Archive for Training

SirToony | December 27, 2012 | No comments

I have been working on gathering the details for the various clown, face painting, and balloon twisting conventions in 2013. The Calendar of Events page has been updated with details about many conventions for the coming year.

Note to convention planners…
I would be happy to add your events to the calendar. The events MUST be open for the general public to register and MUST be more than one day. To make things easier for me, please send me the information in the following format:

Event Name:
Event Dates:
Event Location: (Hotel or convention center name and address)
Event Website:
Short Description:

Category: Clown Events, Training, Website News

Class Clowns Take a Class

SirToony | December 16, 2012 | No comments

Professional clowns train volunteers for parade in Stamford, CT.

Category: Clowns, Parade, Training, Videos

MACA Convention 2012

SirToony | December 3, 2012 | No comments

Lovely Buttons and Quany at the Mid-Atlantic Clown Association Convention 2012 in Harrisburg, PA.

Bubba Sikes performs the linking rings…

Category: Clown Events, Clown Skits, Clowns, Magic, Training, Videos

Character Face – A Clown College Fantasy

SirToony | November 28, 2012 | No comments

Character Face takes us to the Venice, Florida Arena, where for thirty years Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus held their winter quarters and also ran their Clown College. Abandoned today, former Ringling Clown Nancy Osborn Berman visits and once again the arena becomes a place of wonder and magic, if only for a brief moment.

This film is dedicated to all Clowns, Circus Performers and Circus Fans who still hold onto the dream that is the circus.

Written, Directed and Edited by Nic Beery, (Clown College 1982)
Starring Nancy Osborn Berman, (Clown College 1982), Chuck “Chuck-O” Sidlow, (Clown College 1977) and Jonathan “Mitch” Freddes, (Clown College 1974)

Category: Circus, Clown Makeup, Clown Skits, Clowns, Training, Videos

Clown Makeup Design

SirToony | August 4, 2012 | No comments

I created a video where I discuss the design of a modern clown face. I recommend getting Strutter’s Complete Guide to Clown Makeup.

In the video, I discuss how a clown’s makeup is designed to help the audience see the expressions. The boldness of the makeup design may vary based on how close the clown will perform in front of an audience, from a stadium, to a living room, to a hospital room.

It is also important to understand how the face moves and put the makeup on to let the makeup move with the muscles of the face and carry the emotions and expressions.

Category: Clown Makeup, Clowns, Training, Videos

Whiteface Clown Makeup Demonstration

SirToony | August 1, 2012 | No comments

Mike Becvar, aka Sir Toony Van Dukes, demonstrates how he puts on his clown makeup.

Category: Clown Costumes, Clown Makeup, Clowns, Training, Videos

Clown Programs for Kids and Teens

SirToony | June 6, 2012 | No comments

I really wish I had discovered clowning when I was a teen and was able to go to one of these clown programs. Here are just a few of the programs available for kids.

Sacred Heart Network Clown Academy Program
at Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart,
Princeton, New Jersey

http://www.princetonacademy.org/main/forparents/summer-programs-clownacad.html

Circus Smirkus
Vermont
http://www.smirkus.org/

Amazing Grace Circus
Nyack, NY
http://amazinggracecircus.org/

My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus
Cincinnati, OH
http://www.mynoseturnsred.org/

Circus Juventas
Circus Juventas is a performing arts youth circus school located in St. Paul, Minnesota and serving the Twin Cities metro area.
http://www.circusjuventas.org/

Circus Camp
Georgia
http://www.circuscamp.org/

Sailor Circus
Sarasota, Florida
http://www.sailorcircus.org/

Category: Clowns, Training, Videos

Clown Newsletters

SirToony | March 5, 2012 | 3 comments

There are a few clowns who publish regular email newsletters with valuable information for clowns. My personal favorite is Mooseburger Newz, which is sent out once a month by Tricia Manuel, aka Pricilla Mooseburger. Each newsletter has an article or tips for clowns along with information about Moose Camp and sale items at Pricilla Mooseburger Originals.

Another good email newsletter is sent out by Bruce “Charlie” Johnson. In his newsletter, he sends out his “Thought For The Week”.

The Red Nose Response also has a regular newsletter. Their newsletter has information about Red Nose Response and stories about how members got involved in supporting their community after a disaster.

I am sure there are more email newsletters. I just haven’t found them all. One that may be of interest to clowns who visit hospitals is the A Heart 4 Clowning Hospital Clown e-Newsletter.

Category: Clowns, News, Training

Ringling Clown College Auditions in NY

SirToony | February 19, 2012 | No comments

2012 Clown College® Auditions Announced

This is a once-in-a–lifetime opportunity to audition to become part of The World Famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Clown Alley

NEW YORK, NY

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2012
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL – VANDERBILT HALL
87 E 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017

Sign Up

REQUIREMENTS:
Auditionees must be 18 or older and come prepared to show a 3-5 minute routine. This routine should display exaggerated facial expressions and body language, showcase any unique physical skills (juggling, unicycle riding, gymnastics, etc.) and demonstrate an understanding of their comedy, a sense of personality and a true desire to become a member of the world famous, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Clown Alley.

IMPORTANT:
Auditionees should not wear any clown makeup and should not wear any costumes. Loose, comfortable clothing should be worn. It is preferred, but not required, that you bring a headshot and a resume to your audition.

Category: Clown Events, Clowns, News, Training

Circus Magic Convention

SirToony | February 13, 2012 | No comments

Just 12 days away from the start of the Circus Magic Convention. Steve “Salty” Kissell sent out an email update with some changes and special announcements.

  1. Danny Taylor will be joining us for the Thursday evening show with Don Bursell, you don’t want to miss this zany pair. Don is a Ringling trained clown that will bring the house down!
  2. For those that are signed up for Thursday-Sunday at Circus Magic, you can attend the Balloon Mania Day on Wednesday for only $5! This will be for beginning and intermediate twisters. Then you can step up your game with Ken Stillman with Advanced Balloons on Thursday.
  3. For those of you who signed up for Storytelling on Friday: Red Hawk’s brother Swamp Rat will be in the house in full Native American regalia sharing the history of NA artifacts at the workshop.
  4. Chagy the Clown has graciously agreed to perform on our Saturday evening show.
  5. Please consider donating clown or magic items to the Betsy Ellis Scholarship Fund. You may drop off your donation at the registration desk. Items will be placed in the silent and live auction.
  6. Mark your calendars for next year (February 21-24) as Jim Howle will be holding a two day performance and presentation class. At the completion of the workshop, his students will perform on the Circus Magic stage! AND on Saturday evening next year, you don’t want to miss Jim Howle’s final farewell performance! Jim is retiring from clowning to pursue his other love of painting. This will surely be the show of the century with special guests from his past to send him out with fanfare. You may register this year at Circus Magic for next year and receive a free pre-day intensive for 2013.
Category: Clowns, Training
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