April 2008
The Price of Education
What is the value of education when it comes to clowning? Some of us come into clowning later in life. Learning new things can be exciting, yet challenging. We may shy away from learning something that takes a little extra effort or pushes us out of our comfort zone. If it is easy and fun and 'idiot proof" we are all for it. But if there is a risk of failure, we pause and start making excuses. "I'm just in it for the fun of it", "I am only a volunteer", "I don't have time", "I don't get paid for this" etc. We all have made some type of excuse.
What we are really putting at risk is our ego. Nobody likes to fail; we all love to succeed. Once we've achieved a certain amount of success at clowning, our make-up doesn't look like a train wreck, and our costume doesn't make us look like a killer clown from outer space…well you get the idea. We hit our comfort zone and don't really want to leave it! Why should I "pay" to go to a conference or convention when I make money by staying home and booking parties? Why should I pay money to go when I just do it for the "fun" of it?
Those are certainly legitimate reasons. I do not scoff at people's busy schedules or their budgets. If money is a problem, start saving a small percentage out of each your clown earnings. I send mine to a credit union in another state! That way I can't get to it too easily! There are scholarships to apply for in every major clown organization. It can be done; it just takes planning.
But it is a good question: why don't you go? Ray Kroc, founder of McDonalds, said "When you're green, you're growing. When you're ripe, you rot." Everyone can benefit from learning something new. People new to clowning soak it up like a sponge and enthusiasm is in no short supply.
This article is for those of you who have achieved some success. Your biggest enemy is complacency. To think you are satisfied with where you are at is to head down the path to burn-out. Once you are burnt-out on clowning, it is hard to refresh yourself. Don't let that happen!
You may have stopped going to clown club meetings because you hate the "politics" or think it is just for amateurs. You haven't been to a convention in years because you don't feel the urge to compete, or have seen it all. You went to a camp several years ago, but what is there new to learn? It is all about investment. Risk and investment go hand in hand. Getting a different perspective on performing from a new experience is what it takes to avoid burn-out and to take you to the next level in your performance ability. Networking and talking to other clowns from different parts of the country can inspire new ideas for your performance and business.
These types of experiences also build friendships. Being with a group of people who think like you do is a breeding ground for new ideas. Nothing is better than sitting at a table with a bunch of clowns kicking around funny ideas. You can literally watch the ideas fly around the room like sparks! It is a great relief to call up or email a friend who really understands why you do what you do! It is a great release and keeps you fresh.
If you do decide to go, do a bit of groundwork first. Set a goal to investigate the program. Usually some sort of schedule should be available online or by mail. Print it out, look it over, and highlight what you would like to do. Make notes in the margins.
Make it a goal to learn one new thing. It might be in a totally new area for you. Go to a class that you normally would not go to. Do it just for the thrill of discovery. Do it for the sake of stretching your lesser-used clown muscles - don't let them atrophy! Let's say you don't do magic. Go to a magic class anyway. You will be surprised what you might learn about presentation and patter, even if you never take up magic trick again.
Wherever you go: take notes!!! I can't stress that enough!
Meet someone new and go to lunch. Clowns love to eat! Finding a group of people to join for a meal is very easy. Remember -- these are clowns. I have learned to get past the shy part of my personality. When I go to the hotel breakfast bar, I do my best to join someone in a funny hat if they have room at their table. You learn all kinds of things that way!
The biggest thing is putting your new found knowledge to use. Once you get home be sure to try this stuff out. Don't put it into the closet to start collecting dust.
Mini Clown Conference - Ok, so you can't make it to a conference or convention or camp this year. What next? Go to your closet and dig out something you bought but never used. Call up a clown friend and schedule a time for coffee and cookies and a lesson! It doesn't even matter if your friend is as clueless as you! Two clown heads are better than one! Each of you can come up with an idea. Then promise to use this prop or trick in your next performance. Then do a follow up to find out how it all worked (or didn't work) out.
Book it! Get a book on a subject and start your own "clown book club". Read a chapter each month and bring back your ideas to the meeting. This is a great way to start your club's resource library - and what a way to put all those membership dues to good use!
The idea is to take a risk and try something new. Go outside your comfort zone so you can experience the thrill of it. These are the types of things that keep you growing. Remember when you're green, you're growing and…the last thing you want to be is a rotten clown!
In love and Laughter!
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Pricilla |
What's Going on in Mooseland?
Who says you have to be a clown to have fun? I try to put the spirit of clowning into everything I do, whether I have make-up on or not. Each year I lead a group of folks as Irish Washer Women in our local St. Patrick's Day parade. I am quite sentimental about my wardrobe. I wear my Grandma Schleppenbach's (her real name!) polyester house dress and apron, my high school pep sweater, Frosty Little's work boots, and green hairy legged tights.
We dance down the street next to our float (a hay wagon full of old laundry, a wringer washer, and antique bath tub). This year we blew away the competition with our Bubble Master 2000 (thanks, Fred!), filling the air with bubbles along the parade route as we danced and splashed the crowd with our wet mops.
"How was the weather for a parade in Minnesota in March?" you may ask. Well let's just say my mop froze again this year!!!
What's Pricilla been up to?
You might find a familiar face when you get this month's issue of The New Calliope in the mail…I recently was asked to write an article on Kazoo Bands, so here ya go! There are lots of handy tips and even a how-to section with detailed photos.
If you don't have a gaggle of clowns to make up an entire band, you can still make one crazy kazoo creation to play by yourself in the next parade. And if you're not sure you have the talent to play this esteemed instrument, just ask a past Moose Camper - they know the answer to "..And WHO can be in the Kazoo Band?" EVERYONE!!!
Going to the WCA Convention?
If you plan on attending the World Clown Association Convention in sunny Orlando this month (April 14 – 17), be sure to visit me! I’ll be selling our wonderful Mooseburger wares plus teaching the following classes: Costumes that Work, Mooseburger Clown Arts Showcase, and Kazoo Band for Jr. Joey’s. Come by the Mooseburger booth and say “Hi!” and stay for a FREE Design Consultation. Check out the convention website and join us for some “Fun in the Sun”! See you there!
Another Happy Customer!
(two of them, actually!)
Here are Adrienne Baxter ("Flash") and Dottie Simpkins ("Misfit"), from Largo, Florida!
Adrienne says,
"My costume is perfect for my "Flash the Photographer Clown" character. I just LOVE all the pockets you put in the vest and pants. Thank you very much for taking the time and working with me one on one to create the "Flash" character. I even feel better, more at ease, and funnier when wearing this costume."
Dottie says,
"Thank you! Thank you! I just love it! I have received so many compliments from children and adults of all ages. Thank you for capturing the essence of my "Misfit" spirit and name. Thank you for making me the happy-go-lucky clown instead of the dark, gloomy hobo."
They had some wild and crazy ideas for their new costumes, and Pricilla Mooseburger Originals was more than happy to oblige. We love it when our customers come to us with such creative input - it really makes the costume design process more fun and exciting! Thanks, ladies, for sending us these great photos. Keep up the great clowning you gals do down there in Florida!
Limited Edition Fabrics
Our stock of Black and White Checkered went so fast, that we decided to bring you more limited edition fabrics! These are all machine-washable and would look great when paired up with the rest of our in-stock colors. As before, we have only limited amounts of each of these fabrics, so they are on a "first come, first serve" basis.
Calling "Lollipop the Clown"! Not very often do I find printed fabric in a good poly/cotton blend. Here is a print with lollipops on it that would make a great costume for a clown of that name.
I bought a small amount and may be able to get more. What I have would work great in any number of designs blended with other colorful solid fabrics. The colors in both the turquoise background and the pink background are: turquoise blue, light pink, dark pink, grass green, lavender, and yellow.
This bottom weight plaid would make a great pair of indestructible pants, vest, or jacket. It is a very rare color combination of black, royal blue, orange, fuchsia, and golden yellow. This acrylic fabric is of very high quality because it is a woven plaid, not a printed one. I have a little over 6 yards.
Hurry, hurry! To begin your Design Consultation,
call us toll free at 800-973-6277 (320-963-6277 for International customers).
Claim your stake on these fun,
limited edition fabrics before someone else does!
Just a reminder..
Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp
Takes place July 29 – August 3, 2008
In Buffalo, MN
Have YOU registered yet???
You know, we could wax poetically on the merits of a Mooseburger education and tell you in precise and agonizing detail the wonders of our day-to-day training…but what good would that do? Wouldn't it be better to hear testimonials from the campers themselves? With that thought in mind, we present a few words from clowns who have gone through the program:
"Mooseburger is an excellent way to start into clowning. If you get the chance, go to Mark Renfro -- he can help you design a clown face that looks like you've been to Ringling. With all the workshops and clinics that you'll have available, you'll definitely come away walking a foot (or three) off the ground. A major impression that I get from these instructors and how they do things is that they are friendly and non-intimidating. They came to educate and inspire, and above all else, have fun which is the foremost part of clowning. Have fun out there!"
-- David Keenan
"I just wanted to thank you again for all you did for me at Moose Camp. This weekend I got two chances to use what you taught me. Friday I preformed at a Birthday Party! Everyone thought that I was great and some of the people asked me for my phone number. Everyone seemed to have fun, especially ME. Then on Saturday I preformed at a company picnic! I told some jokes and made some balloons. Everyone there seemed to have fun. I could not have done it without your encouragement and training. Thank you for everything."
-- Ken Shonk
"Moose Camp is the perfect place to start and also for the seasoned performer. Shed what you think the art of clowning is about and enjoy the Professionals at Moose Camp. They really know professional side of clowning. They know what sells, what works and why it sells and works. These people know how to entertain and pass their knowledge on to you. The food has always been good, with plenty of it. Be prepared to sweat and swat their combat mosquitoes. Be prepared to work hard and from early o'clock to late o'clock. It's all about the art of clowning. They will wear you out -- in a very good way. And, you will have the time of your life. Dump any preconceived notions. Pricilla has thought of everything. You are in good hands and just let it happen. The teaching team is geared to your level of clowning. Actually, they adjust to the experienced clown as well. Trust me, they know your situation perfectly and have anticipated your level of clowning and your every need. You don't
need to know anything when you walk in. They will hold your hand all the way through the process and you will come out a better clown for the experience. In fact, the less you know the better! They can and do teach you the right things about the art of clowning."
-- Sam Frazier
We are always excited to hear from campers who email us about how they are doing after Moose Camp - it tells us that what we are doing really matters and that we're doing it right. If you are a past camper who has put their Moose Camp training to good use, we welcome you to email us or write a letter; we would love to hear from you! After all, you're family now!
And if you still need convincing, check out our "What's Stopping You?" page on our Moose Camp website -- click here (http://www.mooseburger.com/camp/stopping.html). If your excuse isn't on there, then tell us about it! What is keeping you from one of the greatest weeks of your life? Email your excuse to Pricilla@mooseburger.com and we'll try to give you a good reason why you should come to Moose Camp!
Just in case you are keeping track of how fast we are filling up - as of April 1st, we had only 20 spots remaining!
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!
...and now we finally come to everyone's favorite portion of the show...
APRIL SALES bring MAY SNAILS!
(okay, it doesn't make any sense…but it did rhyme!)
SAVE $5
When you buy
1 Wineberry Pink Blush
and
1 Small Powder Brush
It is so easy to add a rosy glow to your make-up with our Celebre Wineberry Pink pressed-powder rouge from Mehron. After you have powdered your make-up for the final time, add the pink blush with our small powder blush. No need to powder it! It does not fade or smear. It's quick and easy!
This set is valued at $12.00,
but you can snatch it up for just $7.00!
You can place your order online at our sales page: "Pricilla's Picks" or by phone: 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277.
If you order by phone or mail, don't forget to tell us the discount code for this special - it is "ROSY CHEEKS"
Terms and Conditions:
-
Supplies limited. 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 April. This offer is not retroactive.
- At least one container of Wineberry Pink Blush and one Small Powder Brush must be purchased at the same time to receive the discount. You can order multiple sets and receive $5 off every set of two. There is no maximum limit.
Everyone here at Mooseburger's (including "Mama Bunny" - try to guess which esteemed Moose Camp Staff member she is!) hope you had a very blest and "hoppy" Easter, dear friends!
Have a great April's Fool Day, too!
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