Hickory's
Tips of the Week

Parties

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.

Here's a Thought from the Guest Book: "I just started my second character, Goldi-dots. I have two clowns and I have found this to be beneficial. I have found that different children like different types of clowns. Beebo is an older clown with a colorful three piece suit. Goldi-dots is three years old and wears a dress with major polka-dots, and she has a stuffed animal. I find girls like Goldi better, and small children too. This helps in a small town. I just did two birthday parties for the same family, a week apart, and I was able to use each clown each week with different shows.

Thank you to: Beebo and Goldi-dots

When dealing with kids take it slow in the beginning. Many times I think, performers feel that since they are on the "clock", so to speak, they have to get right smack in the middle of the show. In other words going from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye. I feel it is better to take the extra couple of minutes to build a rapport with the kids. The end result will be a better, more relaxed and trusting audience. The finished product will stay with the kid's longer than if you tried to hurry it and force it to happen. If your going to make a good pot of chili it usually works better if you let it cook a while, same with the perfomance.

Thank you Rex Nolen!

Just a bit of common sense and general courtesy:

After doing a show, birthday party or any other type of gig, send a little "Thank You" card. It's not only good advertising, but it'll make 'em smile one more time.

Know your Business

Here's a tip taken for granted. I was recently asked by a client to do his middle daughter's party on an up-coming weekend. I said I would and gathered all the info I would need such as her age, number of kids, location, when they planned on having cake and opening presents, etc. The weekend came and I arrived on schedule carrying my suitcase show and giant "BIRTHDAY IN PROGRESS" sign. Imagine my surprise when I was told there was no birthday, that the celebration was a religious one, the daughter's first communion. Thankfully I had a show generic enough to adapt and did so instantly. The tip: Make sure you know for sure what kind of party your doing!

Thank you to: Bungles

Well, have I got an experience, or two or three to share!! This pastweekend, my husband (magician) and I were hired to perform for a "kids day". A grandmother had all of her grandchildren over for a special day and hired us to each do a show and tie balloons. My husband performed first and it was quite clear that there was a heckler in the crowd. He wasn't your regular heckler, either. During my husband's performance he yelled, "hey, is Bimbo (my name is Beep-O) dead yet or do I have to sit through her too?"

So, as can be expected, he was loud and had many smart comments to say throughout my show. I tried from the very beginning to have him become a part of my show but I knew that this was fruitless when he yelled, " I think Bimbo needs psychiatric treatment." When I apparently suprised him with the effect of my trick (produced a rabbit), he said, "well maybe I need therapy." That's not the best of it!! A cute little 3 year old asked if she could honk my nose and he yelled, "her nose doesn't honk, it's red because she was snorting lines of cocaine on the way here". This kid was only about 8 years old and this is not the kind of language that most kids his age kbow. It seemed to me as though psyschaitric treatment and drugs must somehow be a part of his life. My response was to simply ignore him and not miss a beat. His mother never intervened and offered excuses for his behavior afterwards, as she asked me back for next year! I kindly told her that her special day for the grandchildren was a nice idea and I looked forward to hearing for her again. And I said this all with a straight face!!! The heckler's uncle jokingly told me that A.J.'s birthday was next week and he would like to have me perform. We both got a chuckle out of that.

Thank you Beep-O the Clown

Here is one of the most fundamental pieces of advice, that cannot be pressed home enough:

PREPARE YOUR PROPS in ADVANCE! Before packing up for a show have a script of what you are going to do, and then follow that script as you load up you stage, case or prop box. Have a list of every routine you do and the props that are required. Then if you are short of time - just go to your script and prop lists to make sure you have everything you need. There is nothing more embarrassing than getting half way through a routine and realizing you forgot a key prop.

Moral of the story, be prepared - be rehearsed - be professional.

A Clowning Experience

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.

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.

Thank You J.T. "Bubba" Sikes

You can visit Bubba on the WWW at http://members.aol.com/jtbubba2/

-or-

email Bubba at jtbubba@aol.com

How to Handle an Unruly Child

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)

Thank You Mama Clown

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

or E-mail her at mamaclown2@aol.com

Keep Cool! A lesson in Biology

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.

Keep A Spare

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.

How to Work with Children Afraid of Clowns

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.

Thank You MT Pockets the Clown

Donna W. Kalamazoo MI

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.

Thank You Charlynn "Carrire" Johns, IMCJohns@aol.com

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...

Contributed by Genimo through Soda Pop's Newsletter

Let 'em Know in Advance

If you do clown ministry, hospital or nursing home visits, make sure everything is arranged and approved before your arrival. In a religious environment, introduce your clowning in a neutral situation - at a dinner or during youth programs. If your clown becomes part of the traditional worship - let the people know well in advance. Clowns are not always welcomed in a worship environment.

Doing hospitals? Know the rules. Contaminating a patient with someone else's disease is not good clowning.

Video Tape Your Show

If you have time to setup and permission from your sponsor, make video tape of your show. This tape will allow you to see yourself in action - the way your audience does. Do your movements come across the way they should? Do you project your voice? Is your back to the audience? Seeing yourself as others see you can be a real eye opener. This works well for rehearsals too.

Tips for Parades

I have seen so many parades where the clowns just walk and wave. Nothing funny goes on. Clowns are suppose to be funny, so be funny! Even if it is just a sight gag, be funny. Please do not throw candy, toys, etc. Why? Because children can get hurt when things are tossed at them (they cannot catch well), and they run onto the parade route and endanger themselves (never bring children onto the parade route--they are there to watch, not walk). Those who do not get any candy or toys feel disappointed, fights break out over who gets the item being tossed, it leaves a mess, and you are not Santa Claus! You are clown, so be funny!

Submitted by Pockets

You may e-mail Pockets at Sorly@aol.com

More Tips for Parades

Another parade bit I love is done while riding a unicycle. As I wave at someone, I fall off the bike and rush over and yell, "MOM!" and run up to give a lady a hug. Usually, she will yell back, "Son!" I often grab her, put my face close to hers, quickly put a sponge nose on her nose and say, "See the resemblance?" People will take snapshots of this, and, again, it involves the audience without doing a big routine.

Submitted by Pockets

You may e-mail Pockets at Sorly@aol.com

Dealing with Children's Fears

I am Wheeler the Clown. I face children with two fears. One fear of clowns;
two fear of wheelchairs. I can honestly say that in the 18 years I have been
clowning, I have only left a party once with a child still afraid of me, and
that is mostly do to the fact that the adults whisked her downstairs the
moment she started to cry, and returned to the basement every time they
brought her up because she was still crying.

My technique: First, I don't go out of my way to scare kids (exaggerated, big
movements, etc.) Secondly, I tell the adults present to let the frightened
child to determine his/her own space from me. Third, I find out the child's
name and repeatedly speak to the child throughout my show. The child always
warms up to this, and will usually answer questions, and in the end comes up
to me to get a balloon. The last time this happened the formerly frightened
child came up and hugged me as I was leaving.

Submitted by Wheeler The Clown.
You may e-mail Wheeler at DHK52980@aol.com

Child Safety Programs

Contributed by Kawshun "D" Safety Clown
Your may e-mail Kawshun at kawshunsc@earthlink.net
or visit her web site at Kawshun "D" Safety Clown

PRE-SCHOOL AGE GROUP: (3-5 year olds)

Remember you will be entering a classroom of people less than three feet
tall and it can be extremely unnerving. They are small people with open
hearts and minds. They are eager to learn new things and want to please.
Have fun with them.

Let the children know your expectations such as raise their hands and
wait to be call on etc. Most classrooms that you will visit the
children will be wearing their name tags and you can request this also.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT (BEFORE YOUR VISIT)

Ask the teacher if she or he wants you to cover any special topic.

Ask if there any special situations

Inquire about what the class has been learning lately.

Ask that the teacher (an aide) stay in the room while you are visiting
the children.

Know how many students will be in the class.

Know key referrals, polices and resources for problems you might
encounter.

YOUR VISIT-THINGS TO REMEMBER

Introduce yourself

Be sure your visit with them is not a simply a lecture

Establish and enforce the "one person talk at a time" rule.

Make your presentations fun and interesting:

Ask questions and let the children respond

Talk at the children's level

Use visual aids

Keep it short and simple and your visit brief

Work with the whole audience.

Relax and sit down.