December 2007
Give The Gift Of Clowning
I have always considered being a clown a precious gift. Clowning came into my life at a very pivotal time. I was 18 and searching for my true calling. I had finished my first year of college. My head was flooded with ideas -- too many questions and not enough answers. Should I major in journalism, acting, or education? I didn't have a great self-image. What should I do with my life?!
Clowning came as an unexpected gift that gave my life direction. I knew I needed to do it for the rest of my life, even if I didn't really know how or why. Twenty-six years later…and so far so good! Sometimes I still ask myself, "Is this what I should be doing for myself, for the good of my family?" But happily I feel I have made the right choices.
How can YOU give the gift of clowning? At this time of year we often think of giving to friends and family. We might toss a few bucks into the red kettle, drop an extra check into the collection plate, or bring groceries to a food drive for the local food shelf. Honestly, that is the least we can do with the wealth we have in this country. We as clowns have another great gift. Here are some ideas on how you can give a very special gift of clowning to those who need it most.
- Organize a clown trip to your local nursing home. Call and ask the activities director when would be the best time for a visit. They will jump at the chance to have you come and entertain at their facilities. So many people are forgotten in nursing homes. The pain of few visitors gets acute during the holidays.
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Set up a visit to your favorite elementary school, day care, or nursery. I love to go to my old elementary school as "Edna the Stressed-out Elf". I get the kids AND their teacher to help me sing and act out the twelve days of Christmas. I bring my own boom box and go from class to class. Once again: call ahead to find out the right time.
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Invite someone new to your clown club Christmas party or meeting. This is a wonderful way to lure someone to the funny side of life. They will meet new people, and hopefully be inspired to give clowning a try.
- Contact your local 4-H and see if they have a clown club. Volunteer to go and teach a few skits, give pointers on make-up or balloon animals. Jr. Joeys are the future of clowning. You will love the dedication kids have to clowning!
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Check with your local Girl Scout troop; they have a "Performing Arts Badge". They typically have an actor or musician come in and talk to the girls about their vocation in the arts. I went to my daughter Julia's scout meeting. She and I put our make-up on and performed a skit, and then we taught them a skit. It all went towards their badge. They got so excited about it, that I will be returning to teach them how to make kazoo horns so they can march and play in the next St. Patrick's Day parade.
- Contact your local community education organization and offer to teach a beginning clown class. It is not as hard as you think! Here is a sample outline you can use as a guide:
Week 1 - Introduce clowning by putting on your make-up and performing
Week 2 - Have them start to put on make-up and talk about character development
Week 3 - More make-up and try some Improv and comic movement skills
Week 4 - Make-up and costumes
Week 5 - Make-up and costumes
Week 6 - Make-up, costumes and skits
Week 7 - More skits
Week 8 - A final performance for friends and family
'Tis the season! Share the gift of clowning with someone you love. Take one of your clown pictures and make it into a funny greeting card. Send it to an aunt, uncle, or far away friend. We take our fun for granted. Don't be afraid to share the fun things you do with the people you love. Clowning is a gift from the heart. Think of a new way to share your love of laughter with someone who really needs it. You will be glad you did.
In love and Laughter!
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Pricilla |
P.S.
Now some of you might think that I must just love my job and every bit of it! Well most days that is true. But last week I received an email: "Hey Tricia remember you volunteered to come to Julia's Girl Scout meeting and tell them about your clown career? Are you still interested?" Truth be told I could have made some kind of excuse to get out of it. I have been on the run since the beginning of September and would have loved a night at home. But, my good sense took over and I said of course I would be there. It certainly fit into my theme of giving the gift of clowning. It was a selfish gift, because I got to clown with my daughter, try out a new costume,
 and meet the girls in her new troop.
Oh don't panic, I have not given up my traditional whiteface and fancy costume. However sometimes I find a lighter look a good fit, especially when I am clowning with Julia my twelve year old daughter.
I will go out on a limb and wish you all a blessed Christmas, Kwanza, and Hanukkah season. I don't believe in "Happy Holidays". If you don't believe in God what are you celebrating, a sale at the mall?
Guess What?!?
Over 7000 people are reading to this newsletter right now…
And there are only 49 spots left at Moose Camp for next year…
And there are less than 8 months before Moose Camp starts…
And 2 wrongs don't make a right, and 3 rights make a left, and if there's only 1 left, then someone will have to share…
…so that means, uh…
…well, we're not too good with fractions, so YOU do the math!
Look, all we know is if you want to come to Moose Camp this year, than you had better send in your registration SOON!
Want to know how you could have one of the best weeks of your life?
First, send a request to katie@mooseburger.com and ask for our "Moose Camp Info Email". She'll send you a message with all the information you need to register and prepare for Moose Camp, plus a sample schedule, packing list, and all kinds of good stuff in your email inbox.
Next, "click here" to find out more about Moose Camp and the life-changing experience that is waiting for you this summer!
SHORT on FUNDS?
Apply for a Moose Camp scholarship!
If you would like financial help, Moose Camp qualifies for three scholarships:
World Clown Assoc. Bo Dino Scholarship (800-336-7922)
Clowns of America Educational Scholarship (888-52-CLOWN)
Ralph Pounder Memorial Scholarship (800-973-6277)
" Click here" to download an application for the Ralph Pounder Memorial Scholarship. Deadline for you to send them in is February 1st, 2008. We will notify winners by April 1st, 2008. Good luck!
Ready for the "Moose Camp Sales Pitch"?
It's a doozy!
What does Moose Camp
include?
Four days of focused course work, and nearly 3 dozen workshops to
choose from - All with a low student to teacher ratio. This
is about as close as you can get to one on one teaching without hiring
your own private tutor.
And
you get an excellent staff of friendly, willing, and able top notch
working clowns from across the country with, what, about 2 and a
half centuries of clowning and entertainment between them, as their
instructors. Instructors come from a variety of kinds of clowns and
types of clowning, from Circus to street, to birthdays, to festivals,
to stage, to TV, to churches, to hospitals, to almost anything you can
think of. The instructors have entertained (and still do) from one-on-one,
to small groups, to entire arenas of 10,000 or more. They are at Moose
Camp sharing their knowledge and experience to make the campers better
clowns.
Wait, there's more!
In addition to all of the class time, there
is time every day where every student is working with one or more
instructors who will be acting as a coach and director for specific
gags designed to give you the experience and confidence you need
to become better clowns.
But that's not all, not only do you get the focused course work,
the variety of workshops, the coaching and the directing, we throw in
lab time where you can try out some new skills (or improve and share
old ones) under the watchful eyes of helpful instructors.
But wait, there's still more!
There are set times for jams
where people get together to practice or learn new skills such as
the latest and greatest balloon sculptures, magic, juggling, and more.
And that's not all - to top it all off, there are daily diversions
of entertainment and activities designed to help let off a little
steam and tickle your funny bones.
That would be much more than enough, but we also throw
in chat sessions, roundtable discussions, a goofy charitable auction,
staff shows, a chance to win cool prizes, and a whole lot of fun!
And to top it all off, Moose Camp is the only place that gives
you a PEP talk. PEP stands for Personal Education Plan and
this is a Mooseburger Exclusive. We are very proud to offer this personalized
service; it’s just another way that Mooseburger shows we care about
you and take your education seriously (even though it’s funny business).
Because there is so much to choose from, Pricilla will call you
personally to give you a one-on-one consultation to help narrow down
the choices so you get what is best for your clowning needs and what
will enhance your clowning as an individual. It's not a rigid
schedule set in stone for you, it is choosing a course and a series
of recommended workshops so you can relax and get the most out of your
time (and money) at Moose Camp.
Oh, and one little thing I didn't mention yet - you get to
perform in an actual stage show that is full of tried and true clown
routines, in front of a live, loving audience of a hundred or more smiling
faces. Whether a beginner or veteran, this is an experience that always
boosts your abilities.
..and the best part? Moose Camp’s unique blend of education, hands-on
training, and performance will produce that one key ingredient which
is necessary for any good clown: CONFIDENCE. Our goal is
to help you gain confidence in yourself and in your abilities as
a clown. Just ask any of our past campers, and they’ll tell
you that they left Moose Camp with tons more confidence than when they
came in with!
Whew!
Well, how could that not win you over?
We have 4 (yes, FOUR) SALES this month!!!
It's never too early to start stocking up now for NEXT YEAR's holiday gigs. Take advantage of some of our over-stock and save money now and save time later. This is one investment you can't ho-ho-hold off!
Mrs. Claus Costume 60% OFF!
This darling Mrs. Claus costume was featured at a discount in last month's newsletter, but we didn't have any takers, so we are dropping the price by another $140! We have had this good ol' gal in stock for a little longer than we like, so we're giving her away to a good home for the low, low price of $200. That's a savings of $250!!! AND we'll throw in FREE SHIPPING and a FREE Granny Cap to sweeten the deal.
Description: For a more old-fashioned look, we took inspiration from the colonial era and designed this classy and cute gown for the holiday season. See second photo for detail on the fabric pattern and trim. Gown size is 12 - 16. Zips up the back, and has a tie-back sash so you can cinch it in at the waist for a more fitted look. The Granny-style cap has elastic in the brim so it can fit over any wig (or be worn without a wig) and has white eyelet lace trim. Sale does not include wig, glasses, gloves, or jewelry.
There is ONLY ONE of this style in stock, so be the first to call us with a valid credit card and be the winner! Call 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277 now!
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Terms & Conditions:
- Sale is for call-in orders only. Sale is on a first come, first served basis. We cannot reserve or place a hold on this costume for anyone.
- There are no returns or refunds on this costume. Sale is final.
- Your total amount for this sale will be $200, which includes the dress, hat, and shipping & handling.
- Order will be shipped within three business days after sale is transacted.
- Sale is valid during month of December.
Christmas Elf Costume $80 OFF!
This three-piece costume includes the tunic, knickers, and hat (t-shirt is not included). The tunic laces up the side for an adjustable fit. The knickers have elastic in the waist and hem. Everything is made from sturdy, breathable poly/cotton so it is machine washable and will look sharp for many years to come!
We have one Elf costume left in stock, and it's a Clown Size Medium, which means if you measure less than 43" in the chest, waist, and hips, then this outfit will fit you. Help us clear out our holiday stock and save yourself some "green", too!
We'll even give you FREE Shipping & Handling and throw in a FREE pair of red/white striped sox! TOTAL PRICE: $234! That's more than 25% off!
There is ONLY ONE of this item left in stock, so be the first to call us with a valid credit card and be the winner! Call 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277 now! |
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Terms & Conditions:
- Sale is for call-in orders only. Sale is on a first come, first served basis. We cannot reserve or place a hold on this costume for anyone.
- There are no returns or refunds on this costume. Sale is final.
- Your total amount for this sale will be $234, which includes the 3-piece costume, FREE sox, and FREE shipping & handling.
- Order will be shipped within three business days after sale is transacted.
- Sale is valid during month of December.
Professional SANTA SUITS for just $200!
In addition to the clown costumes and Moose Camp, we also run a costume rental shop on the side. We are renovating our Christmas rentals stock and want to bring in new Santa Suits to replace our used ones.
..what does this mean for YOU?
Well, it means you get a GREAT DEAL on a gently used Professional Santa Suit for just $200 (these usually cost over $300 when they are new). We take great care in washing and combing these suits every time they are worn, so you can expect a top-of-the-line suit that has been worn no more than eight times - in fact, most of these have been worn less than five times!
Each suit comes with the following items: Coat with sturdy metal zipper, Pants with elastic waistband, Hat with pom-pom, Vinyl Boot-cover with white plush fake-fur trim, Black Belt with big metal buckle.
Price: $200
We have 4 suits to sell:
(One) Majestic Burgundy - 42" Waist, 62" Chest
(One) Cherry Red - 40" Waist, 66" Chest
(Two) Cherry Red - 50" Waist, 70" Chest
Call 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277 now to get this great deal on a high-quality Santa suit! By planning your 2008 holiday gigs now and upgrading your costume, you will save yourself money and get a jump start on next year's event calendar!
Terms & Conditions:
- Sale is for call-in orders only. Sale is on a first come, first served basis. We cannot reserve or place a hold on these suits for anyone.
- There are no returns or refunds on this costume. Sale is final.
- Suit includes coat, pants, hat, boot covers, and belt. Shipping & handling fees are extra.
- Orders placed before Dec. 12th will be shipped on Dec. 12th. Orders placed after Dec. 12th will be shipped within three business days after sale is transacted.
- Sale is valid during month of December.
Need a pair of Santa glasses or wig and beard set or other Christmas accessories? We still have those in stock, too! Ask about them when you place your order or go online here (http://mooseburger.com/onlinestore/index.cgi?code=3&cat=12)
Schnattlacher Noses - CLEARANCE!!!
We have decided to no longer carry the Schnattlacher Brand full-coverage noses, so we are clearing out our remaining stock. Every full-coverage nose is just $10, no matter the size, shape, color, or style. Even better: Buy four noses and get the fifth one FREE!
Limited quantities are available, so give us a call to see what we have left in stock: 320-963-6277 or 800-973-6277. At the time this newsletter was written, we had the following noses available:
M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, M8, M9, M10, M11, L1, L2, L3
We have both RED and HOBO (flesh-tone with red shading) available.
(Nose Tips are not included in this sale - sorry!)
To see what these noses look like, "click here".
Terms & Conditions:
- Sale is for call-in orders only. Sale is on a first come, first served basis. We cannot reserve or place a hold on these noses for anyone.
- There are no returns or refunds on noses. Sale is final.
- Each full-coverage nose costs $10. For every four noses you order, we will give you a fifth one of your choosing. Shipping & handling fees are extra.
- Tip Noses (TH, TR, and TB) and Jim Howle noses are not included in this sale.
- Order will be shipped within three business days after sale is transacted.
- Sale is valid during month of December.
Need nose glue, solvent, or other nosey things? Go online here.
Whew!
We just gave away more than $400 in one newsletter..
...let us catch our breath before we go on...
Don’t know what to get your favorite clown for the holidays? Or trying to give a Christmas hint to your clueless family members?
It’s not too late to get Mooseburger Gift Certificates!
They can be used just like cash, for Moose Camp registrations, any Pricilla Mooseburger Originals items on our website, and even in person at any of the events Pricilla sells her wares (not to mention at the merchandise booth at Moose Camp). There is no expiration date and no minimum or maximum amount. A Gift Certificate is the perfect fit, color, and style every time – no need to worry about returns or exchanges with THIS Christmas gift!
If you order your Gift Certificate by December 16th, we will give you FREE POSTAGE to anywhere in the USA, and your gift recipient will get their certificate by Christmas!
Call us at 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277 or go online to order yours today!
Everyone here at Mooseburger's wish you and your family a very merry and blessed Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year!
Now, get out there and spread some cheer!
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