Your Very FAVORITE Walk-Around 

Walk-around clowning is a skill all clowns need to develop. From caring clowns chatting with a patient or nursing home resident to a stage clown warming up the audience or welcoming a volunteer on stage, “walk-around” clowning is about communication. My friend and co-teacher of Clowning 101 Mark Renfro says it best. “There are no perfect shows, only many perfect moments.” We create those moments with fun clown communication skills.  

What is walk-around clowning? It is interacting with your audience in a very personal way. Sometimes it involves a prop like a puppet, magic trick or sight gag. It is a quick bit or routine used while walking around or working a crowd. It needs to reset instantly in front of the audience because the idea is to keep moving. So to be clearer, walk-around clowning involves two distinct components: your prop and your patter.  

When I was on the circus with Ringling Brothers a “walk-around” was a sight gag that was used to entertain the audience during the setting up of the nets for the trapeze act. The routine was a short and sweet 30 second bit. It often involved some kind of big funny prop or puppet. In the early eighties when I was on the show, there around 15-18 clowns. We would all run out onto the track to our predestinated spots in the dark when the whistle was blown for walk-arounds. The spot lights would come up and we would begin our bits. Then we would move around the track and jump into any open spot available. We repeated our routines until the nets were set up and the performance director Charlie Bauman blew the whistle to signal the beginning of the next act. If there was trouble setting up the trapeze nets for some reason we just kept on going! That was our job as clowns, to fill in the gaps.  

I wore a big body puppet that made me look like two people. It was called a “carry” as I looked like a dance hall girl being carried by a grizzled old miner. It was so popular that I later came up with the idea for a dragon carrying a princess, created by Christopher Hudert. (Many of you have heard the flaming dragon story at Moose Camp!) These types of walk-arounds transitioned well to home town clowning and parades. Large site gags like this are wonderful because they are so visual on the street and are easy for many people to see at once. It also keeps you mobile so you can steer clear from getting run over by a float or marching band! On a smaller scale, walk-around clowning can feature smaller props or magic tricks. You can also use small puppets.   

To break it down even further, let’s look at what happens when you perform a walk-around. First you need your warm up or intro. If you are walking up to a group of folks or even one individual, look ahead and use lots of eye contact to determine who really is interested in an up close and personal interaction with a clown. Some folks like you best from a distance. Learn how to read your audience! You need to be sure you are welcomed into people’s personal space. Don’t assume because you are a clown that people want you up close. People have been conditioned into thinking that a clown might squirt them with water. Personal space is the area around you, your comfort zone. The amount of space each person needs really varies, especially with little children. So look folks in the eye and be aware of their comfort zone. If for some reason things go south, a child cries, etc. You can make a quick exit, “Whoops I forgot to water the elephants back at the circus -- got to go!” 

Work on your intro. It may just start by saying hi. But it more than likely will involve saying something inviting about the routine you will be doing. When I carry parade boards I walk up to the crowd and say, “Hey hey, what do ya say! Do you want to see my B collection?” If I don’t get the right response, I say it again and cue them with my hands to get the crowd to say “yes” all together. It just adds to the fun! They I turn the board over to show not insects but silly foam letter B’s. Of course the crowd groans! But a groan is as good as a laugh if you laugh at yourself and the lameness of the joke!  You can poke a little more fun at the joke by saying, “Wait – I’ve got another one you won’t like!” 

Don’t be afraid to make a personal connection with people. If a little boy is crying for whatever reason, my standard response to the family is “I often have that affect on men!” Complement little girls and their hairdos. Little boys love to be mistaken for super heroes.  This type of interaction all adds to your walk-around performance. Remember it is a “performance” so don’t forget to wrap it up before you go. Julia loves to do parades with a giant apple. When she goes to take a bite a big green worm puppet pops out. They do a double take to each other, both scream, and the worm pops back into the apple. She tells the audience she better take the apple back to the grocery store and says goodbye.  

There are so many great walk-around ideas you really just need to use your imagination. Keep in mind the following components and remember to have fun! 

      --  Your introduction

      --  Your patter or verbal explanation of what you are doing and why you are there. 

      --  Your connection with the audience

      --  Your wrap up  

Pricilla

Here’s a great walk-around idea from Glen Kohlberger, aka “Clyde D. Scope”
His blue tooth repair kit is truly original and up-to-date! 
 

I asked my Moose Camp Friends and Staff to share some of their favorite walk-arounds: 

Sweet Connie says…      

I made my very first walk-a-round after meeting Brenda Marshall back in the 90’s – when we were just teenagers!  ~Blush!~  
 
It's a square, contact paper covered empty box, with lettering around it & a strap attached to carry it around your neck, sort of like the "cigars, cigarettes, tiperillos" lady.   Inside the box is a large empty egg carton with red-painted ping pong balls glued where the eggs once were.  You are the barker & announce:   
 
"Noses, Fresh-noses!” 
“Grade A+ “ 
“Hand picked this morning!" 
 
  

Terry Ricketts says…

Many years ago I had an old clown tell me about this, and I have used it over and over.  He told me to get a one piece zip-up work suit and put the words "Street Sweeper" on the back and on the front pocket area.   I roll up the pant legs and sleeves to show off my clown sox and shirt. Get a broom and a piece of carpet 2’ x 4’ or so - reinforce the carpet at the top so that you can pull a rope through it.  

Now the fun begins.    Quietly, and slowly walk the route, dragging your carpet behind. As you come to a piece of trash or maybe road apples, slowly look to the left…look to the right…and left again.  Now pull up the corner of the carpet with the rope and slowly sweep the trash under the carpet.  Slowly let the carpet down, smile, look both ways, and walk away proud.

This is a guaranteed show stopper and can be repeated over and over again.  It will take the women only a moment to figure it out and the men will take a few moments more but will laugh the loudest.  Kids will just think you are silly.  The real payoff is to see a wife jab her husband with the elbow shot. 

Karen Bell says…

My favorite walk-around to perform is called a “Basket Carry” and my all time favorite basket carry is an elephant that I wear -- it is sort of like a big puppet.  My legs are the front legs of the elephant and when I walk the movement of my legs makes the head of the elephant move.  The beauty of this kind of walk around is that it is big and visual!  If you are performing at a parade or festival many people will be able to share in the fun of the sight gag.  Kids love it because it challenges their idea of reality, little kids think it is real, at 6-8 they are still trying to figure it out and by 8 they have it figured out and are proud to share their knowledge with you (and everyone around them)!   

Personally I like a simple walk-around, or sight gag, that can be understood quickly and enjoyed by all ages.  Because of this I don’t use walk-arounds with words that are written on a board or any word play because it excludes many kids and anyone that might have a problem reading quickly.  It also, for me, it looses the one on one contact between the clown and audience; the audience is reading rather than interacting with the clown.  Mind you, this is my way of clowning only!  The joy of clowning is that there is no one right way to be funny.

For smaller venues, like a hospital or nursing home, I like simple sight gags.  My hair is very messy and I always get a laugh when I take off my hat.  A simple hat trick like popping it off my head is always a winner.  A squeaker in my hand comes in handy.  I make it sound as though I have a squeaky shoe and for some reason this is always good for a laugh. 

More than anything, sharing the enjoyment of performing your walk around is what the audience will remember and appreciate. 
 

Tips of the Month 
 
 

Make-up Tip:

Use a baby wipe to clean off any unwelcome visitors to your make-up tub! This includes powder or other colors. You can also put it in the microwave for a few seconds on low to smooth it out.  

Costume Tip:

If this is the end of your big parade season, be sure to launder all the parts of your costume you used this summer. Put dryer sheets in shoes and pockets to keep them fresh. Fix any needed repairs. Make a list of what you want to make or buy for next season and tape it up in a place you are apt to see often! Or as my friend Guido says you’ll “Forgettabout it!”   

Pricilla’s Tip: 

Today I dropped my daughter off at school. She jumped out of the car and at the last second I rolled down the window, got her attention and told her I loved her. No big deal, I do it all the time. But as I looked ahead to drive away, another mother doing the same thing, looked at me smiled broadly, and gave me the thumbs up.

It’s a simple thing, but we can all do a little more of it. Tell people they are doing a good job. Tell someone in your clown club you admire their work with Jr. Joey’s or how they have good ideas. Thank the officers of your clown club for taking the position or someone who brings the treats you appreciate them. As entertainers we need positive feed back! Tell a fellow clown you find them funny!

Don’t assume they get enough positive feed back from the audience. We all need a pat on the back from our peers. That mom who took the extra second to give me the thumbs up did. You can too! 
 

News!

By the time you read this, we will already be on the road in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, selling and teaching at the Midwest Clown Round-Up: www.midwestclowns.net.  It runs until October 5^th, so come join us right now if you’re in the area! 

And out next stop will be in Laughlin, Nevada for the Western Region Clown Association Convention.  It takes place November 9^th – 13th at the Riverside Resort and Casino.  Check it out online: www.westregionclowns.org and mark it on your calendar! 

And remember to look at Pricilla’s online calendar from time to time so you can keep an eye on when and where she’ll be heading next! 

Holiday Plans:

If you have any shows or events coming up in November, December, or January, please keep us in mind for themed costumes.  Everything from Turkeys to Santa’s Elves to Gingerbread Men to Winter Fairies to a New Year’s Baby – we can make just about any custom creation you can think of!  Call us at 800-973-6277 to get more information on how we can help you increase your business and expand your repertoire.   

Moose Camp 2009 

~   Moose Camp 2009 will take place July 28^th – August 2^nd.  Our Special Guest Star next year will be Robin Eurich!  Robin performed as ‘Rusty the Handyman’ on Bozo Super Sunday show on WGN TV 1994-2001.  Before that, he shared his incredible talent with students at Ringling Brothers Clown College for 5 years. Robin’s credits also include Network TV and several feature films.  He has an extensive background in improv, and continues to be a professional performer in Sarasota…plus, he's one heck of a funny guy! 

~    Registration for next year’s Moose Camp is NOW OPEN!  Visit our registration page (http://mooseburger.com/Register/) or call us at 320-963-6277 to register.  Don’t wait until the winter to sign up, because we may fill up early, just like this year!   

~    If you would like us to send you an email full of information (packing list, travel arrangements, registration options, etc.), simply send a request to katie@mooseburger.com with the subject “Moose Camp Info, please!” 
 

Another Happy Customer! 

Introduction 

When I decided to get a new clown costume, I wanted to try something new so I called Pricilla.  I told her I was experimenting with the Lite Auguste and also how much I liked the Karen Bell hats.  We talked a little bit about that, exchanged a few e-mails and I looked at a few of her suggestions that she drew up for me.  Pricilla told me she had some hounds-tooth-check material that was different and snazzy and she sent me some swatches to consider.  Before I knew it, I got a package from Minnesota with my new outfit.  That weekend, I went out and performed in a parade and everyone loved the new look – especially ME.    It fits great, feels great and looks great.  How awesome is that….

Thank you, Pricilla Mooseburger.  You’re the best. 

See ya in January at the Northeast Clown Institute! 

~  David “Do-No” Newcomb of Natick, MA 
 

October Sales! 

Makeup Kits -- $5 OFF!

These 8-piece kits are perfect for beginner and on-the-go clowns.  You get: a 2 ounce container of Mehron Clown White Lite, a .5 ounce container of Red and Black each, a 1/8” applicator brush, a ¼” applicator brush, a wide powder brush, a powder sock (hand-filled by Pricilla herself!), and a sturdy plastic snap-lid container to hold it all in.  Normally, this kit sells for $25 (even though it would be a $34 value you had to purchase everything separately).  Only THREE kits left in stock!!

SALE PRICE = $20.00, plus FREE Shipping & Handling! 
 

Regular Bibs – FREE Shipping & Handling and 50% OFF with T-shirt! When you buy a t-shirt during the month of October, we will give you your choice of any in-stock Regular Clown Bib.  These great-looking bibs have a snap at the collar to attach any of our bow ties (tie not included, sorry).  The collar has an adjustable Velcro closure in the back.  Some of the bibs have two or three buttons down the front, some have a giant double-color button in the middle – take your pick!  LOTS of colors available: Red, Yellow, Green, Turquoise, Royal Blue, White, Rainbow Striped, Dotted, etc.  Just $18.50 a Bib – whatta deal! And on top of your savings, we’ll throw in FREE Shipping & Handling!

If you order by phone, remember to ask for your Half-Price Bib!  If you order online, be sure to type this month’s SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE: “BOO-TIFUL” in the section at the very end of your order and let us know what color you would like. 

SALE PRICE = $18.50, plus FREE Shipping & Handling! 
 

Clearance Men’s Costume – $45 OFF! This sharp-looking 7-piece outfit is a steal of a deal!  The unique color combination and crisp plaid will make you stand out in a crowd.  If your chest or waist (whichever is bigger) measure between 36” – 41” and your hips measure between 42” – 50”, then this costume will be a good fit, with some room to spare for stickers and props. This sale includes: Pointed Front Vest (has 8 pockets) with Velcro front closure, Lite Dress Shirt, Large Bow Tie, Suspenders, Pleated Front Pants (has 5 pockets), Nylon Gloves, and Striped Sox.  If you had to purchase all this separately, you would have to spend $360…but luckily for you, we’re feeling extra generous… SALE PRICE = $315.00, plus FREE Shipping & Handling!

Clearance Ladies’ Costume -- $95 OFF! Adorable!  This 10-piece outfit has served us well for being our online example, but we feel it’s time to finally sell the cutie. If your chest measures between 34” – 38” and your waist measures between 28” – 34”, then you’ll have no problem fitting yourself and some props into this outfit. You’ll be cool as a cucumber in this short-sleeve costume, which includes: Puff Cap, Short-Sleeve Blouse, Mini Bow Tie, Vest (has 6 pockets), Skirt (has 2 pockets), Bloomers (has 2 pockets), Deluxe Petticoat, Thigh-Highs, Anklets, and Fingerless Gloves.  If you bought everything separately, you would spend over $650…but with this special clearance deal… SALE PRICE = $556.00, plus FREE Shipping & Handling!

 
 

Details (a.k.a. “The Fine Print”) 
 

Go online to order: www.mooseburger.com

Call in your order: 800-973-6277 (or 320-963-6277 for our international friends)

Fax your order: 320-963-6692 

Terms and Conditions of Sales:

1. Offer good on orders being shipped to Canada and the US.  Order will be shipped by U.S. Parcel Post or First Class, depending on weight and destination.
2. You have to type the word “BOO-TIFUL” in the Discount Code box at the end of your online order, or write “BOO-TIFUL” somewhere on your fax-in or mail-in order, or tell the word “BOO-TIFUL” to the Mooseburger Salesperson on your phone-in order.
3. Supplies are limited. Free Shipping & Handling offer is 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.  We try to update it everyday, but the site is not always 100% up to date with current stock.  If you have any concerns, then call us before you place your order: 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277. Click here for our Sales Page
4. Good on phone-in, mail-in, fax-in, or online orders.  Order must be placed during the month of October. This offer is not retroactive. There are no returns or refunds on these Special Sale Items – all sales are final
5. The Shipping & Handling will still show up on your online order confirmation; sorry, we cannot control that application online.  However, rest assured that the Shipping & Handling will be deducted from your total before we process it.  You will get an email titled “New Order from PMO” with your correct total.   
    
   

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   Happy Halloween! 
   

   If you know of a new clown who may be trying out their makeup for the first time on Halloween, volunteer to give them a hand – we can all d our part promote the wonderful Art of Clowning by preventing some of those accidental “scary clowns”.  You will be glad you took the time to help a struggling clown create a happy face!

   Have yourself a safe and fun Halloween season.  Remember to share your candy!  And make a little kid feel big: pretend to be scared when they jump out and say “BOO”.

   If you have any comments for this month or ideas for next month’s Moose Newz, send it to Pricilla@mooseburger.com.  Do you have a question about clowning that you’ve always wanted to ask?  Is there a topic that you’d like to see us write about?  We write this newsletter for YOU – so let us know what you want to read.  We love to get feedback!  Thanks for subscribing!