Tips From Hickory's Clown Alley

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....

Clown #1 Well kids, it's time to have a Bible drill. (He pulls out the drill and aims it at some of the children.)

Clown #1 Sure it is. (Aiming it at the kids again) How else are we going to make them HOLEY?

Clown #2 Put that away. That's not the right kind of holy. In church when we say holy, we mean set apart and righteous, not kids with holes drilled in them. Jesus makes people holy when they turn from sin, repent and trust Him to be their Lord and Savior.

Recently I did some clowning in an inner-city church for their Children's Day. The kid's there were street wise and no clown was going to get them. The first thing one of the 8 year old boys said to me was "You're A FAKE!!" and started reaching for my nose and trying to step on my favorite - oversized clown shoes. At first I tried to play along, but before I knew it half a dozen were doing the same things. Finally I just stopped and asked them what they were doing. Would

they like it if somebody called them names - made fun of them and tried to step on their toes? I told them that I wanted to have fun, but if they kept it up, I would walk out and they would have to explain to their friends and parents what happened. This started them thinking and they all apologized. The "ring leader" became my best helper and held my hand as we walked through the church and passed out stickers. I don't know if this will work all the time, but I do know that clowns are people - and deserve a little respect. We don't have to be abused just because we are in makeup. If you have had similar situations, I would appreciate hearing about them.

Do you use water during your show? Are you always trying to find a good container to carry it in? Kool-Aid comes in handy plastic containers with a screw on lid. They hold just the right amount of water for a Lotta bowl. No leaks and no fear of breakage.

With Fairs & Carnivals the big thing now...remember...Try not to book Friday and Saturday nights (after 6 pm). This is usually nights where the Teenage crowd takes over. High School Night is usually how it is advertised. What does this mean? It means that most of the families have already gone home with the small children. This also means that you will have your hands full with the teen hecklers.

The easiest way to avoid this situation is to work with the events coordinator. They usually don't think about the safety of the clowns working. Educate them to the fact that they will have more satisfied family customers if you are there during the afternoon hours & on Family Night. Please don't get me wrong....I love working with teens, but, only in a controlled setting with adult supervision.

This is one of my favorite ways to handle an unruly child. Everyone's favorite, the one that "knows how everything is done and seen it all." I tell him (her) that I'm so glad that he's so smart. However, I do a trick that I know for sure he doesn't know since I only invented it this morning. Since he's the smartest kid in the audience I'm going to teach it to him and nobody else. When the kid comes up to the stage I tell the audience that magicians always take a vow of secrecy not to tell anyone how the trick is done. Everyone has to put their fingers in their ears so they won't hear what I'm telling him. As the audience follows my instructions, I hold the child by his hands, look at him straight in the eyes and very seriously whisper to him: "Ok..this is the deal. I'm going to make you look really good in front of your friends and then you are NOT going to bug me anymore. Are you? " Immediately, I extend my hand asking him to "shake on it." I then do my sponge ball routine where we start with two balls and he ends up with 10 in his own hand. It works for me all the time! : o)

I invite everyone to visit Mama Clown's web site at http://members.aol.com/mamaclown2/ Happy surfing!

This week's tip is just a simple rule of life, that if we could all follow, would make this planet a totally different place to live. Love your neighbor as yourself

With the heat of Summer baking most of America, there is a special threat to clowns. Our makeup, wigs and heavy costumes inhibit the body's natural cooling mechanisms. Whenever possible, work in the shade, wear cooler costumes, drink plenty of water, try not to let your salt levels drop too low and don't over-do it. The big challenge is not keeping your makeup from melting, it is making to the next gig.

Whenever possible, always have two of you favorite props or tricks (especially if they are your trademark), and keep them in separate locations. This will protect you against breakage, fire or some other mishap.

To keep makeup from rubbing off your lips: After applying the red greasepaint, powder them with Johnson's Baby Powder (and NOTHING else... nothing even close to compares to Johnson's...) Rub it in lightly with your ring finger, lightly powder again, then wet your lips with your tongue. Then DON'T eat anything with an oily base, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. I've worn my makeup for more than 10 hours without having to redo lips or anything and it still looked great... even in hot weather.

Thank you Go-Go the Clown for submitting this great tip to Soda Pop's fabulous newsletter!

Take the Giant Deck of Cards and pick someone from the audience. Tell them "Pick a card, show it to the audience and then stick it back in my deck. I will be able to tell you exactly which card you picked."

After the card is picked, turn your back to the audience, all the time instructing the child to show everybody the card, but not say out loud what the card is.

When the time is right, turn back around and spread the miniature deck of cards and instruct that the giant card be placed in it. You will get a mixed response of laughter, "Your cheating" and the like.

For clown ministry there is a moral to the story, "We think we can hide stuff, but God knows exactly what we do."

All too often we get comfortable with our routines and forget to try new things. As professionals, it is our duty and responsibility to always learn new skits, magic tricks, facial gestures, movements, balloon sculptures, puppet routines, juggling, face painting, costume tricks or learn how to ride a unicycle - use stilts - play a musical instrument.

As clowns we are one of the few entertainers who set their own limits. We can do anything of moral decency that makes people smile.

This site is designed to help you expand your clown. Visit the dealer's page, check out upcoming events, visit the clown ministry page, read previous tips or find an alley near you.

This week's tip is slightly different, because I will take the time to explain Hickory's Clown Alley. In short - this site exists to help clowns communicate events and ideas, educate though sharing experience and routines, enjoy each other through chats and billboards. This site is set up to let you - the web surfing clown - contribute and benefit from it. Here's how:

Clowns - A registry of clowns with e-mail address, webpage addresses (if they have one), skills, venues and geographic area where you work. List your clown and you may get visitors to your web site and e-mail from people with like skills. Listings here will enroll you in "Hickory's Newsletter", a periodic letter of alley activity.

Books - A list of my favorite books on clowning and the ability to order from Amazon.com

Billboard/Messages - List here anything you'd like to share. I'm for sales, general thoughts, requests for advice ...

Dealers - Links of Internet sites to clown supply dealers who have merchandise that clowns will use.

Events - Upcoming conventions or educational seminars. You can enter information for your alleys events and announce them to the world.

Chat Room - Open 24 hours/day 7 days/week chat with other folks about clowning.

Alleys & Clubs - Add your clown alley to the list of other alleys, or look for the alley nearest your.

Even though the hottest weather is behind us, this tip will help keep your balloons fresh all year round. Keep them in a cool place. The latex material of balloons will break down in the heat, making them pop easier. Don't keep them in your car or near the radiator in your clown room. A good friend of mine keeps hers in the basement and they last a long time.

I'm sure we've all been there - making balloons at a picnic or some other event - 20 children are in line and by this time you want to get home. Along comes the cutest little girl and you ask her what kind of balloon animal she wants. Patiently you list off the sculptures you make, and after a long while she decides on the butterfly. To help your children make a decision - soon - make a sign out of all the sculptures you are willing to make that day. If you can, draw pictures of the sculpture so they know exactly what kind of flower to expect. Your lines will move faster and everyone will be in better spirits.

As you practice your skits and tricks, it's always a good idea to have a video camera watching you. By taping your routines you can critique from the audience's point of view.

Before you do a new trick/routine for the first time, make sure you do a dress rehearsal. Full costume and maybe even full makeup. Big shoes, baggy pants and cloth gloves may effect the way props are handled or how they move.

October 17 - October 24 - How to Work with Children Afraid of Clowns - Part 1

I ask that question during the introductory phone call. That way there is almost never a Birthday Child who is afraid. When giving my "clown tips to help your party run smoothly" I mention that if a child should be afraid, to let him or her get as far away from me as he or she wants to and to watch from that distance. Many times those children will come up for a balloon later if given that space and time to observe from what they consider a safe distance. In a crowd, I wave bye bye to frightened kids and step back,, and that usually puts them at ease.

October 31 - November 7 - How to Work with Children Afraid of Clowns - Part 3

Red "sale" stickers at the office supply store make "Clowns for a Day" or "Instant Clowns". Even the children who were scared received one with a smile. I do foreign mission work and it translates even well in other countries.

November 7 - November 14 - How to Work with Children Afraid of Clowns - Part 4

Most importantly, be sensitive. Don't get close! Many times I get a smile if I act like I'm shy too. Try peek-a-boo... Another ice breaker is to have a puppet, squeeky toy, or other diversion. If no response in a short time, I believe in excusing myself and saying bye-bye. I often use my microwave to do this....You do know what a microwave is, don't you? It's a wave from your pinky! Adults "get it" when you tell them you must go now and use your microwave...

When you perform with a religious theme, and your trying to impart values onto your audience, don't be a preacher. Let your skits and tricks deliver your message. Blend in a healthy portion of simple, fun & funny clowning. When your audience has a light and happy heart, the seed of your message will land in ripe soil.

Each year at this time, Americans stop and ponder on the many blessings that we have. I am taking this opportunity to thank the two people who most influenced my clowning. Bruce Cornwell, the minister at my church who had the inspiration, determination and skill to create the Joyful Joeys, a clown troupe dedicated to sharing God's Love. Marie "Mischief" Beck is the personification of clowning; teaching all who show an interest, loving all who enter her life and making children laugh in war torn areas around the world.

My tip this week, for those who are starting out in clowning, find a mentor in clown alleys, actor's guilds or your local theatrical society.

My tip this week for the experienced clown, find someone to mentor. This is a lonely world in need of good clowns. Teach, share and embrace a struggling clown. Some of the smiles you create - will be your own.

When buying props, costume fabric or your favorite magic trick, always make sure you get two of them. Eventually what you have will wear out or lost. If you have a another one then your clown is not without something very important to your show. With respect to fabric, there is a good chance your pattern will not be available when you need matching accessories. Buying more fabric than you need will help make sure you have enough for when you do need it. Besides, if you can buy the entire bolt of fabric, it is cheaper by the yard.

After years of noticing that our clown bookings drastically declined during the Christmas season, we decided to try something different. We invented richly dressed Elf characters, took photos and sent promo pacs to our party and mall clients.

In a few years we had more Christmas work than we could handle. That was twelve years ago and now our Elves make up almost a third of our yearly business income.

The Elves are really just clowns as Elves. It all comes from the heart , not from the makeup.

Whether you've been clowning for a week, a decade or a lifetime, always strive to be the most professional clown you can be. Attend conventions, join an alley, go to clown camp and learn new routines. Every time you put on makeup and perform, your are making a lasting impression on somebody's life. Please, make it a good one.

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

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