What is “It” than makes a performer shine? What is “It” that makes that one person stand out in the crowd and get a standing ovation? “It’s” not the costume and make-up. “It’s” not the skills or the props. “It’s” not their presentation skills. In fact, “it’s” not even talent!

Although these things are important, the answer is much deeper and has to do with class, charisma, personality, stage presence, communication skills, and a fun and lively attitude towards their art form.

Consider these Standouts

When Leon Mc Bryde walks on a stage the audience immediately falls in love with “Buttons,” the character he created. He doesn’t do magic tricks or perform any type of fancy skills. His special magic comes from within, from inside his clown soul… and that keeps his audiences spellbound.

Dave “Mr. Rainbow” Barlett, with his simple costume and make-up and special sense of humor, can work a crowd better than anyone I know. People love Dave and just can’t get enough of him. And when Suzy hammer, the “Pink Fairy” walks into a room everyone smiles.

Of course, some performers are very skillful. Consider Oscar “Timmy Bond” Flores, Carol “Clarol” Crooks and ‘Chagy” who excel in every imaginable skill. But it’s not their skill that people remember. It is their likable and friendly personality that endears them to their audiences. My own character, “Mama Clown,” is kind but witty and this combination creates a wonderful rapport with most audiences.

How to Create a Performing Persona

Creating our performing character is a journey of self-discovery. We become what we believe. In order to fully develop our performing personality we must have clarity about the person and character that we want to be. Once we have clarity, then we are driven to fulfill that vision.

Character development is not a quick or easy process. It doesn’t happen overnight. What is amazing and hard to believe is that it takes an average of 13 years to get in touch with the clown within us and a lifetime to perfect that character.

Developing that Special Something

So, how exactly do we learn to create that special kind of magic that stands out in a crowd? How do we learn to shine?

First, we begin with the basics. We learn how to apply our make-up and put together a costume that will be appealing to the eye. Next, we develop our ability to write skits and master some magic tricks. And we practice these skills until we get them right.

And then, one day it dawns on us. Being funny is a serious business and is not as simple as it sounds. We come to understand that what it takes to succeed as an entertainer cannot be taught and that being charismatic is like being photogenic, either you are or your not.

The mannerisms that makes our characters tick, our “look,” and the sparkle in our eyes tell a lot about who we are and what makes us unique. When our characters and our souls become one, then everything clicks and our actions become second nature to us. That is the magic that captivates and audience.

Think about it, why does everybody love Lucy? She was, in her own way, a clown. What is it that made her so lovable and unforgettable through the years?

Have you ever watched Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean? His childlike innocence combined with character witty problem solving skills makes me cry laughing.

Michael “Coco” Polacovs is living proof that once you get ‘it’ you never loose ‘it’. In his 80’s he walks on to a stage a stage and after a half a decade of performing he still manages to mesmerize an audience with his lovable stage persona.

Become a Student of Character

Take time to observe and study those performers that touch your heart when they walk on stage. Become a student and learn from the character they created. Try to discern what is it that makes that performer unique.

Make notes and consider how you can make your own character as unique and likable as that of your heroes. And remember, it’s okay to change. In fact, you should keep on changing and trying new things until it feel right to YOU. If you are consistent on your quest of self discovery, you will one day be rewarded with a true understanding of your own unique clown character.

Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

Have fun in everything you do and do it with enthusiasm! Take time to love yourself and to do what you like. Take time to nourish the relationships in your life and to give to others. Get in touch with your Higher Power. Each of these things have nothing to do with, and yet, everything to do with clowning. They will help you become the best that you can be in and out of make-up.

Finally, be patient with yourself. Don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Remember, It’s not the destination but the journey that counts!

It seems that clowns are a trend, at least when it comes to commercials. Last week we featured a story that discussed the Walmart Clown Ad.

Not to be outdone, kgb has released it’s own commercial featuring clowns. In case your not familiar with the kgb service, the idea is pretty simple. Use your mobile phone to text a question to the kgb service and for 99 cents you get the answer texted to your phone. Their selling point is that kgb is more efficient that searching the web.

The commercial, which is rumored to be airing during this year’s Super Bowl, features two clowns, one looks very professional and shows children enjoying his performance. The other performer has clown makeup that looks like something out of a horror movie, and of gets similar restults.

So, what do you think? Are commercials like this good for business, or will they make people hesitant to hire a clown for their children’s party? Do they contribute to coulrophobia? Share your ideas in the comment area below.

What’s a children’s entertainer to do in a shrinking economy? While business is up for a few, according to a couple of articles at the MiamiHerald.com, the economy is shrinking what parents are willing to spend on their child’s birthday parties.

In Tears of a clown: Economy shrinking kid parties, last year Amy Tinoco, otherwise known as Oopsy the Clown, grossed about half of what she did the previous year. In practical terms, she went from about a dozen parties on any given weekend down to three.

A similar (and obviously related) article, Kids’ parties being toned down, also notes that those who make their living from performing at parties have felt the financial pinch because parents are spending less on children’s parties.

How Much will Parents Spend

One interesting bit of information in the article is some research done by Parents Magazine on how much their readers were planning to spend on their child’s party. Here’s what they found:

• 26% – Less than $75.00
• 49% – $75.00 to $200.00
• 19% – $200 or more
• 6% – Didn’t Know

Strategies for Booking Shows in a Down Economy

One strategy mentioned in the article that may be useful for increasing bookings during the economic downturn is to offer a bonus.

For example, do you normally offer “extras” such as bubble machines or goodie bags for an additional fee? Consider offering them at no extra charge. Everybody loves a deal and it mean the difference between working and staying home.

Your turn now. Have you experienced a downturn along with the economy or is your business booming? What strategies are you using to stay busy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

“Everybody loves a clown, so why don’t you?” was the question asked by Gary Lewis and the Playboys back in 1965 as they sang on the Ed Sullivan Show. And it’s a great question for those of us who entertain as clowns to ask as well.

Throughout history, people have loved clowns. But recently there seems to be an increase in the number of people who fear clowns. What could be causing people to develop such an aversion to red-nosed entertainers?

What Exactly is Coulrophobia?

Coulrophobia is the official term for the fear of clowns. This Wikipedia article on coulrophobia states the condition is common among children but also found in teens and adult and can cause physical reaction including difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nausea.

In addition to fearing clowns, it seems that recently mocking clowns is becoming a national pastime. Consider the following commercial recently aired by Walmart:

3 Reasons People Fear Clowns

Everybody loves a clown, so why don’t you?
Everybody laughs at the things that I say and do.
They all laugh when they say me coming,
But you don’t laugh; you just go home running.

Everybody loves a clown, so why can’t you?
A clown has feelings too.

There are several theories, but little definitive research as to why people develop an irrational fear of clowns.

• Certainly the sinister portrayal of clowns in the media can contribute to this condition.
• Another theory is that people fear clowns because it is impossible to gauge a clown’s emotions and consequently, his intentions. Kathryn Cillick
• A third reason is that the individual had a bad experience with a clown at some point in in their lives – reference the Walmart video above.

3 Things You Can Do to Help Create a Fear of Clowns

• Forget that you are a big person in a scary costume. Young children have had little experience with clowns. We must be careful to gauge our actions, the volume of our voice, and what we say to insure that the child has a pleasant experience.
• Make the child the punch line of your humor. Many “sucker gags” are designed to make the child the brunt of the joke. For example, you have a child blow on a feather flower and it wilts. The implication is that the child has bad breath. Of course the audience will laugh, but the child is embarrassed. Instead, whenever possible, make sure the joke is on you.
• Make sure your makeup and costume look scary. Too many of our colleagues give little thought to their makeup. There’s no other way to say it, they just look scary. Make sure you spend time developing a face and outfit that will be appealing to your audience.

Why do you think people develop a fear of clowns? As professional entertainers, what can we do to help develop a love for the art of clowning? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

I have just taken two honesty pills and washed them down with a cold Mountain Dew. I am ready to bear my soul and be realistic with five questions that need to be addressed.

Question #1 “How Do We Handle Late-Paying Customers?”

I recently overheard a clown on the telephone who was booking a show. I heard him say to the customer, “You must meet me at the front gate with a check paid in full before I come into the picnic area. If you have no check then I am not coming in.” During a grand opening I heard another entertainer become agitated with the store manager because they didn’t have his check on the day he worked. He turned to the manager and said, “I am a busy man too. so where in the ^&*% is my check?!”

Now folks if you are anything like me, and I know I am, I think these entertainers are way out of line. Is the customer always right? No. But they are always the customer. We need to remember that. Bobbi Staten, a friend of mine in the speaking business, says she would be mortified to have a customer mad at her because she hounded them for a check. When we do pester the client I believe it gives them the impression that we are unsuccessful entertainers and we need every dollar as quickly as possible.

Do yourself and your business a favor, do not harass the client for money. I suggest you ask for 50% for the money up-front or even 100% of money up-front. Here’s what we do in our office: One week before the deposit is due we call the client and ask if they have any questions before sending in the agreement. If you are working for a government organization, keep in mind they were probably meteorologist at some time and when they tell you the check will be ready in 30 days. Count on it to be 60 or 90.

Question #2 “What do I do if I am double-booked?”

Perhaps this has happened to you. You get booked for the $100 birthday party and then a call comes in from a long-time client and they’ve got a $2000 job for you that will cover several days. What to do? Remember that I told you that I just took two honesty pills so here it goes. Recently I had a $195 library program booked when I received a call for an $800 performance. I called the library and told them I was very excited about being there as they were a new library customer. I informed the librarian I had received a call for a performance from long-time client and asked if she would she mind if I sent a substitute in my place.

If she was kind enough to do that I would pay half to the substitute or if she really wanted to have “Salty” there I would give her a comp show the following summer. Either way I would be ahead of the game. I did tell her my first obligation to her and I had intentions of honoring that. She felt that since advertising went out we need to stay with plan. So I did the library and I gave the $800 to a friend and kept 25% commission. Well, I did have to make some money from it didn’t I? I would never suggest that you call in to customer that you are sick and not able to do the program or that you had some other excuse not to be there. Be honest in your dealings with the clients and your reputation will grow.

Question #3 “How do I deal with being late?”

Of course, as a professional entertainer I know you have a cell phone and you have the cell phone and home number of your clients. Plan ahead so you never have to tell clients that you overslept, can’t find props, or some other excuse. Really, the only acceptable excuse is if you were delayed in traffic. And consider this, if there was no one else driving you would be there a lot faster!

Every person who has driven an automobile has had a delay due to traffic but not many will tolerate being late for any other reason. Let the folks know that you would like them to prepare the area of the performance and that they have the children ready so as soon as you come in you can begin. And in a show of professional courtesy you may knock off $25 from the performance. The birthday mom or dad may turn it down and you may get a tip at the completion of your performance or show.

Question #4 “The customer is unhappy with a substitute that you assigned to the performance.”

In our business we have the good habit of calling the customer after one of our performers has completed their program. I ask them to give me a score from 1-10. I also ask if the performer was on time and stayed the entire length of the program.

We often send out evaluations and we take this opportunity to ask about their next event. Wink wink. If we discovered that someone was totally unhappy with the subcontractor we offer them a gift certificate for another program from another entertainer. We also require the performer, after being counseled, to send a letter of apology to the customer. Susie Klein, aka Pancakes, has a 100% guarantee on the performance. She is willing to do whatever it takes to make it right, including a free performance. What we do want is another chance with this client, and not leave them with bad feelings. I would rather do a second show at a reduced rate and make them happy with our company than to turn away from the issue. Unresolved problems often return with a vengeance at a future date.

Question #5 “What do we do if we miss a program?”

This question I think is covered by common sense. We must do everything we can to provide substitute entertainer at any coast. If that means you have to pay more than what the job pays than you must do it. That is the price you pay for being a reputable entertainment agency. In the past I have lost thousands of dollars of work due to family illness and death and somehow I have managed to find substitutes for job and the customers, of course, have been very understanding. If personal illness is the issue and it’s too late to get another performer than I offer a free program at earliest convenience of client.

It may be more work, and sometimes more money, to keep your clients happy but in the long run it’s worth it to maintain your professional reputation.

If you apply Mascara to your eyelashes, place your mirror on the counter top, bend over and apply your mascara while looking down into the mirror. Those little black specs of mascara will fall onto the mirror instead of your clown makeup leaving you a spec free face. It’s easy to wipe the specs off the mirror…… Enjoy.

Choosing the right volunteer to have as an assistant or helper on stage is critical to the success of the performance. The right child on stage can make a show, the wrong one can leave you wishing you had stayed home.

Here are a few ideas that help insure you get just the right person so your presentation goes well.

Enlist the Help of the Parents

Since I am always at the show site at least one hour in advance, I have time ask the person in charge for a few names of adults or children that would be good on stage. The boss really likes the opportunity to involve their friends or to reward a child by participating. They will also know which kids that should NOT be on stage due to behavior or physical abilities issues.

Setting the Stage with Your Audience

During the opening of your show, introduce yourself to the audience and inform the children that from time to time you will be inviting some of them to help me right from their chairs and that some of them will have the chance to come up on stage as well. Then say, “However, I only choose children that are sitting up nice and straight and that have very big brains!” This is very important so you don’t want to embarrass anyone. Then follow with, “Raise your hand only when I ask you to and remember, you must have a giant big brain!”

Of course, my job there is to have fun with the children and give them an entertaining and educational experience. I am not there to embarrass them. If they do answer incorrectly, I will guide them to the correct answer.

Don’t Make this Critical Mistake

A performer should also be mindful of race when selecting volunteers. People will notice and remember if the performer selected only children during of one race during the show. When selecting volunteers, mix it up! Choose a mixture of volunteers according to race, gender and even size.

Handle Volunteers with Care

If you are using a hand held microphone and ask a child their name, then bend down and let the child answer in the microphone or at least repeat the name of child several times during the routine. This technique will validate not only their name but them as a person.

When inviting volunteers on a stage, please have an escort ready to assist them up the stairs. If the performance is at a theater, then an escort needs to take the children up on stage to you through the wings and back to the seating area again.

While the child is on stage, do NOT handle them roughly by forcing them to bow, smile or turn their head a certain way. It is always better to whisper a request into the child’s ear. This is what a gentle entertainer does. You never know, the child you pick for the stage may someday hire you for their child’s birthday party!

Here’s a controversial statement: Not every show we do should revolve around balloon art, face painting and magic. Too many times we, as clowns, put too much stock into the “old stand bys”. The result, many performers have shows that look a lot like those of other entertainers in their market. Yes, I know a lot of time and money has gone into face paints, balloons and magic props, however, I think that in order to be competitive in today ’s market you must be more than a “face painting magical balloon maker”.

The only balloons in my Fun Time Show are the six inch ones stuffed into a pair of “long john underwear” and the eleven inch ones that must be blown up and then burst by sitting on them. And guess what, no face painting or magic in the show. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with face painting and magic. What I am saying is that with a little thought, you can add routines to your show that will make it stand out in a market where many performers’ shows look strikingly similar.

Let me give you an example from my show. I have two contestants put on “long john underwear” and then have each pick a partner. The partner stuffs as many balloons as they can into the underwear one at a time. The team that has stuffed the most balloons is the winner. I count the balloons by breaking them, with a pin, while they remain in the underwear and on the contestant. Here’s another example. When doing the “balloon Bust” routine where the participants pop a balloon by sitting on the it, I have each contestant wear a Halloween mask and blow the balloon up through the mouth of the mask.

Need some more ideas? How about a bubble gum blowing contest? The bubble gum is placed on a plate and covered with whip cream. The contestants, who are wearing “baby cheeks/fun cheeks”, have to get the gum in their mouth without touching the gum with their hands and be the first to blow a bubble. I first saw this done by Mama Clown. Messy but fun!

Another favorite routine from my shows is the “Boxer Contest”. I put boxing gloves on two contestants. They must then put on “Boxer Shorts” while wearing the boxing gloves. I usually have to repeat this event two or three times because almost everyone wants to give it a try.

These are only a few ideas from my “Fun Time Show”. Add these ideas to your show and have some good ole fashion fun. Are these events new? No! They are just some of the things we have forgotten about. Why have they been forgotten? Because we have been too busy trying to be magicians, balloonist and face painters instead of “funsters and pranksters”

Yes, I do magic and balloons but they are only part of what I am as a clown. The simple message: Be all you can be not what everyone else is.

Almost everyone uses an answering machine or service. Consider adding a little humor to your message. For example, “If I am unable to answer the phone it is because I am either saving the world from crime, solving the global hunger problem, or taking a nap. At the sound of the tone, leave a message, and I will call you back when I wake up.“

Get more ideas on spicing up your answering machine message by clicking here. | via Clown-Ministry.com

In last week’s installment of this series, I discussed the need to develop a trademark action or saying that our audiences will permanently associate with us and thus, remember us. For example, the hundreds of cannibal jokes that “Cannibal Cannon” used more than three decades ago that still ring in my memory today.

This final chapter of the article will focus on two more qualities we can infuse in our characters and performances that will help create lasting memories with our audiences.

Click here to read part 1:Create a Memory and Stay Ahead of the Competition.
Click here to read part 2: How to Become a More Memorable Performer.

The first quality is what I will call an approachable persona. It is the quality of being vulnerable or lovable. This is somewhat hard to describe; however, we are easily able to identify the opposite qualities. The opposite of this attitude is the wisecracking, smart-alecky entertainer. Consider Groucho Marx and Harpo Marx. Most of us would feel safe around Harpo while we would be somewhat fearful around Groucho. Why? Because we would be on edge waiting to be the brunt of one of his jokes or the recipient of one of his sharp retorts.

Who receives the punch lines of your routines? Our jokes are much funnier when they are on us. In fact, when things go wrong for us, it creates a certain empathy for us with our audience. Consider something as simple as a wilting flower. Typically we smell the flower with no problem. When our helper smells or blows on the flower it wilts. Consider how this makes the child feel. He is embarrassed and his friends may even tease him. We can easily reverse the routine so the flower wilts when we smell it. Then our helper can be the hero and cause the flower to be repaired. Now how does the helper feel? He is the hero and caused everything to turn out okay. Who would you rather have for a friend? Who would you ask to come to your birthday party?

The third and final quality I’ll mention for this series is the ability to entertain children and adults at the same time. Sure, adults will enjoy seeing children having a great time, but this only lasts for a short time. What are adults doing at your performances? Do you have their full attention or are they disrupting the show by talking and carrying on side conversations? The solution is to provide enough material geared toward adult level humor. By this I don’t mean off color material, but rather material that only adults will understand and appreciate. A great example is the Three Little Pigs routine made popular by Dave Risley. If you are familiar with the routine, you know that the material has kids howling, yet there are enough adult lines to hold the attention of the older crowd. One instance is when he says the pigs were watching their favorite movie on the VCR. . . Silence of the Hams! Kids will laugh at the idea of three pigs watching a VCR. Adults react to the title of the movie. (One that we hope most six year olds know nothing about!)

Well, there you have it, three relatively simple things you can do to create positive, long lasting memories with your audiences. By creating a trademark saying or action, making yourself the brunt of negative punch lines, and entertaining the adults as well as children you’ll go a long way toward creating memorable performances . . . performances that will cause people to remember you for years to come.

Click here to read part 1:Create a Memory and Stay Ahead of the Competition.
Click here to read part 2: How to Become a More Memorable Performer.