. Bob says, “My wife
shocked me and my family by taking out noses
and “The New Calliope” for the first picture after
being pronounced husband and wife. We celebrated
our honeymoon by attending Clown College
(Northeast Clown Institute) in Plymouth, MA”
Bonnie “Bon Bon Love”,
Sara McAllister, Pat Steward
and Marcia Hudson at
Tierra Santa swim exercise
class Jan 2011
Kevie “Hubba Bubba”
Penny enjoying his “New
Calliope” between shows
at the North Carolina State
Fair in Raleigh, NC.
As guests of Alex Barney; Glenn “Clyde D Scope” Kohlberger COAI Sergeant-at-Arms, Veronica “Lizzy”
Morris, and Paulette “Feathers” Langlois share their “New Calliopes” with the clowns from the Blue Unit of
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus in Miami. Most of the Blue Unit clowns were already members of COAI
Page 26
The New Calliope

Robin Eurich and
Karen Bell look to
“The New Calliope”
for inspiration prior
to a Circus Sarasota
performance.”
Bonnie “Bon Bon” Love with
great niece Aranya Orr and Betty
“Princess” Andrews. Bonnie’s nephew,
Noah his wife Tess and their
baby Aranya, moved
to San Diego
Split between
Arizona (MST) and
Nevada (PST) on the
Mike O’Callaghan -
Pat Tillman Memorial
Bridge overlooking
the Hoover Dam,
Pat Roeser checks
out the convention
information in “The
New Calliope.”
Zeb “Zebo” Saunders, his wife, and eight other family
members decided to find a warm place to vacation, so they
headed to Cancun, Mexico. Zebo, a member of Virginia Alley #3,
took advantage of the time to read a back issue of “The New Calliope”.
March/April 2011 Page 27

My Favorite Magic
by Kent Sheets
I’d like to call your attention to an easy magic trick using a
common everyday item. You may already be familiar with this trick,
since it is listed in many magic books. If you don’t have any of those
books, you can find it at your local library or on the Internet. The name of
the trick using a rubber band is “Jumping Rubber Band”. What makes this
really nice is that you can often borrow a rubber band from your audience.
Many times at restaurants or hotels, I ask the person behind the counter if they
have a rubber band that I can borrow. I think the magic is stronger when we use a
borrowed object. There are dozens of tricks you can do with a rubber band.
The Trick:
A rubber band is placed over
the first two fingers of your hand
(FIG. 06 Spectator's view). Your
fist, with the rubber band on, is
closed and turned palm down.
The spectator states a magic word.
The rubber band jumps from the
original two fingers to the other two
fingers (FIG 07 Spectator's view).
The Secret:
While the first hand is open with all four fingers pointing up (FIG. 01),
a rubber band is placed on the first two fingers. The other hand stretches
the rubber band away from the first hand (FIG. 02) as the fingers are
folded into a fist (FIG. 03). The rubber band is placed across the tops of
all four fingernails (FIG. 04). When the magic word is stated, just open
the four fingers as they were when starting. You will find that the
rubber band has jumped to the other two fingers (FIG. 05).
(FIG 01 - FIG 05 are magician's view)
My Story:
“Excuse me, do you have a rubber band I could
borrow?” (If not, “Oh, Look, I’ve found one in my pocket”)
“Excellent! This looks like a magic rubber band. Here,
please check it out to make sure it does not have any
trap doors, secret compartments, or mirrors.” (Hand the
spectator the rubber band to inspect).
When they return the rubber band ask, “Do you know
how to tell if this is a magical rubber band?” “If you take the
rubber band and it stretches, that means that it is magical”
(Take rubber band and pull, stretching it). “I know what you
are thinking, and you are right” “All rubber bands stretch,
so that means that they are all magical.” (Smile)
Page 28
6.
2.
1.
7.
The New Calliope

3.
4.
5.
Place the rubber band onto your index and
middle finger as you hold your hand extended up,
palm away from participant. (Do the secret move,
close your hand and stretch the back of the rubber
band across all four fingernails) (FIG. 04). “Ask, Do
you know any magic words?” (If not, Please and
Thank You, will work) As they say their magic word,
rapidly open you hand, extending your fingers
outward, as the rubber band jumps to the next two
fingers. (Show both sides of your hand.)
“Thank you, Here is your magical rubber band as
a souvenir.” (Hand them the rubber band).
Enjoy and have fun.
March/April 2011 Page 29

Kids And Clowning
by Pricilla Mooseburger
Nothing is more fun than
taking new clowns and kids
to a parade! A few years ago,
my little hometown clown
club “The Clown-Arounds”
appeared in the Buffalo Days
parade in Buffalo, Minnesota.
We had a grand time.
I like low-stress events.
I put makeup on almost
everyone and used costumes
from my rental shop.
Remember to save those
old costumes in a tote. They
come in handy for last minute
clowns!
Two of the children had
performed with me before.
The rest were last-minute
volunteers. (I can talk people
into just about anything!)
I purchased inexpensive
bubbles at the local discount
store. I had my Gal Friday
Katie make me signs on the
computer that said “Free
Bubble Baths.” I pinned
the signs to the back of the
clowns. We went along giving
free bubble baths to folks on
the parade route. “Hey it's
Saturday night -- time for your
bubble bath!” We blew the
bubbles and let folks pretend
to scrub up and get “Squeaky
Clean!” Sometimes I would
spin around with my bubble
wand and say “Look I'm a
Jacuzzi!” That was always
good for a laugh. The bubble
bath idea was courtesy of
Sweet Connie in Oklahoma
City!
Because I like to keep
things simple with children,
let's talk about makeup. Some
folks get too serious when
it comes to children and
clowning. A well-meaning
parent or club member can
demand that children be held
to competition standards. Not
necessary. I regularly talk
people out of putting their
kids in full whiteface. First,
it takes too long. Second, it
takes to much effort to get
all the white off of their little
faces. Take a look at the
kids in The Clown-Arounds.
CUTE! Plus their parents can
clean them up quickly with a
wet wipe.
These people had never
dreamed of clowning at all, let
alone with their kids. When it
was all said and done they had
a great time and the crowd
loved us! Their response was
“We had a ball as a family and
it didn't cost us anything! Our
group also had a “Grandpa”
and his two grand-kids.
Their mother followed along
with a camera to capture the
moment.
Remember to share your
pictures and your experiences
with each other after the
event. Take advantage of
those online photo websites
where you can put together a
photo album that everyone in
your group can look at online.
Having your own
“paparazzi” is a great idea!
They do not have to be in
costume, just a friend, parent
or volunteer who might not be
Page 30
The New Calliope

eady to jump into the act. It is
always nice to have someone
along as an undercover clown,
especially with kids in tow.
That way you have an extra
set of eyes to keep everyone
safe and together.
Don't forget the cell phone!
We ordered pizza at the end
of the parade route and it was
just coming out of the oven
as we pulled into town. I like
having a little party after our
parades. It gives us a chance
to share our experiences of
our performance with each
other.
We really need to support
the young people in our
art. I know it is not always
easy. Kids need their own
track for education and for
performance. There will be
times when an individual
child will be able to attend an
adult clown class depending
on their level of interest and
maturity. But that needs to
be decided on an individual
basis.
In our Maple Lake clown
club, kids are welcome at the
meetings. But it didn't take
me long to figure out we need
a Junior Joey activity for the
kids to do while the adults are
attending to the business part
of the meeting.
One such activity was
having the kids cut brown
letter Es out of grocery bags.
That way they will have
“Brown Es” to give away at
the next parade.
It does take extra effort,
but I believe it is worth it.
Kids have a great sense of the
funny and foolish. They are
spontaneous and look at life
from a different perspective.
We can learn from them
as we guide them in the
fundamentals of clowning.
Kids also have a freedom of
movement that we lack. Play
is such a basic part of their
life; they don't need to be
taught to be loose with their
movements and reactions. Be
sure to listen to their funny
ideas. It is like brainstorming.
You may be surprised what
you learn from the littlest
laugh makers!
A few types of
performances for Kids Are:
• Parade board walk
arounds: diamond
collection with cards on
the back, bee collection
with the letter B's on the
back, Blue Jay with of
course a blue J!!!
• Jokes written on recipe
or note cards: Let the
kids just read them.
They are so funny telling
jokes! Sometimes they
can turn a single joke
into a whole skit!
• Funny Idea: Use your
Junior Joeys in your next
show! While you are
setting props for the next
routine let a Junior Joey
go out and tell a joke!
The audience will love it
and your show will flow
smoother without those
awkward pauses while
props are being set!
Clowning should be fun.
Sometimes we lose sight of
this. You're making memories
that will last a lifetime.
As a 30-year veteran of
performing and teaching
clown arts, I get my batteries
charged by these outings with
volunteers. It brings me back
to my roots and lets me see
the joy in the faces of others
who are putting on the fool's
cap for the first time. It is a
good life.
u u u
Pricilla Mooseburger,
a.k.a. Tricia Manuel, started
her clown career with
Ringling Brothers, Barnum &
Bailey Circus. While working
at the Greatest Show on
Earth, she learned the art
of indestructible costume
design. In 1989, she went on
to create her own costuming
business for all types of
clowns all over the world.
Makers Of Fine Quality Clown Shoes Since 1992
Visit us at: www.clowncityshoes.com • 203.512.1885
March/April 2011 Page 31

Page 32
The New Calliope

Carlos Lopez Badilla
El Paso, TX
Churis The Clown
Susan Connor
Duluth, MN
Joy
Preston Eakins
Battle Creek
Scoop
Robin Eurich
Sarasota, FL
Alex Garcia
Dalton, GA
Ashuuu
Janet L. Heine
St Petersburg, FL
Jazy
Nancy Kannard
Anaheim, CA
Starburst The Clown
Tom Koler
Kelsey, CA
Garbanzo
Ronald L. Krause
Port Richey, FL
Sparky
Rachael Laughlin
Spring Valley, CA
Lois E. McCulley
Owensville, IN
Ms Pinkie
Christa Roth
St Charles, MO
Lil Tune
Michael P. Pollick
The Villages, FL
Sluggo
David G Ruhnke
Poynette, WI
Luckey
Jane Shepard
Panama City, FL
Zsa Zsa
Bobby C. Sircy
Lafayette, TN
Debbie Boy
Eric Youngvall
Orange Park, FL
Pop-Pop
March/April 2011 Page 33

Alley Report
by Toni Dufrene
Director, Alley Region Support
Greetings from New Orleans! We’re gearing up for Mardi
Gras here which means lots of parades, music, beads, king
cake and purple, green and gold everywhere. This year Mardi
Gras comes at almost the latest date possible – March 8 th .
Don’t even try to make business calls here on that day. No one
will be at work – we’ll all be out on the parade routes yelling
“Throw me something, Mister!”
I am pleased to announce the chartering of a new alley.
Welcome to:
Carson’s Cow-Tippers Alley #414 in Norfolk, NE
On a more serious note, there are 25 alleys which are
delinquent in submitting their 2010 Annual Alley reports. The
reports for 2011 have been mailed to all alleys at the addresses
we have on record. If your alley did not receive a copy,
contact me and I’ll send one in the mail, email one to you or
you can go to the website, www.coai.org, and download a
copy. Either way, please be sure to get your reports in to keep
your alley on active status.
The following is the list of delinquent alleys:
Alley 8 Delaware Valley Clowns
Alley 24 Kanawha Klowns
Alley 80 Golden Gate Clowns
Alley 159A South Shore Joeys
Alley 170 Just Clowning Around Northern Va.
Alley 185 Sioux City Sillies
Alley 188 Bartlesville Fun Addicts
Alley 240 Pound Of Clowns
Alley 249 Crystal Coast Clowns
Alley 265 Smiley Global Clown Alley
Alley 332 Luv-N-Laffs
Alley 334 Main Street Methodist “Smile-Makers”
Alley 354 Clowns Of Aloha
Alley 356 Fort Wayne Joeys
Alley 364 Clown World Alley
Alley 373 The Heritage Clown Troupe
Alley 380 Holmes Hilarious Hiccups
Alley 383 The Cleveland Clowns
Alley 384 Hoosier Clown Alley
Alley 394 Corn E Clowns Of Erie County
Alley 399 Red Nose Response, Inc.
Alley 403 TC Town Clowns
Alley 405 The Smile Factory
Alley 406 The Battenkill Joeys
Alley 410 Caravana De Payasos De Puerto Rico
Thanks for all you do as clowns and as alleys. Keep ‘em
laughing.
Page 34
Financial Report
Clowns of America International
Income, expense and balance statement
Nov/Dec 2010 Year To Date
Revenue
Membership $3,489 $43,836
Lifetime Membership $0 $500
Magazine Ads $14,173 $27,868
Merchandise $525 $1,498
Education $0 $268
Convention $0 $2,420
Interest $24 $1,618
Lowe Collection $0 $0
Miscellaneous $0 $40
Web Page $0 $370
Education Auction Revenue $0 $0
ToTAL $18,211 $78,418
Expenses
Bank Chgs / Returned Checks $177 $192
Credit Card Fees $232 $1,092
New Calliope Editor Fees $5,300 $15,900
New Calliope Production $5,147 $15,980
New Calliope Postage $2,478 $6,478
Other New Calliope Expenses $0 $0
Nat'l Office Business Manager $2,045 $7,463
National Office Phone $0 $771
National Office Postage $104 $6,714
National Office Misc. $160 $160
Board Expenses Other $0 $0
Fall Board Meeting $0 $9,894
State And Intern. Ambassadors $0 $0
Spring Board Meeting $0 $0
Officer's Phone & Postage $44 $315
Educational Support $0 $1,000
Convention Expense $0 $3,118
Trophies $0 $0
Printed Material $0 $2,122
Alley Support $0 $15
Merchandise -$119 -$119
Excellence In Clowning $0 $0
Clown Of The Year $0 $0
Jr. Joey Expense $0 $0
Special Projects $37 $37
Audio Director $0 $0
Lowe Collection Expense $0 $0
Promotion & Publicity $0 $108
Miscellaneous Expense $0 $592
Shipping $0 $0
Organization Dues $0 $250
Professional Services $6,200 $8,183
Web Page Expense $5,995 $6,385
Insurance $0 $0
Directory Expense $0 $9,907
Media Liability Insurance $0 $3,035
Federal Income Tax $0 $1,073
ToTAL $27,800 $100,665
Florida Shores Bank $34,551
National City Bank Checking Account $27,550
Money Market Accounts $23,937
Scholarship Account $19,557
Contingency Reserve $43,980
National Office Operating Fund $400
ToTAL $149,975
(Amounts given to the nearest dollar)
Respectfully submitted, Candyce Will, Treasurer
The Financial report shown above meets the motion made by
our general membership to provide a financial statement to
the general membership every 6 months of its fiscal year.
Based on the view of 3 CPA’S and legal counsel.
Based On The View Of 3 Cpa’s And Legal Counsel.
The New Calliope

Clowns of America International
Application and Renewal form
Name:
First Middle Initial Last
Street:
City:
Phone (required):
State: Zip: Country:
E-mail:
Date of Birth (required): Age: Male: Female:
Clown Name:
Alley Affiliation:
Your COAI Number(if renewing):
Expiration Date:
Referring Sponsor (if any):
Sponsor’s COAI Number:
Annual Membership Dues Rates
NEW U.S.: $40 Active Renewal: $35
NEW International (U.S. funds): $45 Family Renewal (U.S. & Intl.): $17
NEW Senior (65 +): $30 International Renewal (U.S. funds): $40
NEW Senior Intl. (65 +, U.S. funds): $35 Senior Renewal (65 +): $25
NEW Junior Joey (age 8-15): $30 Senior Intl. Renewal (65 +, U.S. funds): $30
LIFETIME Membership: $500 Junior Joey Renewal (age 8-15): $25
• Seniors and Junior Joeys must provide proof of age with application (copy of Birth Certificate, License, etc.)
• Seniors must be age 65 or older within the enrollment or renewal year. Junior Joeys must be age 8 to 15 in the
enrollment year.
• Children age 8 to 15 can choose to join as Family or Junior Joey. Family members can be any age.
• Full members and Junior Joeys receive The New Calliope. Family members do not receive The New Calliope.
Check No. __________
Visa
MasterCard
Payment Method
Credit Card # __________________________________________________________________
Expiration Date: _______________________
CC Verification Code (3 digits) ______________
Discover
Send Form To:
Clowns of America Intl. Inc. • P.O. Box 1171 • Englewood FL 34295-1171 USA
Phone: 877-816-6941 • 941-474-4351 • Fax: 941-474-8317 • Web site: www.coai.org
Signature
All memberships to COAI are on an annual basis with dues payable July 1 of each year.
Join at the new member rate indicated any time of the year if the date is not June, July , or August — your membership will be prorated for the next year on the annual dues notice. When
you receive your dues notice in May following your sign-up, the prorated amount you should pay to bring your membership up to July of the new membership year will be indicated on your
notice. (For example, if a U.S. resident applied for a membership in October of 2005 and paid $30 to join, the membership would be extended to October, 2006. In May, 2006, the member
would receive a prorated dues renewal notice for $20 to extend the membership from October, 2006, to July, 2007.Then each year the annual fee of $25 would be billed in May for payment
by July 1. International and family memberships are similarly prorated.)
March/April 2011 Page 35

CLOWNS OF AMERICA INTERNATIONAL
FORMULARIO DE APPLICACION Y RENOVACION
Nombre Primero Iniciales: Apellidos
Calle:
Ciudad: Urbanización / Barriada: Pueblo: Zona Postal:
Número de Teléfono:
E-mail:
Fecha de Nacimiento: Edad: Masculino: Femenino:
Nombre de Payaso/a:
Número de COAI (renovación):
Afiliado: Nombre del alley
Fecha de expiración:
Referido por:
Numero de COAI del Referido:
Tarifas Anuales de Membresía
Nuevos miembros (US) $40
Nuevos miembros (Int’l) $45
Nuevos miembros Seniors (65+ US) $30
Nuevos miembros Seniors (65+ Int’l) $35
Nuevos miembros Júnior Joey (edades 8-15) $30
Membresía de por Vida $500
Renovación (US) $35
Renovación (Int’l) $40
Renovación Miembros (Seniors 65+ US) $25
Renovación Miembros Senior (65+ Int’l) $30
Renovación Júnior Joey (edades 8-15) $25
Membresía Familiar *(cada uno) $17
para miembros adicionales de un hogar
* Estados Unidos o Países Internacionales)
* Seniors y Júnior Joeys deben proveer prueba de edad junto a su solicitud.
* Seniors deben ser de 65 años de edad o mayor durante la matrícula o año de renovación
* Júnior Joey debe estar entre las edades de 8 y 15 años durante el año de la solicitud.
* Niños entre las edades de 8 y 15 años pueden escoger entre Familia o Júnior Joey… los miembros de familia pueden tener cualquier edad.
* Miembros completos y Júnior Joeys reciben The New Calliope, miembros de la familia no recibirían copias adicionales…
Favor de enviar en US $ dólares solamente.
Método de Pago
Cheque a nombre de: __________
Visa
MasterCard
Discover
Firma y Teléfono: (Se requiere para las tarjetas de crédito) Número de Teléfono:___________________________
Número de Tarjeta de Crédito __________________________________________________________________
Fecha de Expiración : _______________________ Código de Verificación (3 dígitos) ______________
Enviar formulario a:
Clowns Of America, International, Inc. (COAI), P.O. Box 1171, Englewood, FL 34295-1171 USA
Teléfono 1-877-816-6941 • 941-474-4351 • Fax 941-474-8317 • Página Web: www.coai.org
Clasificación de Membresía
1. Todas las membresías a COAI se hacen en bases anuales, con expiración y pagos para el 1ro de julio de cada año.
2. Únete a la tarifa indicada para el nuevo miembro en cualquier momento del año. Si te interesa unirte a COAI como nuevo miembro y la fecha no es junio, julio u agosto, tu membresía será
prorrateada para el próximo año en el vencimiento anual general. Cuando recibas la carta de renovación en mayo, la cantidad prorrateada que deberás pagar para renovar la membresía hasta julio
del próximo año se te será indicada.
** Por ejemplo, si un residente de Estados Unidos (US, por sus siglas en inglés) solicitó una membresía en octubre del ano corriente, él/ella deberá pagar $30 para unirse y extender su membresía
hasta octubre de siguiente año. En mayo del año siguiente, el miembro recibirá una carta de renovación prorrateada por $20, para extender la membresía desde Octubre en que el/ella solicito hasta
Julio del año corriente. Luego, cada año la membresía anual de $25 será solicitada en mayo para su pago, que vencería el 1 de julio. Las membresías internacionales, Seniors, Júnior, y familiar
serán prorrateadas de manera similar.
Firma
Page 36
The New Calliope

Calendar
April 13-17, 2011
COAI National Convention
Anaheim, CA
2011coaiconvention.org
toni_dufrene@yahoo.com
May 12-15, 2011
Four Seasons Clown Camp
Flat Rock, NC
678-315-4329
fourseasonsclowncamp@yahoo.com
May 12-15, 2011
Minesota Magic Convention
Woodbury, MN
minnesotamagicconvention.com
June 7-12, 2011
Red Skelton Clown School
Vincennes, IN
www.redskeltonclownschool.com
July 13-17, 2011
Clown Jam
Branson, MO
www.ClownJam.com
757-615-8355
August 1-6, 2011
California Clown Campin'
California State University
San Bernardino, CA
www.carliforniaclowncampin.org
951-310-7087
H H H
April 13-17, 2011
COAI
National Convention
Anaheim, CA
coaidrconv@aol.com
March/April 2011 Page 37

Do You Know Who Is Hiring You?
by: Dan “Fitzwilly” Langwell
A strange question? Maybe not. Have
you taken your records and notes from
past years' performances and looked for
commonalities, trends and other bits of
information that might help you figure
out where your jobs came from? That
information might help you decide if there
is something you can do in that area to
drive even more work your way. If you
volunteered at one type of event; and later
a few bookings resulted from it; you might
want to think about an even more visible
presence this year.
If you know that a fair number of the
parents that hired you have something
in common; try to capitalize on that this
year. Do they go to the same gym, coffee
shop, or church? Did they see your card or
some other advertising there? If so, great!
Do more. Is a friend, family member or
past customer working there and telling
people about you? Even better; think of
something nice you can do to say thank
you.
Looking back did you do the type of
gigs you really wanted to? Is there some
type of event that you really enjoyed
doing, more than others? Did you do
enough of them last year to really have
a good time? If you love small birthday
parties for young children take a look
back. Is that the type of party you did the
most of? If not, why? Would you like to
do more of them this year? Then develop
your identity in your region as “a premiere
entertainer for intimate parties for the
younger set.” How? Develop a marketing
plan that tells people what you want them
to hire you for one that targets the type of
work you want to do. We all enjoy a wide
variety of differing types of performances,
but each of us has our preferences. You
should guide your potential customers to
hire you for the work you enjoy.
A marketing plan does not have to
be big, complex and scary. Maybe you
want to get new business cards this spring
and regularly leave some on display at
three or four locations you visit regularly.
Maybe getting a weekly restaurant gig in
a specific part of town might put you in
front of more potential customers? Maybe
your website needs a bit of updating to
attract the jobs you’re looking to do. Or
maybe now is the time to think about
launching a website.
A really big part of selling is getting
your message in front of the right people.
There is a reason Sears doesn’t advertise
power tools during the afternoon soap
operas, or why denture cleaners aren’t
advertised during shows geared for
teenagers.
It is not enough to say that parents and
grandparents of children two years old to
10-years-old are my potential customer.
It is just too big, and too diverse of a
group to target effectively. Most people
need or want a car. Ford makes a car, so
does BMW, but they generally focus their
advertising, marketing time and money
in different areas. If you are the only
bilingual entertainer in your area I would
encourage you to make that fact part of
your advertising. Use it prominently in all
of your marketing materials, especially
the materials you will be distributing in
the underserved communities. Focus your
efforts on the underserved markets and
chances are you will see a big increase in
your business.
Develop a profile of the customer you
would like to have on a regular basis.
Is there an area that is easier for you to
travel around? Do they hold small intimate
parties where you are able to spend
quality time with the children or big fun
parties where you really get to entertain
everyone? Who are your customers now?
What are you doing “right” for them to
have hired you? Are you the cheapest,
the fanciest, or willing to jump through
hoops for last-minute bookings? What are
you doing right and what do you need to
do more of? What might you change to
be more effective? What should you start
doing to reach those “perfect” customers
in 2011?
u u u
by Kent Sheets
Dale Flashaberg’s, “Where
Are Those Instructions?” in
the November/December
New Calliope was excellent.
I want to add a couple of
additional ideas.
Whenever I remember, I
scan the instructions into my
computer before I put them
into a page protector in a
3-ring binder. I try to name
the file similar to the magic
trick. This allows me to do
Page 38
Where Are Those Instructions? Part 2
several things. First it allows
me to find the instructions
faster that searching through
several notebooks. Second,
it allows me to print off a
copy of the instructions to
place with a magic item when
I store an item that I am
not currently using. Third,
I reduce the instructions as
much as possible and print
them on a 4” x 6” index card.
These cards allow me to
organize my magic show. I
place each card in the order
I plan to perform it. This
allows me to change the order
of the trick or to substitute
tricks. I also change different
routines for a change bag. I
always carry extra tricks with
me, so those cards go in the
back of the stack.
I also have a similar
system for clown skits. I
type the basics of a skit
onto a 4” x 6” index card.
It makes a great reminder
of the skit if it has not been
done in sometime. It also
allows clowns who may
not be familiar with the
skit to review it. Especially
for Clown Week. Our alley
decides which skits we will
be performing, I place the
skits in order so we know
what to do next. For Clown
Week we mix clown skits
and magic tricks, so everyone
gets to perform.
Keeping your instructions
organized not only makes it
easy for you to perform, but
helps you keep track of them
so that you can find then
when you need them.
u u u
The New Calliope

Midwest Regional VP
SERVICES CLOWNS PERFORM
by Georgia Morris
I have been checking with
alleys and clowns in the Midwest
to see what is new and up coming.
We did not have our annual Clown
Festival in January because I
participated in three new circus
events and brought clowns
with me. There is the monthly
ongoing Michigan Twisters
Group for balloon twisters in the
Metropolitan Detroit suburbs
area. Everyone shares, sometimes
they have guest lecturers, and
one can compete. The attendees
vote for their favorite balloon
or arrangement. This has been a
very successful event. Thank you
Michigan Twisters Group.
Darlene “Molly Putz” Malkow
has some exciting news. Cousins
Otto's Alley will be celebrating
its 40th anniversary as an alley
in April. Darlene was in on the
ground floor of that alley forming.
It was named after Gene Lee and
has been a very active alley since
the beginning. Congratulations to
all of them.
An interesting subject popped
up on Facebook. A circus clown
was asked if he face painted.
He stated he didn’t, and that
he was an entertainer and did
gags. He didn’t know if there
was an advantage to it or not.
Face painting circus shows for
over 28 years doing pre-shows,
intermission and post-shows, I can
tell you that there is an advantage.
Face painting money is split with
the circus and not included in the
regular pay. The more you paint,
the more you can make. Harold,
my husband, and I make a chart of
faces offered. We have 10-12 full
face pictures and we practice these
faces a lot to build up speed. Most
faces we can do in a minute or
minute and a half. We make more
money and we have happier lines
because people don’t have to wait
as long.
Another way to make extra
money is to help straighten chairs
in a circus tent if prop crew is
busy resetting, or you could be
part of the prop crew.
As a face painter you can
get creative and make your own
markets. Valentine's Day, St.
Patrick's Day, city theme events,
parks, ballpark, all of these are
creative opportunities for making
money.
The Midwest Clown Round-
Up is October 5-9 2011 in
LaPorte, Indiana. See you there!
I’m looking forward to seeing
all you great clowns at the COAI
Convention in Anahiem, CA. I
am so excited I’ve never been
to California and have always
wanted to go. For anyone going
from the Midwest, please contact
me by phone, email, or Facebook
so we can get together. Remember,
“BE A STAR” in California.
u u u
who knows what lurks
behind otherness clowns
teach us to be intrigued
not frightened
when clowns clowns
clowns clowns
emerge from a little car
popping to full size
as their feet hit the ground
they're playing fool
to show those of us who are
how we look
who but clowns reveal
the power of laughing
at all terrors of life great
services are performed by clowns
M.F. Powers
for Butterfly McPeace
The above poem was written for Butterfly McPeace
(Barbara Mann of Virginia Clown Alley #3) by her
sister-in-law, Mary F. Powers, to cheer her as she
undergoes chemotherapy. Although inspired by
Butterfly, it touches us all.
March/April 2011 Page 39

Page 40
The New Calliope

Traveling The World As Ambassadors
Mixing Magic &
Mortar
by Jessie “Hokey Pokey”
Strauss
“Magic . . . magic.” The
whispers followed me as
I walked down a street in
Kootapuli, India. It was not my
Habitat for Humanity team’s
repair work on 42 homes
damaged by the 2005 tsunami
that brought the whispers. The
previous day I had put on my
red clown nose and performed
a street show to a very
appreciative audience.
In March of this year I
will lead my 25 th Habitat for
Humanity trip. Most of them
have been to foreign countries.
After my India experience,
I knew it would be fun for
the whole team to put on a
carnival in a local school,
orphanage, or neighborhood.
I shopped thrift stores and
begged fellow clowns for
old costumes—enough glad
rags to outfit a whole flock of
clowns. Now, on each trip, in
addition to building homes, we
all don our lively apparel and
spend a half day entertaining.
Team members quickly learn
the basics of making balloon
animals and painting faces.
While I perform magic, others
entertain with their new skills,
or with polishing fingernails,
applying temporary tattoos,
juggling balls, leading games,
or performing walk-arounds.
After our carnivals, we find we
are bonded not only with our
homeowner families, but with
the whole neighborhood.
Our clown skills often
serve a very practical purpose.
In South Africa we went to
build homes, but were magnets
for children in the township.
A hundred children on a
construction site is not a good
idea! Some of us were more
useful entertaining the throngs
of children than we would
have been hauling dirt or
mixing mortar.
While Habitat continues
to be an important and very
rewarding part of my life, my
adventure this coming August
involves leading a team of
volunteers with a different
organization—Safe Passage
(Camino Seguro). Safe Passage
is located in the neighborhood
of the Guatemala City Garbage
Dump. Its mission is to enable
the neighborhood children to
get an education. Safe Passage
purchases uniforms and books
for public school and provides
supplemental enrichment
activities after school. Before
Safe Passage, many of these
children spent their days in the
dump looking for items to sell.
Volunteer teams develop an
educational project. Our team’s
project will be clowning! We
will teach magic, balloon
sculpture, juggling, face
painting, clown makeup,
pantomime, and perhaps other
skills. We will work with
elementary school children in
the mornings and high school
students in the afternoons.
Four of the five people
presently on the team are
Spanish speakers. In addition,
Safe Passage will provide a
guide/translator to help with
communication and logistics
while in the project buildings.
You do not need to speak
Spanish! Much of what we
teach in our clowning project
can be done by demonstration
rather than by words.
My team has been given
the dates August 7-14, 2011,
with an optional extension for
sightseeing.
The cost of the program
is $595 per person based on
double occupancy
hotel room. There is
an $85 supplement
for single
occupancy. Included
are seven nights’
accommodations in
Antigua, breakfasts,
dinners, airport
pickup and drop-off,
private transport
from the hotel to the
project, a Saturday
excursion with the
children from our
assigned classroom,
and administrative
costs. The total cost
will be more than
$595 when you add
airfare, passport,
shots, and clown
supplies.
Consider this
an invitation to
join the team! If
you are interested
in becoming a member of this
week-long event, please send
me a message to: Jessie@
jessiestrauss.com, or call me
at 206-286-8727. Information
AMBASSADORS
We went around “in clown” inviting people to come to the
carnival. At the right is a “ger”--a traditional Mongolian house.
In the back is one of the concrete block houses we were working
on. The photo gives a good picture of the Mongolian landscape.
This young girl was in charge of the baby
for the day. There's a Habitat for Humanity
sign in the back, and the background gives
some idea of the kind of neighborhood
we were working in.
about Safe Passage teams can
be found at:www.safepassage.
org/teams.
u u u
March/April 2011 Page 41

Page 42
The New Calliope

Show Up!
by David Bartlett
When I first heard the line, “90% of
success is just showing up,” I laughed.
After all, the guy who said it was Woody
Allen and you're supposed to laugh at
what he says. Over time I have come to
appreciate the incredible wisdom of that
observation.
It applies to all aspects of life.
Interpersonal relationships? Yep!
Parenting? Yep! Professional work?
Yep! Education and schooling? Yep!
Clowning?
Does it apply to clowning?
Absolutely! To more fully understand
this though what we need to do is create
some definitions. What is “success?”
What is “showing up?” And even before
we address those, we need to ask “What
is clowning?”
“Clowning” is a verb, meaning it
is an action, not a look. A commonly
accepted definition is that clowning is
the use of exaggerated human features
and traits in the effort to create humor
and elicit laughter. Based upon that
definition, “success” would be defined
as actually creating that humorous
atmosphere and actually getting the
laughs. And based on that definition,
90% of success in clowning simply
involves placing yourself in the actual
position where you could create humor
and elicit laughter.
(Still reading? Thanks! I get a lot of
glazed over eyes when I treat clowning
as a very serious and artistic endeavor.)
So, how do you become better and
more successful at clowning? Take more
classes? Learn more balloons? Practice
more magic? All that is worthwhile
stuff, but it is, in essence, part of the
other 10%. The un-scary, unchallenging
10%. The easy 10%.
Start with that 10%. It’s a good
start, but its just a start. Then somehow,
someway get yourself in front of an
audience. Show up!
The reason I am the clown I am
today, is that I loved making people
laugh so much I just kept showing up.
Showing up is where I learned that
people expect laughter from clowns.
Showing up is how I learned to
incorporate ballooning and magic into
clowning and not let those things eclipse
my clowning. Showing up is how I
learned to learn from failures.
So, in conclusion, if you really
want to become a funny, effective and
successful clown ... show up! A charity
walkathon this spring? Show up! A
hospital fund-raiser? Show up! A senior
citizens event? Show up! You only know
one thing to do? Show up and do it. As
you repeat it again and again and again
try to make it funny. Then try to make it
even funnier. Wherever and whenever
there is even the slightest opportunity
to perform and hone your clowning...
Show Up!
u u u
March/April 2011 Page 43

Members On The Move
Paul “Happy” Niemczyk has been going to
the North East Clown Institute in Plymouth,
MA for three years. He just completed his
fourth year in January 2011. Paul continues
to learn the art of clowning in order to
become a better clown.
Page 44
On Sunday, January 23, 2011, a
group of 53 clowns, including many
from Toby's Clown Alley in Lake
Placid, FL and other clown groups
from the USA, boarded the MSC
cruise ship Poesia for a seven day
cruise to the Caribbean.
The ship welcomed the group and
allowed them full use of the disco
lounge for three sea days. Classes
were led by Toby, Big Al, Giggles,
Bunky, Blondi and Clyde D Scope.
The crew of the Poesia (which
means Poem of the Sea in Italian)
invited the clown group to perform
in the Carlo Felice theater, the main
showroom, after attending some of
the classes with the clowns. Very
intensive rehearsals began for the
show on Friday morning and the
Poesia advertised the clown show
in the daily newsletter on board and
over the loudspeakers. All passengers
were invited to attend the show. Seats
filled up and overflowed into the
balcony.
It was quite a show! People
laughed and clapped. The energy and
joy was contagious. A photo shoot
was held following the production,
for the passengers and especially the
children. Everyone was invited to
have their pictures taken with Toby
the Clown and his clown friends. So
many people participated that the
ship's photographers were very busy.
The excitement lingered as
the clowns went to lunch. They
received a standing ovation from the
passengers as they entered the dining
room still dressed in clown and in
makeup. Toby and all the clowns
have been invited back by MSC
Cruise Lines and Toby hopes to make
this an annual event! Hope you can
join us on the next one. Please contact
Tobysclowns@embarqmail.com if
you would like more information.
The New Calliope

y Adrienne “Flash” Baxter
Florida Clown Day
The Uptown Clowns, affiliated with the City of
Largo, celebrated their 14th Annual Florida Clown
Day on Saturday, January 22, 2011. The purpose
of Florida Clown Day is to honor clowns who live
and work in Florida and who volunteer their time
and talents to the communities in which they live.
Clowns from all over Florida met in Largo Central
Park and spent the day making balloon animals,
passing out helium balloons, painting faces, doing
magic, juggling and just plain talking with the kids
and their families. This year, we had 139 clown.
We have had as many as 152 clowns in the past. It
is interesting to note that clowns come from as far
away as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois as well
as Georgia, North Carolina and other Southeastern
states. All clowns in full makeup are welcome to
participate. Each year, the Uptown Clowns Alley
gives a special gift to all the clowns who send in
their advance reservations.
Clowns come at their own expense and the
Uptown Clowns of Largo provide lunch for all
of the clowns. They also feed the clown vendors
in the Cultural Center who sell magic, costumes,
wigs, balloons, puppets, clown shoes, and novelty
items. This year's event included the following
vendors: Balloons and Clowns, Creative Arts
Store, Clown Shoes by Steve Roeske, Clowns of
America International, Mr. G's Magic, Treehouse
2011 Northeast Clown
Institute A Success
January 20-23 saw over 200 clowns from
all over the Northeast and as far away as
Florida get together in Plymouth, MA for fun,
education, some friendly competition and a
celebration of the art of clowning. Several
members of the Capital Region Clown Arts
Festival and family members attended. Some
of the Battenkill Joeys were present also. Bob
Weidner placed second in the Tramp/Hobo
Category. Nick Edwards (a Junior Joey) placed
in the Top Five of the White Face Category.
George Mudd nailed down a Top Five in the
Character Clown category. Jeremy Cunnif made
an excellent showing in a very large Auguste
category. John Edwards scored a Boston Bruin's
hockey stick signed by all the 2010-2011 and an
autographed photo after a large donation to the
Sneaker Fund auction which supports the Burn
Research Centers of the Shriner’s Hospital.
Fuddi-Duddy was appointed to the Institute’s
Board of Directors. Congratulations to one and
all!
Puppets & Treasures, Tutterow Dancers, J & J's
Waxed Hands and Sand, Thurston's Italian Ice
(Curtis Long), and Bruce Norris, Caricaturist.
This year’s sponsors included the following:
City of Largo; City of Largo Recreation, Parks
& Arts Department; Judith Noriega, Inc.; Kudos
Clown and Magic; LaRock’s Fun & Magic;
Pioneer Balloon Company; Red Nose Response;
Sam's Club, and Uptown Clowns of Largo.
This year's participating clown alleys included
the following:
Caloosa Clown Alley, Fort Myers, FL; Clown
Krewe, New Port Richey, FL; Clowns Galore,
Clearwater, FL; Clown Towners, New Port Richey,
FL; Spruce Creek Clown Club, Summerfield,
FL; Fun-N-Sun, Leesburg, FL; Holiday Travel
Clowns, Leesburg, FL; HTR Clown Club of
Cohoes, NY; Krackerjac Clown Alley, West Palm
Beach, FL; Sahib Clowns, Sarasota, FL; Tidewell
Hospice Clown Circle, Sarasota, FL; The Villages,
Leesburg, FL; Tri-County Clowns, The Villages,
FL; Uptown Clowns of Largo, FL.
Due to the cold and windy weather, the turnout
from the general public was smaller than usual due
to the temperature and wind, but we had a great
turnout of clowns and vendors. It was a wonderful,
fun-filled day!
Red Nose Response
Elects Officers
At the 2011 annual meeting of the Red
Nose Response executive board, Paul “Fuddi-
Duddy” Kleinberger was elected President;
Barbara “Sparky” Bird was elected Vice
President; Dianna “Lil Smidgen” Hale, was
elected Secretary; and, Dr. Robert “Quackee”
Cohen, was elected Treasurer. Bob “Bunky”
Gretton was appointed Education Director.
Jeremy Cohen and Marion Lovig continue
their service as Directors. Keith Stokes, Rita
Winter, Teresa Gretton and Matthew Lish
continue to serve in advisory capacities. RNR,
founded and organized in 2005, has grown to
830+ responders. It is a non-profit tax exempt
response organization whose mission is to bring
smiles to the rescue following a catastrophe
in North America. Responders provide soft
assistance to the catastrophe’s victims and relief
workers. Responders also support responding at
relief agencies with clown power, fundraising
efforts and awareness heightening.
ORCO Clowns
Celebrate 40
Years!
The year was 1971. Some
Shrine Clowns in northern
New York got together to
organize the Oriental Shrine
Clowns. Their purpose was
to foster fellowship and
keep the art of clowning
alive by learning, sharing
and performing as often as
possible. The laughter has
flowed forth from this group
ever since.
The NORCO Clowns
have often been recognized
in local, regional, national
and international venues.
Many members have
won accolades and
awards at Shrine Imperial
Sessions, COAI and WCA
Conventions. Others have
been featured in newspapers,
on television and across
the web as they have
performed on behalf of the
children served by Shriner’s
Children Hospitals and other
children's charity efforts
over the years. As a unit of
the Oriental Shrine Center in
Troy, they have performed at
circuses, community events,
parades, fundraisers, and
fraternal happenings for 40
years. They have actively
been involved with COAI.
Several NORCO members
are also members of the
Capital Region Clown Arts
Festival and serve COAI as
International Ambassadors.
They are celebrating 40
years of laughter. Let’s
celebrate with them!
March/April 2011 Page 45

Starring: Tom “Shoeperman” Bailes and Jerry “Dr. Dufus” Dodson
Photographer: Tim “Sawdust” Laynor; Script: Ann “Tuttles” Sanders
Creature
What do you
call a creature with
three eyes?
Foto Funnies
Blue skin….
Five legs….
And huge
claws?
What do you call a
creature with 3 legs,
blue skin, 5 legs and
huge claws?
Extremely
ugly!!!
If you have a Foto Funny you would like to submit, send high resolution photos along with your script to:
New Calliope, P.O. Box 1171, Englewood, FL 34295-1171. Email: NewCalliopeEditor@comcast.net.
NOTE: If sending jpg electronic images, please take the digital pictures at your camera’s highest resolution!
Page 46
The New Calliope

A Final Word from the Editor
WOW! This issue is jam
packed. I had a difficult time
getting everything in. In
fact, I didn't get everything
in. Keep submitting your
photos, articles and anything
that may be of interest to
the general membership. A
special thank you to Trisha
Manuel for her series of
articles, and to Karen Bell
and Robin Eurich for there
series of articles. These three
fromer Ringling Brothers
and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Clowns draw on many years
of professional clowning
at the highest level. Their
willingness to take the time
and share there years of
experience is gratifying and
help to make this publication
a valuable tool for clowns
of all levels. Take advantage
The New
CALLIOPE ADVERTISING RATES
BLACK & WHITE Full 1/2 1/4 1/8
OPEN $375 $220 $150 $85
3X Contract $350 $205 $135 $75
6X Contract $330 $195 $125 $70
4 COLOR
OPEN $470 $275 $190 $110
3X Contract $440 $260 $170 $95
6X Contract $420 $245 $160 $90
SPECIAL PAGES (4 Color ONLY)
Outside Back Cover: $550
Inside Front & Inside Back: $500 (full) - $300 (1/2)
Newton Studios, Inc.
370 West Dearborn Street, Suite B, Englewood FL 34223
941-474-4351 • Fax 941-474-8317
editor: NewCalliopeEditor@comcast.net
production and ad sales: NewCalliopeAds@comcast.net
of Karen and Robin's
experiences in Anaheim, CA.
They have several classes
there.
Congratulations to
Keith “Toby” Stokes for
receiving COAI's Lifetime
Achievement Award. Keith
has a very long history with
COAI, and has spent many
hours helping to shape this
organization. His heart is
with COAI and clowning.
Catching him speechless is
next to impossible, but this
award has left him in that
condition.
The excitement is
building as the time nears
for this year's Conventions.
There is still time to make
arrangements for the national
convention in Anaheim, CA.
All Alleys who have 100% COAI Membership may purchase ads at the lowest rate
available less 10%. For more details, contact Tom.
You too can “Be A Star”.
This is a great opportunity to
grow your clown. It's also an
opportunity to soak in all that
southern California has to
offer, including Disney as the
convention hotel is a Disney
property.
Please note: If you
are competing in the
competitions at the COAI
National Convention in
Anaheim, CA, you must
have your current COAI
card or you won't be able
to compete.
California, here come the
clowns!
u u u
Note: All emailed items
must have a resolution
of not less than 300
pixels per inch at 100%
size).
High resolution PDF files
must had the photos and
fonts embedded.
Microsoft Publisher files
can not be used. If you
use Publisher contact us
and we can send you
instructions on how to
convert your file to a
jpeg.
Any questions re:
emailing files,
call Tom Newton at
941-474-4351 or
email him at
NewCalliopeAds
@comcast.net
The New
C u A u L u L u I u O u P u E
Our Advertisers in March/April 2011 Issue!
We appreciate your support!!
All American Balloon............... 48
Angel’s Artistic Endeavors....... 31
Balloons To You....................... 14
Bubba’s.................................... 29
C&B House of Clowns............. 29
Cherri-Oats & Company........... 10
Clown City Shoes..................... 31
Clown Supplies.......................... 8
Clowns of the Universe............ 39
ClownSummit.Com.................. 39
COAI Merchandise................... 42
Costumes by Betty................... 15
Daytona Magic......................... 29
Dewey's Good News Balloons... 8
La Rock's Fun & Magic............ 18
Laugh It Up Clownstuff............ 10
Mooseburger Originals............ 37
Silly Farm Supplies.................. 32
Spear's Specialty Shoe Co....... 24
Specialty Insurance................. 30
T. Myers Magic........................ 24
TnT Costumes........................... 8
EVENTS
California Clown Campin......... 24
Clownfest................................. 40
COAI 2011 Convention.............. 6
FABAIC...................................... 2
Four Seasons Clown Camp...... 37
Minnesota Magic..................... 37
Red Skelton Clown School...... 15
Articles and advertising should be sent to
Newton Studios,
370 W. Dearborn Street, Ste B,
Englewood FL 34223
941.474.4351 Fax 941.474.8317
NewCalliopeEditor@comcast.net
NewCalliopeAds@comcast.net
Unsolicited articles or pictures must include
return postage, self-addressed envelope.
DEADLINES:
May/June 2011: April 1
July/Aug. 2011: June 1
Sept./Oct. 2011: Aug.1
March/April 2011 Page 47