Pricilla Mooseburger Originals

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Date: January 2nd, 2008

January 2008

Pricilla's Article - Scholarship Opportunity - Makeup Help - 5 Sales

Are you silly? I hope so. Being silly is the best tool in a clown's toy box. As adults we have to remind ourselves how to play. We are so busy with our everyday schedules, work, family, house responsibilities (real and imagined) -- YIKES! The day to day stress of life can put a crabby look on anyone's face. The world would be a much better place if we could remember to be silly once in a while. Too many clowns are caught up in complicated performance styles with magic tricks, elaborate face paint designs, or amazing balloon creations. While that stuff is all great and it has its place, we need to remember to be silly, too

Let's keep our clowning simple and silly! I certainly could be accused of over doing it. I am a self-proclaimed neurotic over-achiever. Sometimes with the intent of giving clowns all the possible tools they can, instructors give new clowns the wrong idea. If you go to a convention or workshop you will be inundated with ideas for clowning that will include, magic tricks, props, balloons, juggling equipment, and elaborate scripting. All of these ideas are great. But we must keep in mind what we are trying to do. Is it about the stuff or is it about the actual time we spend with our audience?

Your gift to your audience is more about your interaction with them than the difficulty of the balloon animal you are making or the trick you are performing. I am often asked what my specialty is as a clown. Do I do magic, or balloons, etc? Actually, my specialty is�chit chat. I love to talk to people and make goofy comments. When I performed at Disneyland as a clown in the 80's I walked around the park visiting, posing for pictures, singing songs and spent most of my day being silly! I didn't carry a single prop. It worked.

I hadn't been a clown very long before I went to Ringling's clown college and ended up on the circus. My training was in short gags with big props. We didn't go into the seats very often, so there was not much meet and greet like there is now. So when I found myself performing as a clown at Disneyland after I left the circus, I had to learn on the fly how to be entertaining on foot. Once I got over my terror I found it wasn't so hard after all.

Smart remarks that were not intended to hurt feelings became my specialty:

When little baby boys would burst into tears I would say "I often have that effect on men".

If a little girl had Mary Jane shoes I would tell her "My shoes look just like yours, except yours are bigger" I would put my big shoe right next to hers so her toe was just a bit in front of mine to prove my point.

If a little girl liked my dress I told her I liked hers too and asked if I could borrow her dress to wear to a party tonight.

If a child told me I was wearing a wig, I told them "Shhh! I am really bald, don't tell anybody!!!!" (If they were bratty, they usually ran off to tell everyone!)

Or one of my favorites, when a child says "You're not a real clown" I say, "You're not a real kid, you're an adult in a midget suit! You can't fool me!"

When I do perform silly things like walk-around stuff, I always say "Just wait, I got another one you won't like." The kids always miss it; the adults get it and laugh.

It really isn't that difficult -- giving silly compliments is fun! Here are some more ideas:

Before you make that balloon figure of a snoopy dog riding a Harley Davidson try to convince your audience that they would rather have your favorite balloon animal�a worm! Let go of an inflated balloon, and now you have a flying worm! You'll get lots of giggles without twisting a single bubble.

Face painting getting too serious? Exchange your mirror with a silly picture of a popular carton character or an animal face like a monkey. Tape or Velcro it onto a duplicate mirror, or just stick it on the mirror you have with you. Surprise!

Learn a silly song or a silly poem. Shel Silverstein is one of my favorite children's poets. Check out his "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and "Light in the Attic". Many other authors have followed in his footsteps appealing to younger audiences.

Put together a goofy juggling act. It is better if you can't juggle and fake it! Do it to music and finish with scarves. Tell the kids you are going to keep trying until you get it right. As soon as you figure out how to turn down the gravity you will be a better juggler.

Sing a silly song. Change the words to a familiar tune or check out some kid's CD's from the library for ideas. Put a sing-along into your show. Get a toy dog or dog puppet and sing the BINGO song.

Learn some really silly jokes. Have a rubber chicken as your pet or girlfriend and use the chicken as your magician's assistant. Wave the chicken instead of the traditional wand and produce an egg!

We all have been overrun with commercials that tell us all will be well if we give or get the perfect gift this year. Chances are not much of that really happened. I found myself getting sucked into it as well. I was in Best Buy looking at Dance Dance Revolution for my daughter Julia. It cost around 80.00. Then I realized that I needed to buy an Xbox as well to run the game at a tune of an additional 275.00. That was certainly out of my reach this year. I was surprised how close I was to pulling out my credit card and buying that overpriced gift!!! Common sense took over. I walked out of the store with a different plan. I went to a game store and bought a handful of inexpensive games we could play together. Now I will be committed to spending more quality time with my daughter than giving her an expensive gift she would play by herself.

My point is this. I have learned over the years that the time you spend with your audience is more important than the things you do. Have a cheerful heart, be silly, talk to them, play with them and encourage them to play with you. Your audience will remember more how you made them feel than what fabulous trick you did.

I must admit that the seed of the idea was planted in my brain by Mark Renfro. Mark teaches a marvelous class at Moose Camp called "The Gentle Art of Doing Nothing". In our pre-camp work book Mark has supplied a beautiful hand-out "100 ways to praise a child". While team-teaching Clowning 101 at Moose Camp with Mark over the years, I have learned a valuable lesson. It is not about the trick, but the time you spend. Thanks, Mark!

In love and Laughter!

Pricilla

Here are some wonderful examples of "Silly Stuff" from the staff at Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp:

From Terry Ricketts:
Silly is something that walks with me every day. I see just about any item or hear any comment and try to turn it around. I make myself the butt of the joke. It dismantles the situation.

From Mark Renfro:
Often the first direct interaction between a clown and a kid is a handshake. I like to get a quick laugh or giggle at that first point of contact. Here are some silly hand shakes that always work for me:

Floppy Shake - I shake the child's arm back and forth instead of up and down. This works best with younger kids. "Looks like you've got a case of the wobbles!"

Long Shake - With two kids together, I shake the first one's hand and just keep shaking. I turn my attention to the other child, realize that my hand is use and then come back to the first with "Yes, nice to meet you, too (etc.)" Repeat.

Missing Shake - I extend my hand and when the child offers his hand I move mine - to one side, up, down. As the child adjusts, I move my hand again. "Hey. Cut that out. You're making me dizzy!"

High Five - Offer you hand for a "high five." Slap and then put you hand close to the ground for a "low five." Or offer your hand palm up for a "gimme five." Extend a couple of fingers. "Gimme two." Then offer both hands for a "gimme ten." Lift a foot and ask for a "gimme fifteen."

Gosh, when I write these things down they seem rather simple, even trite. Yet I know from years of experience that a silly shake and a funny word or two can be magic. The kid who was "audience" is now "partner." You create an atmosphere of play just by the way you say "hello."

From Rex Nolen:
When I am doing a show if I bring up a little girl I will sometimes call her grandma as in "Come on up here grandma" or I will say to the audience "Hold on to your hats grandma" or "Hey grandma" it gets a laugh or at least a giggle.

From Mizz Klown (Sweet Connie):
During one of my birthday shows, I have the dad of the birthday child help me "test" the birthday magic and tell him "We are going to be very silly". If he's OK with being really silly on behalf of the birthday child, I make introductions to the group & we then have problems finding a magic wand that works for him. Once we settle down with a wand, we proceed by making a scarf disappear -- using thumb tip routine. I then remember that he needs a "magician's hat" to continue. I place a sparkling-glittering magician's hat on his head. Another minute into the routine I tell the dad that I need to adjust his magician's hat & unbeknownst to him, I remove the glittering hat to reveal a plunger. Now, EVERYONE in the room sees it's a plunger on his head - except for the dad. Birthday child is really giggling at this point & I put my finger over my lips and politely tell everyone to please be quiet. At end of the routine I graciously thank the dad, remove the plunger, and place it in his hands so he can see what's been on his head for most of the entire routine.

From Mary Ann Porter:
Pick up a large exterior paint brush at a hardware store and use it as a gag that you are here to do "Facepainting"! Another hardware store item: a sign that says, "Beware of Dog", is kept hidden in a prop bag. Take the sign out with a lot of seriousness and then show a cute, cuddly puppet dog.

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!

Mehron Make-up Support Line

Need some additional help with your make-up questions?? The make-up company Mehron offers a make-up tech support hotline!

Call them toll-free at 1-888-552-1331 for help in applying any Mehron product. We have talked to them and found their advice helpful and thorough! Of course, Pricilla will help you in any way she can as well - she's just a phone call away: 320-963-6277.

January's Make-up Tip!
Having trouble getting your make-up to go on smoothly? Use Mehron Barrier Spray before you put your make-up on. You will seal your pores, and use less make-up. You will get a beautiful even finish and the make-up will come off more easily as well. This product works wonders if you have sensitive skin or if the make-up stains your face. Barrier spray can also be used after you powder to remove that dusty powdered look. It replaces splashing water on your face or pressing a wet wash cloth to your face to remove excess powder without touching your face. This reduces the risk of smudging your make-up and makes it rub off less on clothing and wigs.

What the heck -- let's have a special on this stuff!

Barrier Spray 2oz. bottle $7.50
Barrier Spray Refill 9.oz. $16.00

Buy them both and get FREE Shipping & Handling on every in-stock item in your entire order! Go online or call us at 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277.

Terms & Conditions:

Supplies are limited. Order must contain at least one of each spray and refill to qualify for the FREE Shipping & Handling offer, but they and all the rest of your entire order must be in stock at the time your order. Any custom-made items or backorder items will have regular Shipping & Handling applied. 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. If you have any questions, then call us before you place your order.
Good on phone-in, mail-in, or online orders. Order must be placed during the month of January. This offer is not retroactive.
For online orders, Shipping & Handling fee will be removed after your order is processed at the office (it will not show up online). No discount code is necessary for this special.

More Sales!

Inventory Reduction
25% off all in-stock costumes and accessories! Yes, just about everything we sell on our website will be reduced by 25%. If it's made out of fabric or wig hair, and it's in stock, then it's on sale! We have too many items to list one by one, but here are the categories:

Coats
Vests
Dresses
Pants
Outfits
Holiday Clothing
Shirts
Hats
Collars & Bibs
Ties
Accessories
Gloves & Cuffs
Sox and Tights
Wigs
Moose Camp Shirts

You can place your order online or by phone: 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277. Don't forget to tell us the discount code for this special - it is "SHERBET LEMON"

Terms and Conditions:

Offer good only on in-stock items. 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. If you have any concerns, then call us before you place your order: 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277.
Good on phone-in, mail-in, or online orders. Order must be placed during the month of January. This offer is not retroactive.
You must mention the discount code "SHERBET LEMON" when placing your order. If you submit the order online, the 25% discount will applied after your order is processed at the office (it will not show up online).
Sale does not include makeup items, face paint items, books, media, or anything else you can't wear.

Paradise Face-Paint Refills -- Half Price!

Was $8.00, now $4.00! These 2-pack refills fit the 8-slot Paradise palettes.

In stock colors only: Black, Yellow, Red, Dk. Green, Dk. Blue, Dk. Brown, Orange, Teal, Purple, Dk. Pink, Violet, Gold Matte, and Gold Medal Metallic.

Terms & Conditions:

Supplies are limited. Offer good only on in-stock items. If you have any questions, then call us before you place your order.
Good on phone-in, mail-in, or online orders. Order must be placed during the month of January. This offer is not retroactive.
You must mention the discount code �SILVERBELLS� when placing your order. If you submit the order online, the half-price discount will applied after your order is processed at the office (it will not show up online).
Good for phone-in or online orders. Call 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277, or go online.

NEW Item Specials!

Get more FREE Shipping & Handling on any order containing one of these Mehron products! We have added to our line of Mehron makeup and face paint - be the first on your block to have these NEW products!

4 NEW Colors of Detailz: These handy applicator bottles now come in Cotton Candy Pink, Sunny Yellow, Grape Purple and Grass Green. Now you can doodle on people's faces in Technicolor! And don't forget about the colors we already have: bold red, royal blue, metallic gold, metallic silver, black, and white. These face paint applicators are great for adding intricate designs and stunning details to your work! $5.00 each, or buy a random assortment of 6 colors for just $25 - that's like getting one bottle for FREE!

Paradise Face Paint -- 2 NEW Palettes: The popular water-activated Paradise Face Paint by Mehron has expanded its line and we are very excited about these new offerings. Try 'em out:
- TROPICAL: These ultra-vivid colors will add life to any design you do! Colors: Beach Berry Red, Lagoon Blue, Coral, Wild Orchid, Storm Cloud, Lime Green, Amazon Green, and Mango. See photo for these bright colors. $25.00
- METALLIC: Each color has sparkle and shine mixed right into the paint! Colors: Gold Medal, Silver Bullet, Bronze Star, Cherry Bomb, Copper Penny, Hot Rod Green, Sunset Reflection Orange, and Blue Steel. Great for adding shimmer to any design or creating a dazzling design made entirely with this metallic paint. $28.00

Our new Brush Holder protects your brushes and keep them looking like new in this convenient holder. Seen in photo as laying flat, but the great thing about this holder is it can be folded over to stand upright on your make-up table and puts your brushes at an easy-to-reach display. Plus, it's made out of durable nylon so it is water-proof, too!! This holder is wonderful for face-painting or regular make-up brushes. Be organized and keep your brushes in great shape - invest in your career! $20.00

StarBlend White cake make-up by Mehron -- With the new light Auguste style of make-up all the rage, clowns are going for a more theatrical look by using water-based make-up. StarBlend by Mehron fills that need. You apply it with a moist sponge for great coverage and blendability. It is fade- and perspiration-resistant and non-streaking. $8.00

Mehron CreamBlend stick make-up in three NEW colors! Need your make-up in waterproof grease paint? Med-Light Olive, Juvenile, and Ruddy Bronze are the three new colors we are offering to clowns in convenient push-up stick applicators. You'll love to light feel of this ultra-whipped foundation grease-paint - goes on smooth! $8.50

Call 800-973-6277 (320-963-6277 internationally) or go online now to order all of these great NEW Mehron and Paradise products! And don't forget to mention the discount code "NEWSTUFF" when you order to get FREE Shipping & Handling!

Terms & Conditions:

Supplies are limited. You need to add only one of the above NEW items to your order to qualify for the FREE Shipping & Handling offer, but that NEW item and all the rest of your entire order must be in stock at the time your order. Any custom-made items or backorder items will have regular Shipping & Handling applied. 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. If you have any questions, then call us before you place your order.
Good on phone-in, mail-in, or online orders. Order must be placed during the month of January. This offer is not retroactive.
You must mention the discount code "NEWSTUFF" when placing your order.
Good for phone-in or online orders. Call 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277, or go online:
For online orders, Shipping & Handling fee will be removed after your order is processed at the office (it will not show up online).

After Christmas Santa Suit Sale!

Now that Christmas is over, we have a few Santa Suits left to sell. There are ONLY THREE in stock. Each suit comes with the following: 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, and a pair of White Cotton gloves with a snap at the wrist. No wig, beard, or glasses included (but we do have them for sale separately). Here are the descriptions:

#1 -- Gently-used Cherry Red Suit: 70" Chest/Belly/Waist
We took great care in washing and combing this suit every time it was worn, so you can expect a top-of-the-line suit that has been worn no more than eight times. Price: $200!

#2 -- New Cherry Red Suit: 70" Chest/Belly/Waist
This suit has never been taken out of the box and we need to clear out our winter inventory. Was $310, but now: $250!

#3 -- New Burgundy Majestic Suit: 64" Chest/Belly/Waist
This suit also is brand-new in the box! This gorgeous suit is the best of the best, and it really is one of the greatest investment pieces of your work wardrobe. Was $588, but now: $350!

Call 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277 now to get these great deals, because when they're gone, they're GONE! 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.
No discount code is necessary. Sale is valid during month of January. There are no returns or refunds on this costume. Sale is final.
Suit includes coat, pants, hat, boot covers, gloves, and belt. Normal 8% Shipping & Handling rates apply (unless you add one or more of the "free shipping" items above).

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://www.mooseburger.com/pricilla/index.html)

Where can you see Pricilla next month?

Come to "The Happening" in Santa Clara and find out!

She will be selling all that great Mooseburger stuff, plus teaching the following classes: Performance Skills for Every Clown, Comic Movement, Clown Costumes that Work, and Make-up Demo.

What: "The Happening" Clown Workshop
When: February 16 - 17, 2008
Where: Embassy Suites at 2885 Lakeside Dr. in Santa Clara, CA 95054
Contact: Michael Roman at 415-305-2700

Ever find yourself wondering, "Where in the world is that Pricilla Mooseburger??" Well, wonder no more! At any hour of the day, you can go online to our calendar page and find out where and when the next stop will be on Pricilla's travel schedule (and any other important stuff going on in the Mooseburger world). Online Calendar

Bookmark this page and check back often - it's updated all the time with new stuff!

We hope you had a very fun and happy (and safe) New Year's celebration. May 2008 bring you everything your heart desires and the Art of Clowning demands.

We are grateful for each and everyone of our customers - you are the ones who make this business worthwhile, whether you have been a student at Moose Camp, or a customer at our booth, or simply called up to ask a make-up question. YOU made 2007 a wonderful year at Pricilla Mooseburger Originals and Moose Camp.

Thank you, thank you, thank you - you clowns are the BEST!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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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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