Tips From Hickory's Clown Alley - Jan 2000

Clowns are a caring - sharing group of people. We share our time and talents with those in need of laughter, and we share our routines and experiences with each other. This page is a compilation of Hickory's Tip of the Week, and is a series of contribution from people like you, and from my own experiences. Please read through this and other "tip" pages. You are welcome to use any of the ideas or routines that may be presented here, however, there is no guarantees that what you read here will work as described. Also, any make-up or other tips are presented as-is at face value, and I cannot be held liable for anything that might result from their use. Enough legality. Please read, enjoy and grow in your clown....

International Clown Hall of Fame Web Site

If you have not already been there, I strongly suggest that you visit the International Clown Hall of Fame web site. You'll find pages on Clown History, Types of Clowns and many pictures of clowns who have helped clowning become what it is today. Check it out - you won't be disappointed.

Balloon Headquarters' Web Site

Do you want to know about balloons? Have I got the site for you - Balloon Headquarters is the place to go. See dozens of photos of sculptures, learn about the different types of balloons, even submit your own sculptures for others to admire. An excellent site that I'm sure you won't want to miss.

A BOX CROSS skit

We have often used a box with all sides as equal squares. It looks like a present, wrapped in colorful paper and tied up with string. There is a note (as on all presents) saying: from: God To: Everyone. We open the box, very slowly, (this usually keeps the audience on their toes). Normally it is empty and we are very disappointed. We try to look more carefully, but we only break the box!! Then we discover that by holding up the "BOX" IT BECOMES A CROSS!!!

Once we had a small heart-pocket in the middle of the cross, and when the clowns discover it they also
find that it contains small hearts which they can give to the audience. Another time we had a large heart made of red cloth. After we had unfold it we pointed upwards - GOD, then at the heart - LOVES, and then at the audience - YOU. The unfolding of the heart makes a very exiting atmosphere. In a bigger setting this can be a routine in it self!

Last Christmas we preformed at at a Christian party where they had a Christmas crib. But Jesus was missing. We found him in a present. And the box became a cross. And with help from the pastor (Chuckles & Sofi don't talk that much) the gospel was explained.

Birthday Party Give-A-Ways

It is always a good idea for a birthday party clown to give little "gifts" to all of the people who attend the party. They don't have to be expensive. It is also a good idea to give the birthday child something a little bit special. By doing this you will make a good impression on the kids and they will want to invite you to their birthday also.

Word of caution. Make sure the little trinkets are age appropriate. If they are too small a child may try to eat it. Try to keep them large enough so that even if they do get put in the mouth, they won't get caught in the throat.

Your Puppet As Your Partner

Many clowns are afraid to work with a puppet because they cannot do ventriloquism, their lips move. I would just like to offer a few words of encouragement. If you can make your puppet a living character, with "real" movements and a funny personality, you don't have to worry about your lips moving. The kids will be too attracted to your partner, too busy laughing to pay much attention to your lips. Certainly, practice your vent, the better you are the more confident you will be and your show will improve because of it. However, do not let moving lips get in your way ... bring your puppet on stage.

I have a tip for next month, especially for new clowns who don't have extra money for props. It is probably an old trick , but the first time I had seen it. It was in our Smiles Unlimited Newsletter last time .

All it takes is a paper bag,( I just bought a package that you use for lunches.) It is the invisible ball trick . You show the children your invisible balls naturally they think they are just beautiful. You throw the invisible ball up in the air , follow it with your eyes and when it come down. You snap your fingers. Opps I didn't tell you , you need to hold the bag with fingers inside the bag and thumb on the outside. I just practiced snapping my fingers on the bag for a couple of days and then used it for a church function with about 8 children. They are so wonderful and their imaginations are better than mine . They threw me the ball . and passed it around and a great time was had by all. You can make up all kinds of patter, you drop the ball, it does all kinds of tricks before falling in the bag etc. You can also give the invisible balls as a prize with the bag it's so inexpensive.

Start with the light blue:
Do a roll through by twisting 3 bubbles together approx. 2 or 3 inches each. This will be the muzzle. For the head do 2 or 3 in. bubble then a 1 in. then a 2 or 3 in. one again. Lock the 2 long bubbles together so that the smaller one is on top. Ear twist the small one. Do the rest of the body just like a basic dog body.

White balloon: Make 2 bubbles just a little smaller then the head bubbles. Tie theses together and attach to the head at the center of the head bubbles. These are the eyes.

Dark blue: Fold the blue 260 in half and attach around the ear twist at the head. These are your ears. (I like to shorten the ears a bit so they are not too long) Draw freckles on the sides of the muzzle and eyes on the white sections.

Many of us seasoned pros have put a lot into our sites, therefore please be courteous when visiting a site and remember that many professionals protect their sites and names through copyrights and trademarks which mean you can not take material from one site and put it on another site if it is protected.

(Hick Note: Copyrights apply to graphics and text on a WWW page. I've seen some of my stuff appear on other people's websites. In one respect it is flattering because my work is being recognized, but in another respect my work has been stolen and somebody is taking credit for what I did. Before using material, please ask permission. Chances are the webmaster will say yes, but at least pay them the courtesy of asking permission.)

In order to get business, people need to know you exist. There are many ways that you can advertise your clown. Most depend upon the amount of money you have to invest, but even low budget advertising campaigns can be effective. Try to target your advertising to the market you seek.

If you are trying to find new families for birthday parties, here is one idea you can try:

1) Find a local supermarket, toy store, children's clothing store or family restaurant. Ask their permission to twist balloons on their premises. Chances are they will have a sale or promotional event going on and may even advertise you as well. If you volunteer to do this for free, you will meet some very willing merchants.

2) Have some flyers made up that have a coloring book picture of your clown. Include on that flyer your clown name, phone number and emphasize that you do birthday parties.

3) On the day of your gig, make sure you have fun with the kids. Play with them while you make the balloons. Make them laugh and giggle. After handing them their favorite balloon animal, hand them one of your flyers and ask them to give it to their parent.

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When the child gets home, they will color your photo and put it on the refrigerator. If one party results from this afternoon's promotion, you will pay for your balloons and flyers. Who knows, maybe the merchant will invite you back and even pay you next time!

If you are looking to expand your corporate client base, then try a couple of these tips:

1) Register your name with the local convention center, hotels, chamber of commerce and other organizations that promote or host conventions and trade shows. Many times a clown or magician in the booth will attract large crowds.

2) Advertise in the Yellow Pages of your phone books. People really do "let their fingers do the walking" and a well placed, well conceived ad will attract the business you're looking for.

3) Full color flyers with your photos and booking information, with target mailing to the businesses of your choice, bring results as well. Restaurants and small stores are often good for this type of mailing, as they often hire clowns to do grand openings or other promotions.

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The Internet is the perfect medium to advertise your clown. Why? Because the WWW allows your clown to be in full color with several different still pictures, to move and talk with use of short video clips and essentially to have unlimited full color text available. Page counters are allow you to know how many folks are actually looking at your web site.

Your clown's web site should not be your only, or even your primary, form of advertising. Instead, reference your web site in all your advertising material. Make sure your web address is easily visible in all your advertising so people know it is out there. Especially in the world of business, people rely more and more on the internet to give them information about the company/people they do business with.

When performing a skit involving pies, use shaving cream instead of whip cream. The oils in whip cream
can stain your wardrobe, plus it can get really sticky. Make sure the pie skit is the last gag you do because the shaving cream will "eat" your make-up (it is a soap product you know). If you use it in the middle of a show, make sure you take a "touch-up" kit with you. P.S. Powdering extra heavy before the gag will allow the make-up to withstand the pie better.

Oh! Stop Clowning Around..
I carry a sponge nose for this one. I get as tired as the rest of you..
When that line is thrown at me I am ready. I get the sponge nose and yell..
my replacement is here, and offer the nose. So far no takers..
Most run away from me..
Try it it's fun and make sure to always respect the public in fun...
Jay Jay the clown jjclown@hitter.net

When you're doing face or hand painting, make sure you use paints that are designed for use on the face. Poster paints have permanent dyes in them that can stain the child's skin or cause allergic reactions. Make sure your face paints are designed to wash off with soap and water, that means you shouldn't use your clown makeup as face paints either. There are many quality face paints available that are not too expensive. Visit your favorite clown dealer, or visit the Dealers Page of this website to make sure your kids are happy and want you to paint their faces again.

Before doing any street performing, it is always a good idea to check with the local officials
for any licensing or permit requirements. You may be fined or even arrested if you are not
in compliance with local laws.

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Thank you for anything you can offer.
Geoff "Hickory" Turner

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