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Mooseburger Newz - October 2007
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October 2007
Scary Clowns!!!!!!!!
This is the time of year that scary clowns crawl out of the woodwork. I personally believe that the few days around Halloween cause more damage to the art of clowning than we realize. Bad lipstick make-up, tie-up-the-back costumes, ratty wigs, plastic dime-store shoes…all contribute to scary clowns giving the rest of us a bad name. You get the idea.
Some of these clowns are doing the best they can with little experience or education. They would like to give clowning a try and Halloween gives them a chance to take the risk. Others just want to scare children and adults!
The desire to be a scary clown comes from a part of our society that longs to degrade things that are meaningful or sacred. They are looking for the shock factor. The thrill comes in taking a known figure that is traditionally loved by vulnerable people (children, the disabled, and seniors) and shock them by adding evil eyes and blood dripping fangs.
Heck, there's even a book out now devoted to the awful subject:
Frankly I have little time for this kind of entertainment. It serves no lasting purpose; it makes no one's day brighter, it lifts no one's spirits. If I want a thrill I can read a good book, watch an old Alfred Hitchcock movie, or try to balance my check book!
When I started my rental costume shop 12 years ago I took a stand. I decided not to indulge people with gore or tasteless sexy costumes. If little kids could not come into the shop and see everything I had to offer without being terrified, then it could be in my shop. Otherwise forget it. And you know what? No one seems to miss it! A couple of years ago I had to take it a step further. I pulled all the religious costumes from the racks (that I rent to churches and schools the remainder of the year) for October after a man told me he wanted to be a pedophile priest for Halloween. That did it! No hack-and-slash clowns, no drunken clergy, no pregnant nuns. I have enough confidence in my costumes that customers will find something more fun and creative to wear than some derogatory stereotype.
Even good clowns can be scary clowns. If you have been clowning anytime at all, you have run into someone who is afraid of clowns. Sometimes it is a small child inspired by parents who say "be good or the clown is gonna get you!" Nice. Sometimes it is adults or teenagers who had a traumatic experience as a kid with a well-meaning clown. For some they are afraid of the make-up or anyone who is wearing a disguise, not just clowns. I talked to a grown man with an extensive education, who was afraid of clowns. He had seen me a number of times in my costume and make-up. I got the chance to ask him, --"now that you know it is me, are you still afraid of clowns?" he paused and muttered "Yeah it still creeps me out."
Those types of fears are deep within a person's psyche. It would take years of therapy to change their gut feelings! When I was a kid we had a couple of ugly rubber masks in our attic. One was a devil and one was a monkey. I was terribly afraid of them. Just thinking about it makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck! Then I laugh about it.
None of us mean to be scary clowns. No, whiteface clowns are not scary. To people who are scared of clowns it makes no difference what kind of make-up you have on. Well meaning clowns can become scary if they are too loud or boisterous around a tentative audience member. The child who waves and claps at you from a distance at a parade can turn into a screaming crying mess when you cross the street to say hello.
Intent can be what makes a clown scary. I have had people bring me their pictures of their first make-ups and costumes. They were a horror. The comment is often the same. I know I looked like a mess, but the kids loved me! I believe them. Why? Even though their make-up and costume were not award-winning combinations, kids know when someone is fun and friendly. Seriously, have you looked at cartoons these days??? Some of the characters are really scary!
Once in my shop I was waiting on a mother with a small daughter. She said that her daughter was afraid of clowns. The girl looked to be about 5. I said really? Did you know that I am a clown? Her eyes got really big. I showed her a picture of me in my make-up and costume. I said, "I will tell you a secret, most clowns are grandmas and grandpa's who dress up to be a clown to make people happy." She smiled at the thought. I know it gave her something to think about.
With a little extra effort we can all be happy friendly clowns. Keep these points in minds when you are performing:
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Sadly not everyone loves clowns.
- Respect your audience and their feelings about clowns.
- Be totally aware of your audience and surroundings.
- Realize that your volume can intimidate or scare people.
- Take it slow while you assess your audience. Warm-ups that involve audience participation can help you see who is "into" the clown and who is not.
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Approach the audience in a fun, friendly way making as much eye contact as possible.
- Keep your hands in plain sight. Sadly, people expect clowns to squirt them in the face with water!
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Be ready to shift gears if someone is afraid, and leave the area if necessary.
If you see a scary clown this season, don't turn away in disgust or read them the riot act. Ask them if they would like to learn more about the art of clowning and invite them to your next club meeting. You may be surprised at their response and make a new friend!
In Love and Laughter,
Pricilla
Two Sale Specials:
In-Stock Gloves and Christmas Supplies
25% off all in-stock GLOVES!
This sale includes:
Glove Extenders, Fingerless Gloves, Colored Nylon Gloves, and White Cotton Gloves
(does not include cuffs or the Comedy Long Glove prop)
If it's in stock, then it's 25% off!
Just remember to use the discount code: "WAVE" when you order!
Order online here or call us toll free: 800-973-6277 (or our metro line: 320-963-6277). Supplies are limited, so order now!
Terms and Conditions:
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Offer is good only while supplies last. Please note: Just because the item is displayed online does not mean it is in stock - all products are displayed online regardless of immediate availability.
- Order must be placed during the month of October.
- You must use the discount code "WAVE" when you place the order. Discount is not retroactive.
- There is a maximum limit of one dozen per color and size per order.
- After you place your order, we will notify you of the availability of the items and which qualify for the discount.
- Offer is not good towards a purchase of a gift certificate.
Christmas Special!
How will you know if it's out of stock?
We'll send you an email after you place the order
(or, you could call ahead and check on the availability)
Need something made?
Then you better order soon to get us started on your elf costume or Santa suit!
Or maybe you just need a back-up Mrs. Claus wig?
Whatever you need for entertaining this holiday season,
you can stock up now and save!
Terms and Conditions:
. Order must be placed during the month of October.
You must use the discount code "CHRISTMASSALE" when you place the order. Discount is not retroactive.
After you place your order, we will notify you of the availability of the items and which qualify for the 20% and 10% discounts.
Offer is not good towards a purchase of a gift certificate.
Moose Camp Update
As of today, we have only 74 places left.
…just thought you might like to know so you can make your registration plans as early as possible…
And don't forget about our $350 scholarships!
Go online here to download the application.
Deadline for you to send them in is February 1st, 2008
We will notify winners by April 1st, 2008
Good luck!
Pricilla's Travel Schedule
Pricilla will be heading out on the road this month and next:
Oct. 11 - 14: Sarasota, FL -- Circus Sarasota Workshop (click here for more info)
Nov. 11 - 15: Laughlin, NV -- Western Regional Clown Association (click here for more info:)
Have a fun and safe Halloween!
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Out with the old and in with the new! We are doing a great new upgrade at Pricilla Mooseburger Originals and Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp. We thought we would start with a new format for the newsletter. I hope you like it! I am very excited about all the new things happening in Mooseburgerland. We have new ideas for the Mooseburger Newz!
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