NovDec11

Page 2
The New Calliope

Jackie
LeClaire
by Karen Bell and Robin Eurich
Jackie LeClaire is an American
clowning icon. Having been raised
and instructed by his well respected
father, White Face Jack LeClaire, on the
Ringing Bros. & Barnum and Bailey
Circus, Jackie joined the show in 1944
as an aerialist, eventually developing a
beloved clown character. According to a
recent conversation with Leon McBride,
Jackie is the only active clown from the
pre-Ringing Clown College days (1968).
He recently came out of retirement to
become Circus Sarasota’s Ambassador
of Mirth and has produced a number of
shows, making him, at 84, a continuing
inspiration to professional and amateur
clowns across America.
His accolades include: Induction into
the International Clown Hall of Fame,
Sarasota’s Circus Ring of Fame and
Ringling Museum Circus Celebrity. We
had the honor to be granted an interview
with Jackie LeClaire, whose career,
talent and willingness to share with
others, embodies the heart and soul of
clowning.
Karen and Robin: How did you learn
to clown?
Jackie: The school of hard knocks!
Circus clowns were a very strict society
back then. In my era the 40’s, when I
first started clowning with my father…
they were very serious about clowning. I
got a lot more tenderness because I was
my father’s son but I was still a First of
May. Nobody was hesitant to say ‘You
don’t have enough clown white on the
back of your neck,’ ‘Put your makeup
behind your ears,’ ‘Look at your shoes,
they should be whitened.’ You were
constantly being reminded they took
it so seriously
themselves. If
you look at the
makeups of that
era they were
incredible. Look
at Felix Adler, he
would stand in front
of the mirror and he
would put it on like
a masterpiece on a
canvas. And he was
very proud of what
he did, they all were.
I think you have to
be proud of your
appearance and what you do, not just say
Hey look, I’m a clown! When I looked
around at all my mentors so great in
their makeup and efforts, it would pull
me up and make me want to be a better
clown.
At first I was the assistant and my
father did the principle stuff. He was
strict in training. He had only black and
white in his thinking, no grey areas.
Even performing for the low price ticket
seats would not make any difference or
if there was no audience, we still did our
entire clown gag.
We were never close to the audience.
We did not shake hands with anybody
coming in and we rarely met any
children. We had to think of projecting,
it was the biggest thing. My voice is
loud, my father was very good at that
too. Felix was the greatest visual clown
that the circus had in those days. He
walked in the ring with his big white suit
and collar and the makeup, grotesque
white, half wig, he was tall, you could
spot him from the other end of the big
continued on page 5
Above: Jackie's current
character is that of “The
Ambassador of Mirth”
with Circus Sarasota.
© Ripley Odell
Left: © Life Touch
Jackie, age 4 with Felix Alder (L) and
father, Jack LeClair with one of Felix’s
famous Performing Pigs.
Photo courtesy of Jackie LeClaire.
Jackie’s father adjusting his costume in
this publicity photo for Ringling Bros. and
Barnum Bailey Circus. Use courtesy of ©
Feld Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
November/December 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@
comcast.net
Southeast:
Kent Sheets
4375 St. Clair Ave. W
N. Ft. Myers, FL 33903
(239) 995-8881
SheetsKent@aol.com
South Central:
Dale Flashberg
452 English Oaks Circle
Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 331-8941
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 Website: 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: Albert Alter
5848 S.E. 18th Ave.Portland, OR 97202
(503) 231-8576 - altered @europa.com
Junior Joeys: Cheri Venturi, 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
$20 of the COAI 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 (EST)
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
Jackie
continued from page 3
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.
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November/December 2011
ARTICLES
Jackie LeClaire..........................3
India.......................................17
FEATURES
Ring Of Laughter....................18
Last Walk Around...................25
Good Cheer.............................25
Oh What A Tangled Web We
Weave!...............................28
Character Development Of An
Auguste Clown...................30
The Anatomy Of An Auguste
Clown Costume..................31
Looking Through Clown Eyes.38
Members On The Move..........43
Look Who's Reading..............45
Foto Funnies...........................46
SKILLS/IDEAS/TIPS
Happy Holiday Reindeer.......... 26
Become A Cartoon................... 39
To Wig Or Not To Wig.............. 40
COAI NEWS
President’s Comments..............9
COAI 2012 Elections...............10
COAI NEWS continued
Requirements To Run For Office
...........................................10
COAI Wants To Pay For Your
Membership.......................13
Who Me?................................14
COAI Education.......................15
COAI Needs You.....................16
Candidate Procedures For
Election Of Officers.............16
International Ambassadors.....20
How To Register On
The COAI Website...............24
New Members........................33
Alley Report............................34
Financial Report......................34
Southeast Regional VP...........34
COAI Application.....................35
COAI Application (Spanish)....36
Calendar.................................37
Convention Report..................37
Sergeant-at-Arms...................38
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 1171, Englewood, FL 34295-1711
Periodicals Postage Paid at Richeyville, PA
and additional mailing offices.
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
COAI, Bus. Mgr. • P.O. Box 1171 • Englewood FL 34295-1171.
l l l
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.
Karen Bell working with Jackie LeClaire at Circus Sarasota.
top. That is what we needed,
to be seen and heard.
I enjoyed clowning then,
but not as much as in later
years. That’s when I really
became a clown, it became
my career. Clowning is a very
serious business, extremely
so, just like in Robin’s TV
show. Everyone thinks you
are having such a good time,
the truth is you are thinking
about how the gags are going
to play. The greatest joy and
fun you have in clowning
is in accomplishment. The
joy is in doing a show and
doing it well. It is not instant
gratification, not putting on
the makeup, looking in the
mirror and saying ‘I’m a
clown!’
Karen: Steve Smith said
‘You can’t call yourself a
clown; you can’t decide you
are a clown just because you
want to be one.’
Jackie: True; the audience
decides. You can say you are
a clown in your publicity but
only in your performance can
you prove you are a clown.
Robin: I remember you
saying you never took classes.
Jackie: I did take classes
every day we worked,
particularly with my father.
I would get a lecture about
what we did right and what
we did wrong, there was
always critique. We should
have done this we should
have done that. Every show
we were trying to make it
better, and you do. You get
better by doing. It is very
hard to develop a solo piece
when you are on Ringling
because you are always
working with a group of
clowns. When I went to work
for Rich Plan Frozen Foods
I was all alone on stage and
all of a sudden I realized I
continued on page 7
ON OUR COVER
Jackie LeClaire looks lost in the vastness of the arena
as he waits for the arrival of his audience in a Madison
Square Garden appearance of Ringling Bros and
Barnum & Bailey Circus, circa 1948 or 1949.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Circus. Use courtesy of
© Feld Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
November/December 2011 Page 5

Don't Forget To
Renew Your COAI
Membership Today!
Page 6
The New Calliope

can’t carry all those props. I
never will forget the time I
did my first kiddy matinee
in Raleigh, NC. I went
to a store and bought all
this magic stuff, I bought
enough magic stuff to put
Copperfield out of business.
All the magic stuff was in a
big basket and I am standing
backstage thinking, ‘boy I’m
going to be the best thing
there ever was.’ This little
kid goes on stage before me,
about 9 years old, and he
does a trick that I have in my
basket. So I push it aside and
say, Oh, I’m not going to do
that trick, then he did another
trick and another. When he
got done he must have done
everything I had brought
and so I said, to heck with
it I am just going to go out
and be me. I went out did a
few little falls, danced, some
funny walks and it was great.
I knew right then that I had
to be the thing, not the prop.
The material, the show, has
to be there but you have got
to be the one that drives the
comedy.
I tell clowns to perform
somewhere, if only for the
kids next door. You will
never learn to clown in the
living room!
We are all children at
heart. To be a good clown
you need to have a childlike
attitude-not a childish
attitude- to look at life
that way. You need to be
emotionally involved to a
point that your heart is in it.
It isn’t just the physical part,
I got a laugh, almost all your
good performers are like
that. Red Skelton was 100%
that way, everything he did
had a message.
Robin: The vast majority
While working for Rich Plan Corp. Jackie performed at schools and hospitals.
Photo courtesy of Jackie LeClaire.
of us will never be Circus
Clowns but the dedication,
inspiration and methods of
working we hear from Jackie
apply to us all. His decadeslong
career is not at an end
because of his spirit, love
and commitment to the Art of
Clowning.
Jackie had much more
to say and we were unable
it fit it into this article.
If you would like to see
the full article and more
photos please visit; www.
FoolsForYou.com/Jackie.
For a slide show on Jackie
LeClaire go to: youtube.com/
watch?v=KCzJEGzOED0
This side show was put
together to be shown at the
Ringling Museum the night
Jackie receivedhis 2010
Circus Celebrity award.
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Business
Office Closed
The COAI Business Office will be
closed December 19th through
December 26th.
The office will re-open on
Tuesday, December 27th.
Enjoy The Season
November/December 2011 Page 7

Page 8
The New Calliope

President’s Comments
by Pam Bacher
I just returned from the
Fall board meeting at the
Coco Key Holiday Inn,
Kansas City, Mo., and we
were excited to see the hotel,
the indoor water park and
all the amenities. The host
alley is working hard to put
on a great convention. We all
arrived on Thursday. Most
of the board members flew
in. Others like myself rode
with Cathy and Cheri to save
money for the organization.
The hotel staff was very
accommodating and friendly.
Meetings began early in the
morning. The set agenda was
approved and we went to
work.
The morning meeting
consisted of officers reports,
and action items from our
Spring meeting. Then the
“Godfather,” portrayed by
none other than Dennis
Porter of the host alley,
showed up to put a little bit
of the roarin' 20’s attitude in
the meeting. The host alley
provided us lunch, and we
chatted about the convention
while we ate. We took a brief
tour of the hotel and then
back to work.
Among items from
the agenda, the board
discussed ideas to improve
the Lifetime Achievement
program, new merchandise
ideas and more. Elections
are coming up and all
officers were asked what
their intention was for
the upcoming term, Mike
Cox made sure all people
who are going to run for
office understood what was
required from them and went
over the election procedures.
Education Director Cheri
Venturi shared with us a
few education programs that
need updates.
A request to begin
to update procedures
for several of the board
functions was talked about
along with discussion of
ideas for a membership
drive, which I am personally
excited about. Read the
article “COAI Wants To
Pay For Your Membership”
found on page 13 of this
New Calliope. The board
decided on a new Honor
program for our members
who have passed on and left
their marks on clowning
and COAI, (which will
also be explained in this
issue). We discussed an
insurance company which
we are looking into,
communications avenues for
the board, along with brain
storming ideas to bring in
revenue.
The financial future of
our organization was a big
part of our daily discussions
as we met from 8 a.m. to
9 p.m. both days. Some
very tough decisions were
made by the board. I feel
the board should NOT be
about anyone individually,
it should be about putting
the egos aside (FYI Clown
egos can be large at times.)
It’s about team work. It was
a productive two days and I
want to thank the board for
their sacrifice and efforts.
Have you ever thought
about GIFTING a
membership? Well now
you have that opportunity.
It can be a great holiday
gift for anyone on our list
and will help support the
organization. See your
membership form in The
New Calliope.
Elections are just around
the corner and I hope
you will consider putting
your nose in the ring. I
personally truly love being
in my position and hope to
continue. It can be rewarding
to help run this organization,
without (in my case)
expecting anything in return
for your efforts except the
fulfillment and challenge.
Please consider running
for office. If you have any
questions contact your Vice
President, Mike Cox.
Challenge for the
membership: I would like to
know what keeps you as a
member of COAI.
What if you were
on the board (and I hope
you will be) how would you
obtain new members and
retain old members. I would
like to hear from you as
would Teresa Gretton, our
membership director. Please
contact one of us and give us
new fresh ideas.
I hope to see many of you
in Kansas City. I feel a rip
Roaring 20’s time coming
your way. Thanks to the
host alley for putting on the
convention. We cannot do it
without the alley’s support.
BUMP A NOSE
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Clownstuff
We have the best prices for all
your Facepainting needs.
12 Color Professional Case
Paula “Stickers” Biggio
P.O. Box 1023
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
847 698 3378 Fax 847 384 1822
www.clownstuff.com
November/December 2011 Page 9

COAI 2012 Elections Are Just Around The Corner
by Michael Cox
Executive Vice President
Clowns of America International will be
holding its bi-annual election of officers in
2012. Kolonial Klowns of Williamsburg
Alley 357 has been selected to coordinate
the tabulations for the elections and serve
as COAI’s election coordinators. Along
with working under my direction, they
will also work closely with the business
manager to determine eligibility of all
nominees to run for the office that they
may be seeking. Also, Alley 357 will
work with The New Calliope editor to
ensure that all candidates are presented to
the membership, will collect all ballots,
tally the votes, and report the election
results back to me. This will be done in
accordance with COAI Election Policy and
Robert’s Rules of Order.
The COAI President is nominated
from the existing Board members,
and is elected by a majority vote of
the membership. The Executive Vice
President (EVP), Secretary, Treasurer,
Sergeant at Arms, and Directors of
Membership, Education, Conventions
and Alley Support are nominated
and elected by majority vote from the
general membership. The Regional
Vice Presidents (RVP) are nominated
and elected by the majority vote in their
specific regions.
To hold an office in COAI, you must be
a member in good standing for no less than
two (2) years. To be elected to serve on
the board, a member must hold a regular,
senior or life membership and be at least
21 years of age. A nominee is not eligible
to be elected to a COAI office if he or
she is a voting officer of any National
or International Clown oriented
organization. This does not apply to
regional or local clown organizations
such as your local alley.
COAI officers are not compensated in
any manner for their services. COAI does
assist with help for travel, hotel and certain
administration costs while serving on the
Board. Each Board member is expected
to volunteer their time for their assigned
duties and responsibilities. Average time to
complete your duties will vary by position,
from two (2) to five (5) hours per week.
Each candidate should have a working
knowledge of computers, software such as
Word or Excel and have communication
skills, both verbal and written. Most
communication is done via computer
and it is recommended that the candidate
have access to a computer with Internet
capabilities. Average cost, out-of-pocket,
for administration is about $50. This may
vary.
The President shall be the chief
executive officer of the Corporation
and shall preside at all meetings of
the membership and shall see that all
orders and resolutions of the Board are
implemented. The President shall execute,
with consent of the Board, in the corporate
name, all authorized deeds, mortgages,
Requirements To Run For Office
Should you decide to throw your “wig” into the mix and run for a COAI Board position on the 2012 ballot
you must meet all eligibility requirements as established by the COAI By-Laws and State of Minnesota's
Non-Profit Corporation law. Requirements are:
1. You must be in good standing and a member of COAI for two years prior to nomination.
2. You must submit a declaration of your candidacy of not more that 250 words.
3. You must submit a non-clown photo not more than 5X7.
4. Everything must be Postmarked by January 15, 2012.
5. A nominee is not eligible for office if he or she is a voting officer of any National or International clown
oriented association. This does not apply to regional or local clown associations such as your local alley.
6. Only one member of a family shall serve on the Board at one time.
7. Send to: Kolonial Klowns of Williamsburg Alley 357
C/O Ann Sanders, Secretary
225 Lake View Drive
Toano, VA 23168
Guidelines for elections will be sent to all candidates as soon as the nominations have
closed. The guidelines will give you the do’s and don’ts of campaigning.
If you should have any questions, please email me at: coaiexecvp@aol.com.
Michael Cox, Executive Vice President
Page 10
The New Calliope

onds, contracts or other instruments
requiring a seal, under the seal of the
corporation (except in cases in which
signing of execution, therefore shall be
expressly delegated by the Board to some
other officer or agent of the corporation).
The President shall appoint, subject to the
approval of the Board of Directors, all
Standing and Special Committee members
unless otherwise specified in the bylaws.
The President shall be an ex-officio
member of all committees unless otherwise
specified in the bylaws. The President shall
attend to such other duties as directed by
COAI as are incidental or applicable to his/
her office as prescribed by the bylaws and
the parliamentary authority adopted by
COAI.
The Executive Vice President, in the
absence of the President or in case of the
inability of the President, shall perform the
function of the President and administration
of the organization. This requires
background in business, or personal
experience with auditing; preparing and
reading budgets; investments; planning;
and general knowledge of insurance and
policies would be a plus.
The Secretary shall attend all sessions
of COAI, act as the clerk thereof, record
all correspondence, votes and minutes
of all proceedings in the book to be kept
for that purpose and shall perform like
duties for the standing committees when
required. The Secretary shall give or cause
to be given notice of all meetings of the
Corporation and of the officers, when
required to do so by the President or the
Board. The Secretary shall answer all
correspondence that comes to COAI or
direct the correspondence to the appropriate
officers, and shall keep files and records of
all meetings. The Secretary will provide
all minutes to Board members as quickly
as possible after each meeting and must be
proficient in Word, Excel and other office
software programs.
The Treasurer, subject to the
supervision of the Board, shall have
custody of the Corporation funds and
securities, and shall keep full and accurate
account of receipts and disbursements in
books belonging to the Corporation and
shall monitor the deposit of all monies
and other valuable effects in the name,
and to the credit of the Corporation in
such depositories as may be designated by
the members. Should the members fail to
designate such depositories, the Board shall
designate the depositories. The books of
the Corporation shall be reviewed once a
year by an independent firm selected by the
Board. In the case of disability of both the
President and Executive Vice President, the
Treasurer shall assume the functions of the
President.
The Sergeant at Arms, under the
direction of the presiding officer, will
help to maintain order and decorum at
the meetings. The Sergeant at Arms will
act as a doorkeeper, direct the ushers,
and will be responsible for the comfort
and convenience of the assembly. The
Sergeant at Arms may also maintain a
staff of volunteer assistants, if necessary,
and is responsible for maintaining the
organization’s inventory and COAI
merchandise sales.
Director of Membership is responsible
for various membership efforts to include
Clown of the Year, International Clown
Week, Lifetime Achievement Award and
Excellence in Clowning Award; coordinates
recognition programs and provides advice
on membership issues to the Board.
Director of Conventions is responsible
for working with any and all alleys
that desire to submit a bid for future
conventions; works directly with alleys
that have been awarded the convention(s);
maintains convention criteria; coordinates
and oversees the convention competitions.
Director of Education is responsible
for all educational efforts of the
organization; administers grant and
scholarship programs; and provides
educational feedback of current programs
while providing input for future programs.
Directory of Regional and Alley
Support shall maintain alley records;
receive applications for new alleys;
issue charters and oversee the state and
international ambassador programs;
communicate with alleys and coordinate
alley and regional concerns with Regional
Vice Presidents.
The Regional Vice Presidents shall
be residents of the distinctly different
regions of the United States of America,
and international groupings, as designated
by the organization. They shall be elected
from and by the general membership in
their individual regions. No two may reside
in the same region and a Regional Vice
President must continue to live within the
geographical region from which he/she was
elected in order to remain eligible to hold
that position. Should the Regional Vice
President move outside of the region, the
Board shall declare the office vacant and
fill the position as provided elsewhere in
these Bylaws. The Regional Vice President
shall represent the President and COAI
when requested to do so by the President or
the Board.
Term of office is set for two (2) years,
beginning July 1, 2012 and until June 31,
2014.
If you desire to place your name on
the ballot for election and you meet all the
before said criteria, you must:
• Submit a written declaration of your
candidacy of not more than 250
words.
• Submit a non-clown photo not more
than 5”x7”.
Submissions must be mailed and
postmarked by January 15, 2012 to the
2012 COAI Election Coordinators listed
below. We suggest you send everything
in early and not wait for the deadline.
International candidates should check to
see how long it will take for their mailing
to arrive in the States. Late mailings will
not be accepted. All declarations sent to
any other address will be disqualified.
Send your written declaration and photo
to the 2012 Election Coordinators at the
following address:
Kolonial Klowns of Williamsburg Alley 357
C/O Ann Sanders, Secretary
225 Lake View Drive
Toano, VA 23168
Guidelines for elections will be sent to
all candidates as soon as the nominations
have closed. The guidelines will give you
the dos and don’ts of campaigning. If
you have questions prior to the deadline,
please contact me directly by email at
coaiexecvp@aol.com.
Thank You.
l l l
November/December 2011 Page 11

Page 12
The New Calliope

COAI Wants To Pay For
Your Membership$$$
That’s right! In view
of these tough economic
times, Clowns of America
International has devised
a program for you to have
your membership paid …
FOR FREE. Here’s how it
works.
Beginning January 1,
2012 and ending at the
stroke of midnight on ‘April
Fool’s Day’ (And this is not
an April fool’s joke!) for
every NEW member you
bring into COAI, you will
have three months added
on to your membership
immediately. That’s what
we’re saying, one new
member equals three more
months and those months
are added on right away.
So if you bring in four
(4) new members, YOUR
membership is FREE for
one year.
BUT IT DOESN’T
STOP THERE! If you bring
in six new members you’ll
get a year and a half added
to your membership. As
soon as the new members
are fully registered and paid,
you get your additional
months. Eight new
members, you’ll get two
years. And so on, and so on,
because there is NO LIMIT.
The more members you
recruit, the more months
and years you can receive
for FREE.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S
MORE!! We are adding
more fun by making this a
contest. On April 2 we tally
up all the “New” joeys.
The one member with the
most “New” joeys will be
declared the COAI TOP
RECRUITER and will
receive:
• One ADDITIONAL
year added on to your
membership … for free.
• A brand new black
COAI logo shirt with
2012 TOP RECRUITER
embroidered on it …for
free
• An article about YOU in
the New Calliope.
• A picture of you with
your new shirt, in the
slide show, on the home
page at www.coai.org
• A certificate of
appreciation as COAI’s
TOP RECRUITER
• A special presentation
at the 2012 COAI
International Convention
in Kansas City, MO., if
you choose to attend
BUT WAIT, THERE IS
STILL A LOT MORE:
If you are the winner
of the COAI TOP
RECRUITER, and you
have recruited more than
25 NEW MEMBERS you
will also receive one FREE
FULL REGISTRATION
to the 2013 COAI
International Convention
held in Richmond, Virginia!
COAI understands
just how hard everyone
has to work to make ends
meet these days. So we
are trying to do our part to
help our members. There
is an awful lot going on in
this promotion, but that’s
because there is an awful lot
for you at COAI. Now what
are you waiting for? Get out
there and start working ...
FOR FREE
Rules For This
Promotion:
• A New Member is
anyone who has not been
a member of Clowns of
America International
for the past three years.
They will receive a NEW
COAI number when they
register for membership.
• The new member must
have your name and
COAI number on their
registration to get credit.
• We prefer new members
to register on the website
at: www.coai.org, but
will accept membership
forms by mail, fax or
email. These should be
directed to the business
office listed on page 4 of
The New Calliope.
• If you cannot make it to
the COAI Convention in
Kansas City, MO, you
will still be announced
as the winner at the
banquet, and will receive
rewards including the
full registration, by mail.
• This membership
promotion begins
January 1, 2012 and
ends April 1, 2012.
• In the event of a tie for
the COAI Top Recruiter,
the person who recruited
the most new joeys
FIRST, will be declared
the winner.
• Lifetime members can
gift their reward months
to a non-lifetime member
• This promotion is
intended for individual
members; Alleys may
work in unison but must
use individual COAI
member numbers for
rewards. Rewards are
transferable after contest
results, if requested in
writing
l l l
November/December 2011 Page 13

Who Me? ... Run For The Board?
by Cheri Venturi
YES ... YOU! Why
not? COAI elections are
next year. Now is the time
to start thinking about
nominations that will be
due in January. You can
nominate yourself, or have
someone nominate you.
There are requirements that
COAI has for nominees,
but there are also personal
qualifications. Do you have
the following?
1. Do you love clowning?
The future of COAI
depends on people who
step up and answer the
call. Anyone can sit
back and allow others to
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serve. It takes a special
person who is passionate
about clowning and their
organization to accept
the challenge. How hard
can it be to work with
fellow clowns who all love
clowning?
2. Are you concerned
about the future of COAI?
By serving on the Board,
you insure the continuation
of COAI as the “Largest
Clown Organization in
the World.” Pride in your
organization is a very
important qualification.
Wouldn’t you like to be
a part of COAI history?
Who will pass on the Red
Nose if we don’t keep a
good organization going by
serving its members well.
3. Do you want to
perpetuate the “Art of
Clowning?”
At one time circus
clowning was passed on from
family member to family
member. I have attended
Circus Flora in St. Louis
where they continue to
support circus families and
clowns. I have also attended
The Blue Unit of Ringling
and saw all the new clowns
that were trained by other
clowns, not their immediate
family. If COAI does not
continue selflessly to keep the
“art” of clowning going, we
will lose one of our precious
natural resources, to say
nothing of the humor. COAI
may not be producing circus
clowns, but its very essence is
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Page 14
The New Calliope

keeping the “art form” in the
public eye. We continue to be
ambassadors for the “Clown
World.”
4. Do you enjoy friendly
competition?
Friendly competition is
healthy for all walks of life.
People feel they can’t run
against an incumbent. Why
not? No one should have
a free ride to office. If that
were the case, COAI would
stall out. There would be no
new ideas. We would become
stagnant. Everyone brings
something special to the
table. Everyone views issues
through different eyes. If you
meet the requirements, RUN!
It will give the incumbent the
message that they had better
work hard to maintain that
position and at the very least
it will give you exposure for
future elections. It really is a
win, win situation.
5. Can you take two
weekends a year off to attend
meetings?
One of the most important
commitments is to attend two
meetings a year. These are
very important, and COAI
members have made it more
financially possible. Check out
the assistance you will receive
for attending meetings.
Attendance at the National
Convention is not required but
the meetings that precede the
Convention are, so perhaps
you can only attend for the
two days. OK, do your best.
Offer to help on committees
and special projects.
6. Can you turn on your
computer?
Everyone needs to
be connected through
technology. Do you have
to be a techy genius? NO.
But you do need to have
a computer available for
discussions, news and
possibly in the future for
meetings. This is the way of
the world. There are people
on the Board that will assist
you in various techniques.
For almost 30 years,
COAI has been blessed with
people who were willing to
share their time to insure that
the organization continues
to serve its members. Many
have given of their time
and energy for one term or
several. It is again time to
have some new
people take over
and present their fresh ideas.
The only prerequisite is a
desire to see that the “art of
clowning” continues to serve
the next generations. Bring
your special gifts to COAI.
Remember: You do not
need a business degree. You
do need common sense. You
don’t need to be the moon,
just be a star that is willing to
share its light.
If you have any questions,
ask anyone on the Board. Our
emails and phone numbers
are listed on page 4 of every
New Calliope. We Look
forward to hearing from you.
l l l
COAI Education
by Cheri Venturi
Scholarships
It is time to think about
applying for the Scholarship
program. Go to www.coai.
org on the Internet. Click
on education and then click
on Scholarships. All we ask
is that you send in a short
article for The New Calliope
after attending the event.
COAI considers all
forms of educational
experiences. Scholarships
are not based on need but
on desire to further one’s
clown education. You can
apply for registrations for
conventions, workshops,
etc. Think about it. It is your
chance to attend a camp or
workshop of your choice.
Look it up today.
The holidays are
approaching and we become
very busy. Don’t let this
opportunity pass you by.
A convention or a camp
would be a very nice clown
Christmas present, especially
if it is accompanied by a
scholarship. Deadline for
scholarships: Postmarked
by March 1, 2012.
Attention
Junior Joeys
COAI is looking with
great anticipation to the
Convention in Kansas City.
We are asking all Junior
Joeys to please register
before Feb. 28, 2012. We
must have a guarantee
of five attendees or we
will not be able to have a
“Convention Junior Joey
Program” this year.
Due to arrangements,
lectures, space, and
funding, we and the
Kansas City Alley 217
need to have some idea
of how many students we
will be expecting. We are
developing a schedule at the
moment with the hope we
will get around 10 students.
However, if we are to
continue for this convention
we will need a minimum of
five.
Should we not
reach our goal of
five, then the students will
be able to pay the Junior
Joey rate and attend all the
classes, party and dinner.
If the Junior Joey wants to
compete then he/she will
have to pay the adult price
for Registration, as there
will be no Junior Joey
Showcase.
Go to www.coai.org
and click on conventions.
This will take you to the
convention website for
further information and a
tentative schedule.
We look forward to
seeing our Juniors at the
convention.
l l l
November/December 2011 Page 15

COAI NEEDS YOU
by Michael Cox
Executive Vice President
Well, the COAI Board just
completed their Fall board meeting
and I have election news to share as
a result of this meeting. The COAI
elections are being held next year
and the Board will have four definite
vacancies where the incumbent will
not be running for another term. (We
encourage all members who have a
desire to serve, to run for any office
they wish regardless of whether an
incumbent is running or not.) I would
like to share this information with
the membership and encourage our
members to consider running for a
COAI office. COAI needs you!
The incumbents for the following
positions will be vacating their Board
positions as of June 30, 2012 and are
not running for re-election:
Treasurer,
Sergeant at Arms,
Director of Education,
Northwest Regional Vice President.
The COAI Treasurer is a very
important position within COAI and
the member seeking this position
needs an accounting background
and the desire to take over these
responsibilities for several terms of
office once elected (preferred but not
required).
The description of each office can
be found in our bylaws that can be
accessed via our COAI website; in my
previous article relating to the 2012
COAI elections in this issue; or by
contacting me directly via email at
coaiexecvp@aol.com.
The criteria for declaring your
name for election is explained in my
article on page 10. Please note the
deadline which is very important.
l l l
Candidate Procedures For
Election Of COAI Officers
1. Convention procedure:
a. Ads may be placed in the convention program book, not to exceed ½ of a page or $50 cost.
b. Displays: There will be a designated area at the convention hotel where posters and flyers can be
placed for all to see. This location will be announced at the convention. There will be no posting
of posters, flyers, or stickers throughout the hotel or elevators. This will put the host alley in a
disfavorable light with the hotel and may cause added expenses for clean up.
c. Meet the Candidates: COAI will host a “meet the candidates” time during the annual convention.
During this designated time, the candidates can hand out inexpensive trinkets, stickers and flyers.
Candidates not attending the convention should designate a person who will hand out his/her
information.
2. COAI Database
COAI reminds all candidates that any and all use of the COAI Database is restricted and not
acceptable for use by candidates.
3. The New Calliope
Due to cost of placing an ad or article, we are banning the use of The New Calliope for campaigning
other than the allowed one-time submission of declaration for your candidacy, at no cost to the
candidate. No other submission allowed.
4. Social Media – COAI Facebook page and COAI web site
No campaigning will be allowed on the COAI Facebook page nor on the COAI website forums.
The procedures listed above are put in place to make sure no one candidate will have an unfair
advantage over another candidate.
Page 16
The New Calliope

y
Toto Johnson
“Incredible”… “Amazing”…
“Stupendous”… “Magical”…
“Fantastic”… “Astounding”…
These are just a few of the words
I can use to describe my recent trip
to India for the second International
Clown Festival to be held in Mumbai
(Bombay).
Well, I can use these very powerful
words to TRY to describe my trip but,
in reality, there are no words in the
English language that can truly capture
just how wonderful the experience was.
How can I possibly describe what
it is like to visit the Tata Memorial
Hospital to do a show for 150 kids
with cancer and their families? How
can I show you the emotion of then
going room- to-room for a bit of
personal time with those kids who were
either too ill or who were undergoing
treatment at the time and could not
make it to the auditorium?
How do I tell you about the 300
street children who watched us do a
one-hour stage show…or about the
“children of all ages” who learned
a bit about clowning through the
workshops we held…or about the fun
I had at a shopping mall doing “meet
and greet”…or about how many times
I had to fall down filming a spot on
the hugely popular “Comedy Circus”
television show?
How on earth can I
let you know how
much respect
and admiration
I have for the
other clowns who
performed at the
festival? We came
from four countries
(Martin “Flubber”
D’Souza from India,
Sam Tee from Malaysia,
Mike Hirschbach and
Kristin Langille Dahl from
Canada, Greg Parks, Julie
“Lovely Buttons” Varholdt,
Joe Vecciarelli, and myself from the
USA) and from different backgrounds
and performing styles. In a day-long
brainstorming session we combined our
strengths, our abilities, and our desire
to work together as a “family” to create
a 1 hour and 40 minute theatre show
complete with a story line, a script, live
music, juggling, magic, slapstick, aerial
acts, puppetry, contortion, physical
comedy, and much more!
How will I be able to show you
that we were treated like celebrities?
Martin, his wife Roshni, and everyone
on the staff from Light House
Entertainment took care of every single
detail. The apartment we all stayed in
was marvelous…and the live-in cook
kept us all extremely well fed with
his delicious creations. The media
(newspaper and TV) was everywhere
we went. We
appeared all
over Mumbai
on posters...
and banners…
and buses…and
billboards! One
night we were
even brought to a
VIP area for the
largest DANDIYA
dancing
celebration in all
of Mumbai…
over 5,000 people
in traditional
costume….and danced until we could
dance no more!
How do I describe just how
enthusiastic our audiences were during
the theatre shows? The laughter and
applause in St. Andrew’s Auditorium
was tremendous! The “icing on
the cake” was the fact that nearly
everyone who attended the theatre
shows remained after each and every
performance to take photos with us.
Yes, I can TRY to describe all of
these things…and so much more…but
there is absolutely no way I can even
begin to scratch the surface. In order to
truly understand you had to be there.
You had to have experienced the sights,
the smells, the sounds, the tastes, the
textures for yourself. I will be forever
grateful to Martin, Roshni, my fellow
clowns, and everyone involved in
making the second International Clown
Festival in India the all-around amazing
adventure that it was. I will hold our
10 days together in my heart and soul
always.
I will also be hoping and praying
for a bright and exciting future of more
clown festivals in India…so that more
of you reading this now will be able to
experience the magic for yourselves.
I, myself, am ready to get on a plane
again already.
l l l
November/December 2011 Page 17

Ring of LAUGHTER
Think of everything
you could pack into a
clown routine. Then
try to imagine it as part of a
90-minute show. The show
is two hours, including a
15-minute intermission. The
clowns of Circus Smirkus
deliver such a performance
and more! The 24 th Big Top
Tour, Front Page Follies, is
filled with side-splitting skits,
comical slapstick, skilled
juggling, and perfectly
executed pratfalls. Their
high jinks are not confined
to center ring. Oh no! Their
antics often spill over (and
often on) to the audience.
From personal experience,
I know that when clowns
forecast rain, it rains!
What makes the show even
more amazing is the fact that
the troupers range in age
from 10 to 18 and they only
have three weeks of rehearsal
before opening night!
Circus Smirkus got its
start in 1985 when Rob
Mermin, veteran of various
famed European circuses
and a former Dean of Clown
College for Ringling Bros.
and Barnum & Bailey Circus,
found land nestled in rural
Greensboro, Vermont.
His journey, to realize his
dream of creating a circus
that children could run
TOWARD, had begun.
Photo byAlex Zaprudsky
Page 18
He selected a 200-year-old
farmhouse to serve as the
headquarters – the site where
the Circus Barn, the circus’
headquarters, is currently
located. In the summer of
1987, the circus gave its
first performance. Thus
began, what has become the
non-profit, award-winning,
international youth circus
with the comical name,
Circus Smirkus. From his
book, Circus Smirkus: A True
Story of High Adventure &
Low Comedy, Mermin writes,
“I wanted to give kids the
chance I once had to run
away and join the circus,
without having to run away
from home.”
Jesse Dryden, creative
director, describes the
clowning at Smirkus as, “...
stylized with the spirit of
one-ring European character
clowning, combined with a
strong American-style pulse,
all peppered with a touch
of playful whimsy.” The
rehearsal period is a matter
of simultaneously training
in technique (slapstick and
physical comedy), as well
as character, timing and
chemistry, all the while
discovering/writing gags for
the show. It is, in essence, a
compressed Clown College.
“It is a great privilege and
by Ann “Tuttles” Sanders
Photo by Tim Laynor
Photo by Tim Laynor
Photo byAlex Zaprudsky
Photo by Alex Zaprudsky
Photo by Tim Laynor
The New Calliope

pleasure to be part of the
formative years for so many
future clowns. I am always
proud when one of my
students continues on into
the clowning world,” says
Dryden.
And continue they do!
Former Smirkos (as troupers
are called) graduates are
performing with circuses
As a company,
Circus Smirkus
is ruled not by
the book, but
by the heart.
Rob Mermin, Founder
throughout the world:
Ringling Bros. and Barnum
& Bailey Circus, Cirque du
Soleil, and Big Apple Circus,
and Sea World, just to name
a few.
With sold-out
performances being the
norm, the premise of the
2011 show was a comical
news broadcast. While the
clowns (naturally!) are my
favorite performers, they
are just one aspect of the
immense talent that has been
assembled. There are also
graceful acrobats, fearless
wire-walkers, and intrepid
aerialists, all displaying an
amazing professionalism.
The circus is nothing short
of incredible and, rightfully
so, thunderous applause
erupts throughout the
performance.
As with any live
performance, things do
not always go according to
plan. First year performer
Sarah Tiffin, 14, of Berkeley,
California, shares, “Once
during my clown gag, my
prop (a camera) broke.
Someone in the audience
gave me theirs.” While Sarah
is also a skilled aerialist, she
adds, “I love clowning more
because I love the feeling
when people smile and
laugh.”
In addition to being a
clown in the show, another
first year performer Sam
Ferlo, 14, of Rome, New
York, is an accomplished
juggler. Sam started juggling
when he was only 7-yearsold.
Trying out for Circus
Smirkus was a dream come
true. Like Sam says, “Believe
that you can and nothing
can stop you!”
While Sarah isn’t certain
that she’ll continue as a
circus performer, Sam has
high hopes of becoming
a professional
clown. Sam
inherited his
father’s love for
performing and
the circus. He is
the son of the late
Theodore “Teddy”
Ferlo, a Ringling
Brothers and
Barnum & Bailey
Circus clown from
1986-1991.
Smirkus’
permanent
headquarters is
located
in Vermont, but troupers
for the Big Top Tour come
from across the country:
Washington, Pennsylvania,
Texas, New York, Vermont,
New Jersey, California,
New Hampshire, Illinois,
Maine, Idaho, Minnesota,
Massachusetts and Georgia.
Emily Gare, 13, whose
specialty is Hula Hoops and
the swinging trapeze, is from
New Zealand! According to
Marialisa Calta, the public
relations specialist for
Smirkus, “This year (2011),
14 of the 29 troupers were on
the show for the first time.
Circus Smirkus was named
the “United Nations of the
Youth Circus World.” Family
Fun magazine called Circus
Smirkus “one of America’s
best circuses.” Smirkus does
Photo by Tim Laynor
70 plus shows in eight weeks
in a 750-seat European style
big top.
If the opportunity ever
presents itself, go to a
performance and decide for
yourself. My vote includes a
standing ovation!
l l l
Photos courtesy of Alex
Zaprudsky, Circus Smirkus
Tour Communications Intern
and Tim Laynor.
Photo by Tim Laynor
Photo by Tim Laynor
November/December 2011 Page 19

Traveling The World As Ambassadors
AMBASSADORS
by Amanda “Smartee Pants”
O’Leary
I have just returned
from Denmark where Annie
“Annie Bananie” Dolny,
Kellie “Sugar” Ingram and
I taught the art of clowning
at a production school called
Sunsdet. It was a busy, busy,
busy week but oh what a
week. It is a week that I
will not, nor will anyone
else connected with our
endeavour ever forget. A
week that changed lives.
We changed as ambassadors
for the art of clowning, but
more important we changed
the lives of students on a
very basic, almost molecular
level. Those kids (ages 16
and up), many who have
been marginalized their entire
school career, learned so
many things about their own
particular power. They learned
as a by-product of clowning.
Clowning allowed let them to
see and explore things about
themselves in non-threatening
ways.
Day one we had an uphill
sell on our hands. Part of the
class went out distributing
flyers to local kindergarten
classes which left us with the
rest of the class to somehow
involve. We were there to
teach those who had decided
that clowning was not for
them. We had 12 students
instead of four (four who were
interested and eight who were
not really receptive). They had
already drawn the conclusion
that clowning was stupid,
embarassing and something
they wouldn’t do at any cost.
There were energy builders
(bright eyes and focused) and
energy suckers (short attention
spans, hitting, commenting,
playing with whatever was on
the table) in the class.
What held them back was
fear of the unknown and a
foregone conclusion that they
knew clowning was not for
them. It could only be stupid
and ultimately embarrassing.
That Monday we planted the
seeds of possibilities. We did
not leave anyone out. It was
hard because there were many
sour faces looking back at us.
We spoke English that was
translated by the teacher into
Danish and then of course any
comments from the students
had to return via Danish to
English. It was a long and
tedious communication
process. We knew there was
very little time to teach, 25
hours in total. It seemed as
though that time would be cut
in half with the translating.
The students were
convinced on Monday that the
whole week was going to be
a write-off. We were speaking
English and they only
understood Danish. Where
was our common ground?
Balloons were introduced
by Kellie Ingram. Slowly the
interest began. Simple balloon
designs were attainable. The
balloons were fun. Students
began learning. They could
“You Design – We Refine”
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MACA • Harrisburg, PA
November 9-13, 2011
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Page 20
The New Calliope

Annie Dolny (center) teaches ballooning. Her quiet manner enabled
even the most unsure kids to TRY something new.
follow the directions whether
they understood our language
or not because they could
see what to do. Slowly they
started to trust.
Those less willing to do
bigger design balloons with
Kellie, or learn performance
skills with me were gently
gathered in by Annie Dolny.
Her calm quiet way enticed
students who didn’t want to
risk too much face. It was safe
to learn with Annie. She got
the strays who wanted to try
something but lacked the skill
set or confidence to try with
Kellie’s group.
Meanwhile I was working
with two girls who wanted
to perform. The other two
guys found more comfort in
the balloon twisting. There
the actions were defined,
a prescribed way, steps to
follow to build a balloon
puppy dog, flower or a
monkey. There’s at least a
“recipe” to follow.
In my class, I was asking
them to use their creativity.
There were no finished
products to see where to go
or how to get there. They had
to use their imagination to
create a story and actions for
their skits. I “asked” them
to trust me and to venture
into the unknown. They had
to show up and they had to
be courageous. For kids that
have been told they aren’t
the cream of the crop, it was
hard work. This is hard work
for anyone! You have to be
creative and take risks and
go without guidelines. It was
easier for them to go have a
smoke then stay in the room
and fight for what they wanted
to learn to perform.
Then came the time when
I asked them, if I asked to go
have a smoke and leave the
room what would they tell
me. “I want you to stay in the
room” was their answer. End
of discussion, we had a group
who understood that to stay
in my room was some of the
hardest work they’d ever do.
In a week, what did we
teach? Balloon making, but
more important we taught
them how to give the balloons
away. They learned the social
skills to approach someone,
look them in the eye, make
contact, read if they want the
gift, give it to them, have a
connection with them, say
good bye and leave. They
learned how to spot those
who are scared and then how
to handle them. They learned
that participating in a scary
risky thing called a parade
had wonderful rewards.
These kids came to school 2
hours early that day (8 a.m.)
and stayed till 6 p.m. They
Success! We finished the week with a parade that ended in a skit
performed by Amelia and Amanda much to the audience's delight.
learned to support each other
with a thing called teamwork.
It wasn’t dangerous. They
became a cohesive group.
Students that had to go
home because of family
emergencies came back to do
the parade with us!
Two diehard girls with
attitude, tried to sabotage the
performance all day long.
They were that scared. No
other students bought in.
Finally, those two girls looked
and said “Help me” – I knew
I wasn’t going to get a please.
Those two terrified girls
had moved the distance of a
football field to ask for my
help. With painted on noses
and a few other designs, they
too did the parade. No one
was left behind.
What did the students learn?
They actually understood and
could speak some English.
They learned to be team
members, taking care of
property – props, pumps and
a huge birthday chair they
pushed through the streets of
Helsignor. They learned social
skills, eye contact, reading
body language, energy, to
give someone a gift asking
nothing in return, and to think
of others who might like
this. They learned respect for
themselves and others. They
learned creativity, and raised
the bar on their being able
to risk mistakes and to “look
stupid” and survive.
Their self-esteem and self
image went through the roof.
The whole school was talking
about it. Other students from
other classes slowed to a
snail's pace as they passed our
doors.
They physically built
balloons, following steps to
attain a goal.
The stores loved it. The
students brought energy and
excitement to the downtown
area and were hired for more
jobs.
They rediscovered the joy
that sometimes going outside
your comfort zone is great
fun. You just need to give
yourself the permission to try
it.
The kids were rewarded
with the pride of
accomplishing something
that hadn’t been done before:
a successful and fun parade
in downtown Helsignor,
Denmark. They learned they
were successful and people
appreciated their efforts and
they could have fun! Big
lessons.
For more information
please contact me at: fun@
MagicClown.ca.
l l l
November/December 2011 Page 21

AMBASSADORS
Traveling The World As Ambassadors
Clowning in Curacao
by Ellen Rodwick (Squirt the Clown)
Tri-Rivers Clown Alley in Pittsburgh, Pa.
My husband and I have
been vacationing on the
island of Curacao for
several years. The highlight
of our visit in May was
“clowning around” at the
Curacao Dolphin Therapy and
Research Center (CDTC).
Families come from
all over the globe so their
children can participate in an
intensive, tailor-made tenday
therapy program. Special
needs children interact with
experts with specializations
in various fields of therapy
and rehabilitation. But the
children’s favorite therapists
are specially chosen dolphins.
A bit shy for the camera
The look on their faces
when they enter the water
to interact with the dolphins
tells the whole story. At
CDTC, joy is a key factor
in their work, and caring
warmth underlines every
activity. Dolphin Assisted
Therapy has been applied
successfully to hundreds of
participants with cerebral
palsy, Down Syndrome,
autism, ADHD, and a vast
range of developmental
disorders.
After developing a
plan for my visit with the
program director, I packed
my makeup, a hat, balloons
and pump, and various
magic tricks. I would have to
do a totally visual presentation,
as the children did not speak
English. The program must
be fast-paced to hold their
attention. As a teacher, I often
had autistic children in my
Page 22
The New Calliope

when, completely on her own, she
reached out to pet the dog, and then
finally took it in her hands. I was
exuberated! But there was more
to come.
Next to the CDTC is the resort
where we stay, and we often dine at
the outdoor restaurant. A few nights
later, we were having dinner when
I saw movement out of the corner
of my eye. It was the teen and her
therapist, making a beeline for us!
I realized at that moment that I was
wearing the same colorful smock that
I had worn when clowning with her
group. She walked directly up to me,
eyes wide, and pointed repeatedly
at my shirt. Her therapist told her,
in Dutch, that I was, indeed, the
person that had visited as a clown.
Almost immediately, the young lady
extended her hand for a vigorous
handshake!!!!
Who was touched more by the
whole experience? I don’t know.
There was the little boy who was shy
during my program, but who grabbed
my hand afterward to “take me home”
with him! The wide-eyed expressions
and bust-a-gut laughter from the kids
filled me with joy that I might have
touched some lives. I was awestruck
by the positive changes that I saw,
the love and devotion of the families,
the patience and expertise of the
therapists. If I brought just a little
sunshine to the lives of others, I feel I
was truly blessed.
This little fellow turned the tables
and took a picture of me!
classroom, so I knew I must gear the
activities to their needs.
On three separate days in May,
I worked with small groups of
children, each of them accompanied
by a therapist. I began with
magic tricks that did not involve
a verbal component. I knew that
a smile meant the same thing in
any language. The kids seemed
fascinated with the simple tricks,
and wanted me to repeat several of
them. After demonstrating how to
make a dog, alligator, and a flower, I
distributed pre-made balloons to the
audience. One autistic teen who had
remained in the farthest corner away
from me, was watching everything
carefully. I kept a comfortable
distance from her, but slowly moved
a bit closer as I continued. I had
given a balloon dog to all of the other
kids, so I hid the last one behind my
back. The pup peeked out several
times, and hid again, until I coaxed
him out so I could pet him. By this
time, I was closer to the teen than
I had ever been. I was so excited
l l l
A rapt audience
An enthusiastic helper
Planning with Marco, Director
of the Dolphin Therapy Program
Everybody goes away
with a memento of the visit
November/December 2011 Page 23

www.coai.org
How To Register On The Website
• Log in to www.coai.org and Click on “Register”
• Fill In your Username, First Name and Last Name
in the spaces provided.
• Next screen, choose CURRENT MEMBER
• Continue, filling out all the pertinent information.
• In the billing section, put a 0 in for family
members. If you have family members, have them
register after you. In the comments field please
note who your family members are. Select “Bill
Me” - you will receive a bill for $0 (because this
is an automated system, we need to get your profile
information without you being charged.)
• Once your submission is approved you'll be
able to start working on your profile preferences
and exploring our site.
• For more information on registering, see your
January/February 2011 New Calliope or call the
business office: M-F, 9-5, EST.
Page 24
The New Calliope

Last Walk-Around
Dennis Phelps
On Sunday, October 9, 2011
COAI lost a very good clown and
friend. Dennis Phelps was a Past
President (1988-1990) and Executive
Vice President of COAI. During his
presidency the membership doubled in
size.
Dennis’s characters were HoHo an
Auguste clown and Dusty, his Tramp.
He was an award winner in both skits and makeup competitions.
He was instrumental in the development of the Midwest
Clown Association. The Clowns International brought him to
England to perform and teach back in the 1990s.
While living in Minnesota he clowned with the Burlington
Northern Clown Band. He was a member of Minnesota Clown
Alley 19 and helped with their conventions. He was a member of
the Osman Shrine Temple and entertained at the Shrine Hospital.
Dennis was a compassionate clown especially with children.
He was best known for his pocket magic.
Dennis has now become one of those stars shining in the
heavens. The performance goes on.
Mildred “Kabaza” Wozny
Mildred (Milly) “Kabaza” Wozny
passed away July 29, 2011. She was born
May 27, 1935. She was employed by
Graybar Electric for 32 years.
In her spare time she took up
clowning. For over 20 years she
clowned and volunteered at Methodist
and Riley Hospitals (now IU Health) in
Indianapolis. This old tramp clown and
“Goose” were known all over the city.
Milly belonged to the local chapter of Smiles Universal Clowns
Ministry and the Winner’s Circle Alley 178. She attended many
COAI conventions and just enjoyed talking to and meeting people.
She was a big part of the Indiana Women’s Prison volunteer
program where there is a chapter of clowns called Heart Charmers.
She won many awards for her caring clowning and
volunteerism. To know her was to love her.
She will be missed by her clown buddies in Indiana, Henry
her husband of 52 years, son Bruce, and daughters Brenda and
Cynthia. She also left behind seven grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.
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.
Shirley “Jewel” Bailes
110 Glen Allen Ct.
Newport News, VA 23603
Ms. Jackie “Lollibells” Garner
418 Sharmain Place
San Antonio, TX 78221-1846
Barbara “Patches” Nichols
504 College Place
Kingsville, TX 78363-4901
Betty Schultz
8300 NW Barry Road, Apt 238
Kansas City, MO 64153
Frank “Famus Fumbles” Recor
C/O Crystal River Health & Rehab
136 N.E. 12th Ave., Room 19N
Crystal River, FL 34429
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
November/December 2011 Page 25

HAPPY HOLIDAYS REINDEER
Skill Level:
Advanced
Beginner -
Intermediate
Materials:
3 – 260 balloons
Scissors
Mr. Rainbow a.k.a. David Bartlett
Photos by Tim SAWDUST Laynor
1
4
The remainder of the
sculpture is a basic dog
body: Form a 3” bubble for
the neck, two 3” bubbles
for the front legs (lock twist
together), a 2” bubble
for the body, and two 3”
bubbles for the back legs
(lock twist together)
Add a
bubble nose
(see
instructions
below)
2
Inflate
the balloon
(that will
become the
body of the
reindeer)
leaving
approximately
6” tail.
3
REINDEER NOSE
1
Cut approximately
4” off the end of a
red balloon.
2
3
Roll the end of the tiny
bubble and the nozzle
of the second balloon
together.
Page 26
Inflate the
4” portion,
forcing the air
to the end,
and forming
a tiny bubble.
Tie to secure.
The New Calliope

5 6
To create
antlers, fold
twist making two
small loops on each
end. Cut off and
discard any excess
un-inflated balloon.
Inflate the balloon (that will become the antlers)
leaving approximately 8” tail.
7
David “Mr. Rainbow” Bartlett
of Durham, North Carolina, has
been clowning professionally since
1981. In 1969, David started doing
Santa Claus and has performed as the
old elf every year since. You can learn
more about Mr. Rainbow by visiting his
website: www.MrRainbowTheClown.com
Twist antler balloon in the
center and attach to the back of
the head. Enjoy the holidays!
8
4
Push both sections into the balloon
and form a deep tulip twist
November/December 2011 Page 27

Oh! What a
Tangled Web
“Help!
I can’t remember
my Password”
Let me start off this segment by
thanking all those who have gotten on
our web site and are communicating
with me or others. I enjoy seeing an
E-message notification in my mailbox
and they have been more frequent as
of late, so keep them coming and enjoy
our site.
Again, if you ever have any questions,
do not hesitate to email me anytime
at soundsfunny2me@aol.com with
your questions. You can even call me
at 646-210-2238, ALMOST anytime.
(Remember I am on the East Coast and
I am always willing to help, but you guys
on the West Coast are three hours
behind me, Sooo 10 PM your time is
1 AM my time and not the best time
to call to say Hi; unless you would like
me to return your call at 7 AM my
time LOL).
We Weave!
Part 6
But joking aside, one question
that I have been asked a lot this past
month is “What do I do if I forgot
my password, how can I get on?”
Some of you have registered a while
ago but have not been on the web
site since then, so forgetting your
password could be a real problem.
Try and keep your password simple
to remember and if you use the same
computer all the time, you can have
your computer remember it for you.
Let me show you.
Go to www.coai.org shown in
PIX 1. On the right-hand column
underneath the User Name and
Password fields you will see a little
check box next to REMEMBER ME.
If you know your password and you
check this box your computer will
automatically put your password in
every time you type in your user
name. Now this can be a good
thing if you always use the same
by Glenn “Clyde D. Scope” Kohlberger
computer, but because you don’t type
it in every time, it can also help you
forget your password too. So please
write it down and keep it for future
reference.
Now let’s say you forgot your
password. Again on the right column
in PIX 1, look under the ‘sign in’
button and you will see the words
Forgot your password? Simply click
on those words and you will see
PIX 2 on your screen. This is where
you can get either your Password or
your Username just by putting your
email address in the open field. (Type
in your email address where it says
USER NAME or EMAIL)
Below that you will see a light
blue rectangle that says Validation
Code. This code is one way that our
site keeps spammers from hacking
the site. All you need to do is put
whatever numbers you see in the
open field. Those numbers are made
2.
1.
Page 28
The New Calliope

so other computers have
trouble reading them and
can’t steal your ID. If they are
hard for you to read click the
words GET A NEW CODE
and it will give you a different
set of numbers to write in.
Then click the RESET
PASSWORD button, and
the site will send an email
(To the email address that
you registered with) with a
temporary password and a link
to click on. You will see this
screen PIX 3 basically it says
it sent an email to you and
it also kept the IP address of
your computer (which means
it knows which computer
asked for the password, again
for your security). The email
you receive will say:
A request to reset the password
for Glenn Kohlberger
has been submitted from:
Clowns of America International:
http://www.coai.org
Please click on the link below
to be taken back to the
site to reset your password:
Reset My Password Now!
Please Note: For security purposes,
this link expires in 24
hours.
If you are having
trouble clicking
on the link
above, please
copy and
paste
the following link in your web
browser:
http://www.coai.org/general/
reset_pass.asp?
You can either click on Rest
My Password Now! Or you
can copy http://www.coai.org/
general/reset_pass.asp? From
your email and paste it in your
browser. When you do you
will see this screen. PIX 4.
Please remember that this new
password is only good for 24
hours. (If you don’t reset it
within those 24 hours, go back
to step one and start all over
again.)
Now simply type your NEW
password in the first field and
repeat the same password in
the second field. You will then
see: PIX 5 which tells you
that your password has been
reset and it also tells you what
your user name is in the blue
rectangle area. Below that
it says CLICK HERE TO
SIGN IN which brings you
to PIX 6 the member login
screen. At this point you type
in your user name and your
NEW PASSWORD and …
you’re back in business.
All this could be avoided
simply by writing down
your USERNAME and
your PASSWORD in
a safe place or using
the web site more
often. Remember when
picking a password,
keep it simple and safe,
but make it something
special to you to
help you remember
it.
l l l
3.
4.
5.
See you
next
month!
6.
November/December 2011 Page 29

Character Development Of An Auguste Clown
by Angel
Ocasio
The
Auguste
clown is the
goofball of
the clowns;
the one that’s
more likely
to get into
trouble and
be punished
for it, whether by his own mishap or by
the White Face boss clown. The Auguste
generally wears mismatched, colorful,
baggy clothes, a large bow tie, big shoes
and a comical hat. The Auguste makeup
has a base foundation with large white
designs around the eyes and mouth to
exaggerate the clown’s face. This is
enhanced with red and blue to give it a
cartoon-like look. The Auguste character
usually wears a larger clown nose. One
of the most famous Auguste clowns of
the 20th Century was Lou Jacobs of the
Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey
Circus. Check out http://www.loujacobs.
com/.
In “The Book of Clowns,” author
George Speaight, writes about the origin
of the Auguste clown.
“One story goes that an American
acrobat called Tom Belling, who was
employed in the great Circus Renz in
Berlin, had offended the mighty proprietor
in some way and was taken off the bill for
a few nights. With nothing else to do, he
was sitting idly in the dressing–room and
decked himself up for fun in some of the
shabbiest and most ridiculous clothes he
could lay his hands on. Stepping out into
the corridor to entertain his friends with
his unusual attire he saw the stern-face
proprietor of the circus advancing towards
him. In great alarm, he turned and ran in
the opposite direction and suddenly found
himself in the ring. Tripping over the tails
of his over length coat he fell flat on his
face. Staggering to his feet and crimson
with shame he blundered back behind the
scenes to the accompaniment of roars and
laughter and cries of August, a slang term
in Berlin dialect for a stupid booby. Renz
met him, clapped him on the back, and told
him to repeat the act at every performance.
The kind of clown to be henceforth known
as an auguste was born!”
Page 30
I like to think of the Auguste clown as
someone like a Lou Costello character.
This character doesn’t always get it. He
misunderstands the simplest things. It’s
clear to the audience that Bud Abbott
(who is more of the traditional White
Face boss clown) is saying that the
baseball player who is on first base is
named “Who.” However, Lou (or the
Auguste clown) takes things literally and
he thinks that Bud wants to know the
guy’s name on first base. It gets worse
from there when other baseball players
are added to the team whose names
are “What,” “I Don’t Know,” “Why,”
“Because” and a few other peculiar
names.
Lou Jacobs
Things don’t come easy for the
Auguste clown, but they try hard. Take
the classic Bandana Banana routine. A
magician (or boss clown), in front of an
audience, teaches the Auguste clown to
make a bandana disappear. However,
instead of making a bandana disappear,
the clown makes a banana disappear,
misunderstanding what the magician said,
and instead of selecting a bandana from
a table of props (or suitcase) the clown
picks up a banana. The magician, while
looking at the audience gives instructions
on how to make the bandana disappear.
The magician tells the clown (while the
magician is showing the audience) to
show the bandana to the audience, but
the clown, still thinking that the magician
must mean a banana, shows the fruit
proudly to the audience. The magician
then instructs the clown to fold the
banana in half. At that moment, the clown
does a slow burn to the magician and then
pans his head toward the audience as if to
say to the audience, “What?”
The clown shrugs his shoulders and
does what he is told and folds the banana
in half. The magician then instructs the
clown to put the bandana in a paper bag
and blow into it; filling the bag with air.
Then at the count of three, pop the bag,
rip the bag open to show the audience
that the inside of the bag is indeed empty
and the bandana has disappeared. The
magician while telling the clown what to
do has been demonstrating it. The clown
opens his eyes wide, knowing what a
mess this is going to make. However,
not wanting to defy what the magician
told him to do, he draws his hand back
and just before he hits the bag, he stops.
The magician insists that the clown do
what he is told. So, the clown draws back
his hand and tries again, but stops right
before he hits the bag. This makes the
magician angry and he walks up to the
clown and takes the bag to shows him
how to do it.
Now, you’re probably thinking the
banana is going to explode all over the
magician and stage—that would be funny.
Well, that’s also what the audience is
thinking. But, because the fruit of the
banana is still inside of the peel, pieces
of the fruit won’t fly out as you would
expect—maybe a little. You are actually
popping the air in the bag, not the banana.
To conclude this routine, the magician
pops the bag and to his surprise sees the
banana, and in his frustration, he says,
“Not a banana. I said a bandana!”
Note: There are other endings to this
skit ... or you can make up your own.
This is a wonderful routine to help
understand the traditional role of the
Auguste clown character (the sidekick,
the goofball, the funny one, the comic).
In the next issue I’ll talk about the White
Face clown (traditionally, the boss clown,
the straight man). Now, go forth and be
funny.
The New Calliope

The Anatomy Of An Auguste Clown Costume
by Julie Varholdt
The parade descends down the street
with the clowns in the lead. This is what
the people have come to see. This is why
they get up at dawn with sleepy pajamaclad
kids in tow. The brilliant colors,
the exaggerated movements, the awe
inspiring nature of it all; the CLOWNS!
The clowns play a major part in many
aspects of the entertainment world. It
doesn’t matter where you come from, or
what language you speak. Clowns are a
part of every culture and what they bring
to our world is an unimaginable joy. We,
as clowns are universal!
This will be the first of several articles
to come on the subject of what makes up
the costumes of the different categories
of our art form; clowning. In this article
I will talk about the costume of the
Auguste clown.
The majority of clowns in our
industry are Auguste. Most start off as
white face clowns but many transition to
the sillier more unpredictable character
of the Auguste.
At convention competition the
greatest number of clowns compete in
this category. One of the highlights of
any convention is when everyone comes
out in their brightly colored costumes and
parades around, then get together for the
anticipated group photo. The end result is
a huge splash of color and smiles.
The Auguste is lucky because he
has the largest variety of costume
designs to choose from.
Commonly
called “the
tailor's nightmare”,
the Auguste colors
and patterns should
complement the
overall clown
appearance.
Your fabrics
don’t have to be
color coordinated or
matched as long as the
overall appearance goes
together nicely. In today’s
market there is now a huge selection
of fun and wild materials to choose
from; plaids, stripes, polka dots, checks,
large prints as well as coordinating
bold solids. The professional costumers
in our industry also are coming out
with wonderful designs to go with any
character you can imagine. Your New
Calliope has some wonderful sites to
order whatever strikes your fancy for all
of your clown accessories and needs.
Exaggeration to ALL of the elements
of his/her costume should be a priority
when designing and choosing this
costume. Try to keep in mind that the
Auguste costume is the first clue to an
audience of who and what he is. If a
clown comes out in an elegant costume
like the Comedy Whiteface clown,
then he will more than likely not be the
bumbling fool that the Auguste character
is all about.
The costume can be done up with
outlandish accessories such as incredibly
large or teeny tiny ties, colorful
coordinating socks, large or comical wide
lapel collars, frilly or crazy brightlycolored
wigs, suspenders and ANY style
and color of comedy clown shoes you
can imagine. The Auguste female clown
may also prefer to be a ‘pretty’ Auguste
clown but her costume too should be
exaggerated and convey silliness as the
Auguste character is supposed to be.
It’s also recommended that the female
Auguste clown try to stay away from
tight fitting shirts and pants. Funny skirts
and petticoats are a favorite among the
female Auguste clowns. In competition
remember that theatrical fabrics or
sequins are inappropriate for the Auguste
costumes.
He or she is usually a notorious
prankster and may need a lot of pockets
to carry gags and tricks in. These pockets
can be hidden or exaggerated on the
costume to complement the overall
design.
This clown may also have irregular
body proportions such as a large comical
rump, a big nose and/or really big feet!
Many sizes of clown noses are available
for the Auguste clown in today’s market.
When you pick your nose ... Remember
only you can pick your own nose. I can’t
pick your nose and you can’t pick my
nose or anyone else’s for that matter.
... Sorry ...
Try to pick a
size that will
complement
your Auguste
makeup and
your face. In
my opinion
you should
ALWAYS
have some
sort of clown
nose on
when you are in character. The idea of
wearing clown makeup and costumes is
to not look like yourself, but rather an
exaggerated version of yourself.
There are many do’s and don’ts
to proper clown costuming in every
category. What you choose is up to YOU,
but remember for convention competition
if you want to win, you should follow the
rules of each category. Every competition
has its own criteria. Check the rules of
each competition … and check them each
year as they may change.
Trying and competing in all the
different categories of makeup and
costume competition have been a huge
growing experience for me over the
years. I have grown in so many ways
and moved on to the next level of
entertaining because I've taken risks with
my costumes in and out of competition.
When I say risks; I mean I have a
tendency to step outside the box and
come up with costumes that are not the
‘usual’ type of costume organizations are
used to.
This industry continues to grow
and stretch the boundaries of what we
should and should not do as clowns.
Some organizations have strict hard
and fast rules for the Auguste category.
In the end what you choose is up to
you, but, remember this category is
for the bumbling, stumbling, slapstick
character that all audiences expect to be
FUNNY!!! So go out there and be that
clown YOU want to be. Until next time.
l l l
November/December Cheryl Wolf, 20112009 COAI 1st Place Auguste Page 31

Why Not Give A Gift That
Will Be Used All Year Long?
Why Not Gift A COAI Membership
This Holiday Season?
See the application on page 35
or call the Business Office.
USA Toll Free 877.816.6941
941-474-4351
Page 32
The New Calliope

Lynn Adamson
Plainfield, IL
Buddercup
Brittany Allen
Savannah, TX
Zoe
Teresa Beigler
Shenandoah, VA
Jingles
Martha Ann Booker
Johnson City, TN
Lady Mac
Stephen Lee Finch
Nampa, ID
Humble
Theodore A Franklin
Blencoe, IA
Spunky
Vicki Jo Gilbert
Lake Orion, MI
Loop Dee Loo
Dave Gittings
Warminster, PA
Mr. Buckaroo
Sharon Jeanette Nichols
Detroit, MI
Ms. Gigglesworth
Sally K Norman
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Nancy Orem
Milwaukie, OR
Ms. Buckaroo
Elizabeth Orem-
Petersen
Milwaukie, OR
Miss Fufu
Vittorio
Francesco Salvatore
Calgary, AB Canada
Professor Vito
Ruthann Schnier
Cincinnati, OH
Josephine
Richard M Soos
Dalzell, SC
Weils and Jitters
Katie Southard
Tuttle, OK
Annette Brigham
Ridgewood, NY
Candy the Clown NYC
Carol Brooks
Saint Louis, MO
Doodles
Doris Brophy
Saint Charles, MO
Skittles
John Cummings
Pineville, LA
Goober
Judith I Dennis
Largo, FL
Hokey Pokey
Grisselle Gonzalez
East Hartford, CT
Joycelyn C Hanson
Garfield Heights, OH
Joy The Clown
Sue M. Hice
Greeneville, TN
Sue “B”
Jennifer Hill
Thunder Bay, ON Canada
Tala
Barbara Louise Khoury
Duluth, MN
Michael Mccosh
Dodge City, KS
Doc Doc
Kimberly E Mosier
Bossier City, LA
Amen C Glitter
Ryan Orem-Petersen
Milwaukie, OR
Flyer
Ginny Pearcy
Largo, FL
Cupcake
Nena Quiros
Santa Barbara, CA
Squeezee
Remi Revilla
Pasadena, TX
Remi de Klown
Joanne Ricklefs
Monticello, IA
Daisy Patch
Rey Rivera
East Hartford, CT
Pepo the Clown
Janet C Robbins
Lady Lake, FL
Sassy
Linda J Spencer
Springfield, MO
Lulamae Belle Bumpkin
Shawn Michael Sullivan
Monticello, MN
Moe-Dum
Scott Thompson
Renton, WA
Pop Balloonski
Roy Dein Tolbert
Bakersfield, CA
Mike The Clown
George David Tripp
Irving, TX
GG The Clown
November/December 2011 Page 33

Alley Report
by Toni Dufrene
Director, Alley Region Support
First of all, please welcome
our newest alley, Alley #415
The SECA Clown Alley.
In this issue I’d like to talk
to you about our Regional
Ambassadors program.
The purpose of the
ambassador program is to
increase the communication
from the Board to the
membership, but more
importantly, from the
membership to the Board.
Our regional vice-presidents
cover a lot of territory. As
much as they’d like to, it’s
just impossible for them to
travel to all the alleys in their
region. Regional Ambassadors
serve as their eyes and ears
on a local level. Electronic
communication is a wonderful
thing, but there’s nothing
like face-to-face, one-on-one
exchanges.
Regional Ambassadors
have duties that are listed in
the Regional Ambassadors
Manual. You can get a copy
from your Regional VP.
None of the duties are too
strenuous. You basically
Page 34
serve as a resource
to clowns and
alleys in your area. If there
is an educational program or
convention being held in your
area and your RVP is unable
to attend, you would serve as
the COAI representative in his/
her stead. Your RVP or I are
always available to assist you
if you encounter a question
or occurrence that has you
stumped. You will be provided
with any printed matter
required such as membership
applications and extra copies
of The New Calliope to use as
recruiting tools.
The only requirement
to serve as a Regional
Ambassador is that the
candidate be a member in
good standing of COAI for a
minimum of one year. In an
ideal world, each alley would
have a Regional Ambassador.
It’s something to shoot for. If
you think this is something you
would like to explore further,
contact your Regional VP.
They are all listed on the Board
page of The New Calliope and
on the website.
Peace and giggles.
Southeast Regional VP
by Kent Sheets
As this issue arrives in your
homes, I hope you’re enjoying
the fall season and preparing
for the holidays. For my wife
and I, it is always a time for
family and friends. We have
been blessed with wonderful
children and grandchildren.
Life is good and we are very
grateful.
In Florida, the cool
weather has returned along
with our winter visitors, the
“snowbirds.”
I hope to see many of you
from the southeast at Florida
Clown Day on Saturday,
January 28, 2012 in Largo,
FL. It is always a great event.
If you require
more information,
contact: adrienne_
flash@msn.com or me. You are
welcome to join us if you are
traveling to Florida then.
In February in Fort Myers,
FL, we always look forward to
one of the largest night-time
parades, the Edison of Lights
Parade.
Then in April, we will be
gathering for the 2012 COAI
Annual Convention in Kansas
City, MO. I hope you are
making plans to join us.
Smile! Have Fun! Take lots
of pictures.
l l l
Financial Report
Clowns of America International
Income, expense and balance statement
July/August 2011 Year To Date
Revenue
Membership $41,820 $41,820
Lifetime Membership $0 $0
Magazine Ads $5,062 $5,062
Merchandise $37 $37
Education $0 $0
Convention $5,000 $5,000
Interest $57 $57
Lowe Collection -$255 -$255
Miscellaneous $0 $0
Web Page $0 $0
Education Auction Revenue $0 $0
Junior Joey Auction Revenue $0 $0
TOTAL $51,721 $51,721
Expenses
Bank Chgs / Returned Checks $741 $741
Checks $0 $0
Credit Card Fees $774 $774
New Calliope Editor Fees $5,300 $5,300
New Calliope Production $4,717 $4,717
New Calliope Postage $2,000 $2,000
Other New Calliope Fees $137 $137
Nat'l Office Business Manager $4,723 $4,723
National Office Phone $0 $0
National Office Postage $173 $173
National Office Misc. $292 $292
Board Expenses Other $0 $0
Fall Board Meeting $0 $0
State And Intern. Ambassadors $0 $0
Spring Board Meeting $0 $0
Officer's Phone & Postage $0 $0
Educational Support $267 $267
Convention Expense $0 $0
Trophies $0 $0
Printed Material $0 $0
Grants $0 $0
Alley Support $0 $0
Merchandise -$188 -$188
Excellence In Clowning $0 $0
Clown Week $0 $0
Clown Of The Year $0 $0
Jr. Joey Expense $0 $0
Special Projects $0 $0
Audio Director $0 $0
Lowe Collection Expense $0 $0
Promotion & Publicity $0 $0
Miscellaneous Expense $0 $0
Shipping $0 $0
Organization Dues $0 $0
Professional Services $206 $206
Web Page Expense $0 $0
Insurance $0 $0
Directory Expense $0 $0
Media Liability Insurance $0 $0
Federal Income Tax $0 $0
TOTAL $19,142 $19,142
Florida Shores Bank $99,475
Money Market Accounts $6,025
Scholarship Account $21,355
Contingency Reserve $43,200
National Office Operating Fund $400
TOTAL $170,455
(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.
The New Calliope

Clowns of America International
Application and Renewal form
Name: First Middle Initial Last
Street:
City:
State: Zip: Country:
Phone (required):
E-mail:
Date of Birth (required): Age: Male/Female
Clown Name:
Alley Affiliation:
Your COAI Number(if renewing):
Referring Sponsor (if any): Sponsor’s COAI Number:
Gift A Membership
Please gift a membership to the person on this form.
I wish to remain anonymous.
I wish for you to identify me to the recipient.
I wish to write a note: ___________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Please give us your name and phone number so that we can
contact you if necessary. If you wish to remain anonymous
check the box above and we will not reveal your identity.
___________________________________________________
Name Phone #
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
Discover
Payment Method
Credit Card # __________________________________________________________________
Expiration Date: _______________________ CC Verification Code (3 digits) ______________
Signature
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
All memberships to COAI are on an annual basis.
November/December 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: Afiliado: Nombre del alley
Número de COAI (renovación):
Referido por:
Numero de COAI del Referido:
Regale Una Membresía
Por favor regale la membresia a la persona indicado en esta forma.
Deseo permanecer anónimo.
Deseo que usted me identifique al recipiente.Deseo escribir
Deseo escribir una nota.________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Por favor dénos su nombre y número de teléfono de modo que
nosotros podamos ponernos en contacto con usted si fuera
necesario. Si usted desea quedarse anónimo, haga una señal in la caja
indicada arriba y no revelaremos su identidad.
___________________________________________________
Nombre
#Teléfono
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.
Cheque a nombre de: __________
Método de Pago
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) ______________
Firma
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.
Page 36
The New Calliope

Calendar
November 18-19, 2011
Family Entertainers Workshop
Granbury, TX
www.FamilyEntertainers
Workshop.com
757-423-3867
January 14-21, 2012
Toby the Clown Caribbean
Adventure Cruise
SaveDollarstravel@hotmail.com
863-243-3097
January 28, 2012
Florida Clown Day
Largo, FL
adrienne_flash@msn.com
February 9-13, 2012
Kapital Kidvention
Arlington, VA
www.KapitalKidvention.com
703-765-1923
H H H
March 11-14, 2012
Face Painting & Body Art Conv.
Las Vegas, NV
www.fpbaconvention.com
April 24-29 2012
COAI National Convention
Kansas City, MO
www.coai.org
coaidrconv@aol.com
May 16-19, 2012
Jubilee Performance Workshop
South Charleston, WV
www.jubileeworkshop.com
304-542-6408
June 5-10, 2012
Red Skelton Clown School
Vincennes, IN
www.RedSkeltonClownSchool.com
July 30-August 5, 2012
California Clown Campin'
San Bernardino, CA
www.californiaclowncampin.org
951-310-7087
April 24-29, 2012
COAI
National Convention
The Roarin' 20s
Kansas City, MO
coaidrconv@aol.com
H H H
Convention Report
by Pat Roeser
Director of Conventions
The COAI Board just
held their fall meeting at the
Holiday Inn Kansas City
SE. Guess what? There is a
water park connected to it!!
The park has an additional
fee of $15/day (while we
were there). It looks like a lot
of fun. I can see some great
“clowning around” here.
The convention will run
on two floors. There are three
elevators running from the
lobby to the sleeping rooms.
There are many gathering
areas on the main floor with
sofas and chairs to lounge on.
This way we don’t have to
worry about disturbing other
sleeping rooms.
There is a bar, restaurant,
and convenience food stop
in the lobby of the hotel.
At the end of the parking
lot is a Denny’s. Across the
highway are Taco Bell and
Subway. On the other corner
of the area are the Chiefs
and KC Royals ballparks.
It is a short drive to Wal-
Mart, Lowe’s, and more
fast food establishes and
some restaurants. The hotel
shuttle will be available to
take guests to area shopping
centers.
C ◆ A ◆ L ◆ L ◆ I ◆ O ◆ P ◆ E
The host group
is working on transportation
from the airport. If several
of you are flying in together,
you may consider renting a
car or splitting the cost of a
limo. It is about a half-hour
drive from the airport to the
hotel. For those driving, there
is no charge for parking at
the hotel. Also, the rate for
sleeping rooms at the hotel is
$79 per night with NO taxes
and free Internet. Wow!
What great hosts! We
were greeted at the Kansas
City Airport (MCI) by several
of the Northland Clown
Guild Alley members in
flapper dresses and zoot suits.
The convention has a Roaring
Twenties theme because
they are celebrating their 20 th
anniversary. Dig deep into
your costume closet for some
glad rags and dust off your
spatterdash (spats). Time to
practice your Charleston!
This convention is sure to be
the bee’s knees.
To keep up to date with
events and the schedule for
this convention, check out
www.coai.org and click on
the convention button. It
will bring you right to the
convention web site.
l l l
When sending digital photos
to The New Calliope
they must be in the
highest resolution possible format.
(The BEST quality your camera can do!)
We also appreciate if you send us the raw file with no manipulation.
The New
NewCalliopeEditor@comcast.net
November/December 2011 Page 37

Sergeant-at-Arms
by Glenn Kohlberger
Wow, we just got
back from our Fall Board
Meeting in Kansas City,
MO. and I can’t wait to
tell you about some of the
programs we have added
just for our members. For
example, have you seen
Clowns of America’s
International’s newest
membership drive, which
is on page 13 of this New
Calliope? I think you will
be really surprised at how
many freebies you can
get just for finding a few
“Newbies.” It is such an
exciting program to try and
to help our members in
these tough economic times.
Remember without you, our
members, there would be no
COAI. We want to try and
help each one of you any
way we can and I think this
is a great way to do it. So
go check out how you can
get your membership FREE,
paid for by COAI.
Another way you can get
your membership paid for
FREE is to run for office
on our COAI 2012 Board.
Elections are just around the
corner and we would love to
have some new fresh ideas
from our newest Board
members. You only have
until January 15, 2012 to let
us know that you would like
to run for office. So make
sure you read about how
to become a COAI Board
member, which is also in
this New Calliope on page
10.
We are also in the
process of setting up
Clowny Bay (Pronounced
CLOWN E BAY) which
will give every member of
COAI a chance to post some
of your slightly used props,
costumes, magic tricks and
so much more for sale on
www.coai.org. You will also
be able to pay for things you
want to buy with PayPal.
There will be more about
this in the months to come.
COAI has many different
programs set up to thank
our members for being so
special, like Clown of the
Year, Lifetime Achievement
Award, Charlie Award,
Convention Best in Clown
and so many others. But
now we have a brand new
program set up to honor
the memory of some very
special people who have
meant so much to COAI in
the past. It is called “The
Ring of Honor.” In the next
few months we will be
announcing the very first
members to be inducted
into that prestigious place
of honor. We are not
talking about our ‘Last
Walkarounds’ but about a
few very special members
who were so
important to
the history and
growth of COAI through the
years.
Last but not least, COAI
is always looking for new
products to put YOUR
COAI logo on. I have been
listening to what you want,
and COAI will be unveiling
beautiful, full button-down,
short- and long- sleeved
logo shirts in the coming
months. So look for them
in your New Calliope and
at www.coai.org. Keep
sending emails to let me
know what other products
YOU would like to see a
COAI logo on. Send them
to soundsfunny2me@aol.
com. Enjoy the holidays and
I’ll see you all next year.
l l l
Looking Through Clown Eyes
by Dale Flashberg,
South Central RVP
When shopping at the
mall, people watching,
out on the town, home
watching TV, reading
or receiving an email
with a joke in it, I am
always looking through
“Clown Eyes.” There is
something out there that
can be used as a clown
skit, or walk-around! Just
keep your eyes and ears
open and be sure to write
it down. The worst part is
saying to yourself, “How
cute is that” and an hour
Page 38
later you’ve forgotten the
punch line, or the entire
gag. Write it down!
When I see a cartoon
or article in the paper
that would work as a
skit, I cut it out. I have
a notebook I keep the
articles in. When looking
for something new, I go
through the notebook and
see if there is anything
I can use. Cartoons can
also be used as a cute
joke at a gig or birthday
party – just make sure it
is age appropriate.
There are many
conventions. Have you
thought of competing in
a single or double skit?
How about a cute walkaround
for paradeability?
You may want to start
looking for something
new.
Recently I saw a
couple of cute cartoons in
the Sunday paper. Next
time you go to the dentist,
tell him: “I floss regularly
… every 6 months,
right before my dentist
appointment.” I can see
this as a funny
comment at
an outdoors
gig: “I rubbed cool mint
toothpaste all over my
body. It’s cheaper than
air conditioning!” Well, I
thought they were cute. I
cut them out and put them
in my notebook. Maybe
my sense of humor isn’t
like yours, but I hope
you got the idea. Look
through your Clown
Eyes!
l l l
The New Calliope

y Pricilla Mooseburger
A woman conducting an
interview the other day said
“Aren’t all clowns naturally
funny???” Some people are
natural clowns; some people just
have the heart of a clown and
need to learn clown techniques.
Sometimes beginner clowns
have trouble shaking their
“pedestrian” habits and moves
when they first become clowns.
Learning to move like a cartoon
is a logical first step.
Start with your facial
expressions. Get in front of
a mirror and try to stretch
your facial muscles into
exaggerated expressions.
Try these on for size:
Happy, Embarrassed,
Cool, Sad, Shy, Bored,
Sick, Love, Jealous,
Angry, Angelic, Devilish,
Sweet, Proud, Nervous,
Surprise, Fear, Confused.
Add a few more of your
own. Next try different
intensities. Just be sure to
lock the bathroom door! Your
Jim Howell plays with a mirror.
family already thinks you are
nuts!!!
Think about your existing
performances. How can you
add some extra expression or
body movements to jazz things
up? Watch yourself on a video
tape. Oh that can be painful!
But seriously, seeing yourself
perform will really help you see
where you need improvement in
your facial expressions and your
body movements.
When it comes to
your body, bring
your hands up above
your waist.
Anyone
who has
taken a class
on public
speaking
will tell you it is
important to use
gestures to keep
your audience
interested. Clowns
need to use their
hands to tell their
story.
Practice poses! I know this
might seem odd. But get out your
props and use them to “pose” for
a picture in front of a mirror. This
kind of practice gives you an
idea how the audience sees you
when you use a prop. Treat each
prop as if it was alive! You will
be surprised what a difference it
will make in your performance if
you do. We pretend that puppets
are alive. Do the same with your
other props and it will add life to
your entire performance.
Of course the most important
thing to remember when you
are clowning is to have fun and
play. If you are having fun, your
audience will too. Keep your
performance simple, fun, and
silly. Remember to be expressive
with your face hands and body.
But variety is the key. Some
clowns really go overboard
going crazy with loud voices,
and wild gestures. When all else
fails watch some old fashioned
cartoons. You will be surprised
how much you will learn!
l l l
Pricilla Mooseburger, a.k.a. Tricia
Manuel, started her clown career with
Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey
Circus. While working at the Greatest
Show on Earth, she learned the art
of indestructible costume design. In
1989, she went on to create her own
costuming business for all types of
clowns all over the world.
November/December 2011 Page 39

To Wig Or Not To Wig
by Cheri Venturi
Many clowns have been wrestling
with the decision whether to wear a
wig or not. Let’s look at the various
attributes that make children and
adults say “I liked that clown.” The
very first thing should be, making
them laugh and enjoy the moment.
Secondly we need to consider shoes,
clothes, makeup and colorful wigs.
Without a doubt our biggest job
as a clown is to be prepared to make
people laugh and forget their cares.
For this we take laughter seriously.
We go to workshops, classes and
conventions to learn new techniques.
We perform and carry ourselves as
professionals whether we work for pay
or volunteer. We support the Art of
Clowning by clowning and by being
ambassadors every time we walk out
the door. This should be our first goal
and then we should consider how we
look to others.
For many reasons clowns may or
may not wear clown shoes. Sometime
it is just not safe to wear big clown
shoes when we may be doing activities
that would jeopardize our safety. We
go to many stores to find shoes that are
bright and big. Even if we don’t have
professionally made shoes we can
decorate regular shoes with colorful
laces, glitter, spray paint and designs
that are glued on. Thus our shoes look
different from regular street shoes and
become our clown shoes.
We may not be able to afford a
custom designed clown costume at the
beginning, so we can sew our own,
have someone who sews make one for
us, or collect items from thrift stores
or sale racks. Whatever we chose to
do whether it be get a designer clown
costume or a self designed costume,
we work to put colorful combinations
together to make us look less like
the man on the street and more like a
clown.
Page 40
Makeup also differentiates us
from the common “man” and the
“freaky- scary” clowns. We all work
hard to develop a look that is child
friendly and works from the stage
where we will be performing. Less
makeup for up close and a little more
makeup for far away arenas. Even the
Light Auguste should not be a lazy
Auguste. You should still apply a base
to accompany a lighter simpler look.
There are many reasons for going
with less makeup. Again, as long as it
differentiates you from an everyday
look, then it is all good.
Now we have arrived at the
question of wigs. Many people started
to get away from wearing wigs due to
hospitals requesting that wigs not be
worn. Some people just live in an area
that is too hot to perform in a wig.
Whatever the situation, many
clowns are going without their wigs
but are just adding fun things to their
own hair, such as spray-in color, bows,
headbands, feathers, hats, hair glue,
gel or teasing etc. Check out all the
hair accessories in the super market, as
well as department, discount, and drug
stores. Hair glue and color hair spray
can be purchased at Beauty supply
houses such as Sally’s. Again, in order
to appear as a clown and not just a
person in a clown costume, we should
dress up our hair to make it “clowny”.
Guys can also use spray-in hair
color, hats (large and small), and hair
glue to spike their hair out. Gel works
well also but hair glue makes it stay
longer. It washes out in the shower just
as the mousse or gel does.
Now with the weather getting
cooler, more clowns will go back
to wearing their wigs. There are
still many clowns who do not feel
complete if they do not wear their
wig. However, others have gotten very
comfortable not wearing their wig. So
it is completely up to the individual
and their situation whether they wear
their wig or not.
I would be remiss if I did not
mention that should you choose
to compete in makeup or skit
competitions, you must go with the
rules of that competition. Ignorance to
the competition rules is no excuse for
non-compliance. It is also not the time
to challenge the competition rules.
Although there are no “Clown
Police” to say what is right or wrong
for everyday work, I would like to see
all of us take a good look at how we
go out and make sure we are looking
“clowny” and not like people looking
odd with a little makeup, regular street
clothes and shoes, and no wig. If you
are doing balloons or face painting,
perhaps it is not necessary to dress
like a clown. In that case, you should
dress for the activity. Put on something
that sets you a part from the crowd
and shows you are the professional.
Always give your audience a good
looking clown that is well-prepared to
perform.
For those that still wear a wig or
are thinking of wearing one in the
future, the following is how to take
care of your wig so you will look good
and get extended life from your wig.
Take The Stress Out of
Washing Your Wig.
1. Fill the sink or basin with
lukewarm water and a small
amount of your own shampoo.
Place the wig in the bath to
soak for about 10-15 minutes.
Rub gently on the places where
the grease paint has come in
contact with the cap or the
fibers. If the greasepaint is
quite heavy, you may use a
small amont of dish detergent
on the spots, but only a very
small amount (dish detergent is
a grease cutter).
The New Calliope

2. Squeeze the soap through the wig several times and
remove the wig from the soapy water. Drain the soapy
water and refill the basin with clear lukewarm water.
Place the wig back in the clean water and swish gently.
Do Not Run Under Faucet As It Tangles The Fiber.
Repeat as many times as necessary to remove all the
soap. You may use conditioner on straight wigs, not
curly ones as it relaxes the curl.
3. Squeeze the excess water out of the wig (Do Not
Wring).
4. Lay the wig out on a towel. Roll the wig up in the towel.
Squeeze the towel to remove the extra water.
5. Shake the wig out and place it on a wig head to dry.
Do Not Comb While Wet As
It Will Pull The Fibers Out
Leave Enough Drying Time And
Do Not Use A Hair Dryer On A Synthetic
Wig, It Will Melt.
You may want to put some styling gel on the curly wigs at
this point.
If your wig is tangled use a product such as Johnson’s
childrens’ detangler.
After the wig has thoroughly dried:
Curly wigs: Shake them out; Do not use a comb on a curly
wig as it will cause the curls to become frizzy. You may use
a pick on them only to loosen the fibers close to the cap.
Straight wigs: You may use a wide tooth comb or brush to
comb through the fibers
Tips:
Hair spray: Use a low lacquer hair spray, the more
expensive the hair spray the less lacquer. Too much lacquer
will cause the fibers to become gummy.
Carry a dryer sheet (Bounce or Snuggle) in your pocket and
rub over your wig if you wig has a great deal of static cling.
It will cut the static and make it smell good at the same
time.
If your wig tends to mat in the back or sides just take your
fingers and run them through without pulling on the fibers.
While the wig is dry, put some styling gel or mousse on the
troubled area and allow it to dry. This especially needs to be
done with the “Disco” wigs or Wet-look wigs. This matting
is caused by the fibers rubbing on a collar or hat and shows
me you are a very active clown. Good for you. With a little
attention, you can keep the matting at a minimum and enjoy
your wig for a longer length of time.
1.
2.
3.
4.
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5.
November/December 2011 Page 41

Page 42
The New Calliope

The Coastal Caring Clowns of Buderim,
Queensland Australia just celebrated the Alley’s
10 th anniversary by publishing a book cataloging its
first ten years.
Members
on the
Southeast VP Kent Sheets stands ready to pounce
on anyone who wasn’t a COAI member at the
SECA convention in Jacksonville, FL.
On 9/5/11, Save-A-Lot in Raytown, MO had their
Customer Appreciation Day BBQ. Employee
Debbie “Sparky” Hjerpe, was able to take a
few minutes and show District Manager, Nick
Alexander why she truly loves being a clown.
Larry “Flippo” Rettig of West Boylston, MA had his Harley
painted yellow and blue to match his clown costume. On the
front fender he has painted ‘ “Harley” your average clown!”
And on the back fender he has “Flippo the Jugglin’ clown!”
Richard Biggio Gottschlich recently visited Australia with the People to People
Student Ambassador program. While touring Sydney, Richard had his contingency
pose for a picture wearing clown noses for National Clown Week.
The noses were a big hit and everyone had a lot of fun.
September/October November/December 2011 Page 43

$5 per roll (roll of 250)
5 rolls for $20!!
Page 44
The New Calliope

Pirate Seadog Sally (Vickie Cazee) of Farmerburg,
IN shares her New Calliope with fellow pirates
Poopdeck Polly (Melanie Cazee) and Curvy Bill
(John Cazee) while waiting for the homecoming
parade to start in Jasonville, IN. The pirates
received an award for “Most Comical”.
Harry “Dimples” & Virginia “Honee-B”
Moore and Janice “Merphi” Smith were
enjoying reading The New Calliope during
Clown Week in Cherokee, NC.
“DeeDee” Hartmier and Debbie
“LaDitzy” Fowler having fun in the
sun in California this past summer.
Look
Who's
Reading
The New
Calliope!!
Mary Ann “Strawberri” and Bud “Patch”
Keerps took time out from the Westfield
Days Parade to read their New Calliope.
The Freestate Clown Alley visited Heart Homes Assisted Living in Lutherville, Maryland before traveling to Sparks Maryland for a fun-filled afternoon of
performing and making smiles. At 4:15 the Alley posed in front of the Monsignor O'Dwyer Retreat House just before the blessing of the clowns by the
Campers from Camp Glow (God Loves Our World). The weeklong Camp is run three times over the summer for Developmentally Disabled Adults and
the Alley entertains on Tuesday evenings. After the Blessing, the Alley preformed for the campers and their companions. Mr. Bill Fleming is Director of
Disabilities Ministries for the Archdiocese of Baltimore and has partnered with the Alley for many events.
Back row: Thom “Skootchee” Stevenson, Steve “T-Bone” Carder Standing and behind sign: Janet “Cha Cha” Hildebrandt, Keith “Bob-a-Louie” Karas, Rita
“Oki Doki” Beccera, Pat “Patty Cake” Stevenson, Donna “Rae Rae” Hilse In front of sign Courtney “Giggles” Parto, Vercal “Calli Oops” Crenshaw, Alana
“Lollipop” Anderson, Katie “Cheezer” Harmke. Kneeling and sitting: Marty “LuLu” Spence, Arlene “Toodles” O'Gurick' Debbie “Butterscotch” Eichner
and missing Bryan “Jello” Palus.
November/December 2011 Page 45

Musical Duet
I play the violin.
Staring Ted “Twaddles” White and Heather “Pockets Wuersching.
Photographer: John Wuersching. Script: Ted “Twaddles” White
Foto Funnies
I play the
saxophone.
Together we tried
to audition for
“Australia’s
Got Talent.”
The producer
wouldn’t let
us enter …
She said that
there was
already …
Too much
sax & violins
on television!
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
As we approach the end
of 2011 and look forward to
2012, we tend to reflect on
the closing year and look
forward to a fresh beginning
to a new year. As I look back
my roller coaster ride came
to a conclusion, albeit not the
conclusion I desired. It's been
a growing year as I have been
pushed outside my comfort
zone. I continue to learn about
editing your magazine and
hope that I have imporved.
If you see things you like or
dislike let me know. If you
have story ideas let me know
or just submit them. My
contact information is on page
4 of every New Calliope.
The new year will bring a
Membership Drive. See the
article, “COAI Wants To Pay
For Your Membership” found
on page 13 of this magazine.
You have the incentive of
extending your membership
with each new member you
bring into COAI. When was
the last time you brought
someone into COAI and the
art of clowning?
We have also begun a
program where you can gift a
membership to someone else.
This started when a long-time
member noticed that another
member hadn't renewed their
membership due to economic
issues. This long-time member
contacted me and asked if it
could be done. We worked
out the details and I informed
the past-due member that
someone had taken care of his
dues. The member was thrilled
someone cared enough to help
out, and the gifter had that
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
“feels so good”
feeling. That's
a win, win!
In these difficult economic
times, if you have the means,
look for someone you can
help out. A COAI membership
makes a great gift. See the
new form on page 35 and 36.
Elections are just around
the corner. Why don't you
throw your wig into the mix
and run for an office?
Please note that the
business office will be closed
from December 19 through
December 26. This week off
makes for some very happy
employees and one ecstatic
employer.
Enjoy Your Holiday Season!
l l l
Note: All emailed items
must have a resolution
of not less than 300
pixels per inch at 100%
size).
The New
C u A u L u L u I u O u P u E
Our Advertisers in Nov./Dec. 2011 Issue!
We appreciate your support!!
Angel’s Artistic Endeavors....... 32
Balloons To You....................... 44
Bubba’s...................................... 2
C&B House of Clowns............. 14
Cherri-Oats & Company............. 6
Clown Gadget Store................. 14
Clown Supplies.......................... 2
COAI Membership Gift............. 32
COAI Merchandise................... 42
Costumes by Betty................... 32
Every Day's A Holiday.............. 13
Frontier Creations.................... 24
Gag Bag................................... 44
Jared's Goodies....................... 14
La Rock's Fun & Magic............ 48
Laugh It Up Clownstuff.............. 9
Mooseburger........................... 14
Red Nose Design....................... 2
Spear's Specialty Shoe Co....... 20
T. Myers Magic.......................... 2
TNT Costumes......................... 24
EVENTS
California Clown Campin......... 44
COAI 2012 Convention.............. 8
FPBA convention..................... 22
Red Skelton Clown School...... 12
4 COLOR
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SPECIAL PAGES (4 Color ONLY)
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All Alleys who have 100% COAI Membership may purchase ads at the lowest rate
available less 10%. For more details, contact Tom.
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
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:
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call Tom Newton at
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Unsolicited articles or pictures must include
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DEADLINES:
Jan./Feb. 2012: Dec. 1
March/April 2012: Feb 1
May/June 2012: April 1
July/Aug. 2012: June 1
Sept./Oct. 2012: Aug. 1
November/December 2011 Page 47