Hi Gang,

Many of you know in order to diversify my business I also have a costume rental shop on the side. Needless to say, the last few weeks have been CRAZY BUSY trying to run three businesses at once: Pricilla Mooseburger Originals, Mooseburger Camp, and The Costume Shoppe!

I think is it good for all of us to diversify in our businesses so we can better weather changes in the markets or in our personal lives that might make is difficult or impossible to continue in one area of performing. This might mean learning how to perform without make-up when the client asks you not to come as a clown. You may need to develop a Christmas character in order to book work in December. Try adding face painting, or ballooning skills to open up your options. Diversifying also helps you avoid burn out. But beware you don't spread yourself too thin!

Enjoy this article on Props from my friends Mike Fixer and Shirley Sutton, this month’s guest writers. This article appeared years ago in Laugh Makers Magazine owned by Bob and Cathy Gibbons. The magazine is no longer in publication, but if you see old copies at a clown garage sale, snap them up!

Oops, sorry! Got to run -- the buzzer just went off on the dryer full of pirates and grim reapers! 

Pricilla

CLOWN PROPS 

By:  Mike Fixer & Shirley Sutton    

FILL YOUR POCKETS AND WALK AROUND  

Hey!  You just booked your first picnic!  What will you do?  Or maybe it's a walk-around party gig.  What can you do?  It could be that close-up show that is running a little fast and you're running a little short on material.  What to do?  Pocket gags may be just the thing!  

Over the years we have collected a wide variety of pocket gags to use on these occasions.  Dealers sell many small gags that you can easily stow away in a pocket or bag, but ordinary toys, refrigerator magnets, and household items work well also.  The list below is items we have and their uses.   
 

Miscellaneous   

Small Stuffed Moose Toy,

place in hair and say:  "I like to use a little moose in my hair."  

Teething Toy in the shape of a hand,

(1)        wave above hair and say:  "always wanted a 'permanent wave' in my hair."             

(2)        use it to wave hello/good bye.  

Bubble Solution in small bottle with blower in cap,           

blow bubbles where appropriate.   

Foam Rock with sound disk (musical device found in greeting cards) inserted,

show the rock, squeeze it to have music disk play, and ask:  "Know what this is?"  "Rock Music!"  

Mini Toy Suitcase,

carry on a monologue about your small vacation.  "Have you been on vacation lately?  I was on a small vacation." (show suitcase)  "I went to the Granite Canyon!" (open suitcase, show foam, granite rock)  This may continue with the Rock Music gag.  

Small, clear baby bottle with baby doll inside,

"Want to see my baby bottle?"  show the bottle.   

Mirror,

(1)        "Want to see a picture of my new friend?"  have person look in mirror and ask, "What did you see?  Did you see my new friend?"             

(2)        "Want to see a picture of me?"  have person look in mirror and ask, "What did you see?"  they will reply, "ME!"  

Small Kaleidoscope, (these come in a variety of shapes and colors)

have children look through these as they wait for their turn for a balloon.  

Mini Rubber Chicken, (similar to the large rubber chicken, these are sold as key rings)

show chicken if you are "a little chicken" to do a stunt.  

Toy Lunch Box, (sold at shops for small gifts or candy; these clear, plastic containers may be sprayed black to resemble the old workman's lunch box)

especially effective where food is being served, this can be used to store your "diet", "lite", or "little" lunch, which may contain the following items.  

Novelty Erasers  

Popcycle,

looks like the real thing, just tiny.  

Ice Cream Cone,

dessert!  

Watermelon,

diet dessert!  Use it to show what happens when you water watermelon - it shrinks!  

Hot Dog,

"What have you had to eat today, a hot dog?"  

Hamburger,

"Or a hamburger?"   

French Fries,

"How about some fries to go with that?"  

Soda Can pencil sharpener, (add about an inch of plastic, drinking straw for effect)

"Just a little soda to add to your meal."      
 
 
 
 

Refrigerator Magnets  

Toaster,

use it to "toast" an accomplishment.  

Stove,

put a tiny house on top (found in craft stores) for "Home on the Range".  

Flat Iron,           

"I went to the doctor, he said I need a little iron."  

Coffee Maker,           

"The doctor also said I should cut down on caffeine."  

Wire Whisk,

"Boy, I'm whipped!"   

Weight Scale,           

"Can you 'weight' a minute and I'll ...."  

Meat Grinder,

"You're a tough group, I feel like I've been through a meat grinder."  

Measuring Cup

"Well, that gag (joke, stunt, trick) didn't measure up to my expectations."  

Can Opener,

"And now, to open the show ..."  

Dust Buster,

"Boy, I really cleaned up."  

Ringing Phone,

phone rings in your pocket, say, "Excuse me while I take a little call."  

"Barbie" Accessories  

Pop Corn Machine,

winds up and "pops" little pellets.  

Hand Mixer,

winds up and beaters turn, use at a party serving "mixed drinks".  

Blow Dryer,

winds up, use to blow dry your hair after a rain shower.  

Boom Box,

winds up and plays music.

At a picnic, the same gag can be used over and over, with different people, for a half hour or more and then you may switch gags and do the rounds again.  We have been able to do a two hour picnic with only three or four pocket gags.  Although these gags seem too silly to be silly, with the right delivery, the crowd loves them.  Remember that in the same way oversized, ordinary items are funny, ordinary items in miniature will also get a laugh.  

These are just a few ideas and sample lines that may be used.  We encourage you to come up with your own and would love to hear your thoughts.  Write to us at:  "Poppin' Korn Productions", c/o Shirley Sutton or Mike Fixer, P.O. Box 10, Canton Center, CT  06020. 
 
 

What’s happening in Mooseland? 

As you just read above, we were up to our armpits in Halloween costumes most of this month.  And what better way to relax after a 12-hour work day than to dress up in a crazy costume and dance the night away in heels?  It will be no surprise to you readers who have been subscribing to the Moose Newz for more than a year, to see our Halloween photos appear in the November issue.  And so, though it has nothing to with clowning, but everything to do with fun, here is the great group of Mooseburger Staff, family and friends that palled around last weekend: 

In the bottom photo, from left to right: Katie was RepubliGal, a super hero who fights for the Right.  Her husband, Patrick, was dressed as Chef Boyardee. Next in the photo is Paul, brother of Katie and son of Carol, who was trying his best to look and act like the Rat Catcher (a favorite character at the MN Renaissance Festival).  Then comes John, husband of Carol and father of Katie, dressed as the Grim Reaper.  Carol was Money Mama, in her funky dollar-sign glasses.  Next to her is Mary in a ghoulish gown and wickedly frightful makeup – she always does such a gruesomely good job on her face painting! Then comes Sheri, decked out all in green, as the Faerie Queen.  And then there is me and my brother Bill, dressed as Demons (doesn’t he look just like Tim Curry’s character from the movie Legend?).  We had a great time dancing and having fun…only to have to work early in the morning again…ugh.

And here is Julia, who was overjoyed (despite the look of wrath on her face) to find our new Medusa costume and wig (with lots of mean snakes) in exactly her size!  And take a look at the great snake paintings she did on herself! 

MOOSE  CAMP  NEWS!

We have great news, 2008 Moose Campers!  Your All Star Clown Show videos just arrived last week!!!  We have been slapping on labels and getting them in the mail faster than you can say “Where is my DVD?”  If you do not get your order by the end of this week, please check your local post office and then give us a call.  We appreciate your patience; we know it took a long time for these to arrive.  Due to circumstances beyond our control, the videos were delayed for a month.  But now they are finally here – along with the Photo CDs!  And for you alumni who signed up at camp, your special-edition “Moose Rules” t-shirts are also on their way!

If you forgot to order a DVD or Photo CD, you can still get your hands on one – and at the same price as when we first offered them at Moose Camp!  $32 for a DVD and $20 for the Photo Slideshow CD.  You can order them online here ) or by calling us toll free at 800-973-6277. 

Registration for next year’s Moose Camp is NOW OPEN!  Visit our registration page 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!   

Another Happy Customer! 
 

Since we didn’t receive any photos in the mail recently, we decided to post this little note we got from “Tootie”: 

Hi Pricilla, 
 
Just wanted to say thank you for your newsletter. I look forward to each issue and love all the information that you share in it.  I attended Mooseburger Clown Camp a few years ago, and it was the best week of my life!!!  I enjoy continuing to learn from you through your experience telling, helpful hints, and pictures. 
 
You're the best!  Keep the news coming. 
 
Joyce "Tootie" May 
 

Thanks for the kind words, “Tootie”!  We certainly try to make each issue of the Moose Newz fun and educational! 

If you are a customer who has recently bought a Pricilla Mooseburger Originals costume, please let us know how we did!  Take a photo in your brand-new duds and makeup and give a little testimonial, and email it to: katie@mooseburger.com.  We’d love to share your success story with the world! 

NEW Items!

Hey folks, are you tired of seeing the same clown wigs over and over again?  Are you looking for something new to stick on your head?  Well, take a gander as these NEW wig styles! 

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!

We will decide to carry one of these new wig styles based on your votes.  It’s like American Idol or the presidential election, except you don’t have to listen to anyone singing badly or airing crummy commercials!

#1: “Spikey Wig” $23.00 – Comes in Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Royal Blue, Purple, and Fuchsia (shown). Gel-coated top makes it super pointy!  Great style for guys.

#2: “Deluxe Men’s Wig” $42.00 – Comes in Red, Orange, Yellow, Apple Green, Sky Blue, Royal Blue, Purple, and Hot Pink.  Extremely high quality wig!  Not very often do you see a men’s clown wig made to actually look like a real hairstyle!

#3: “Feather Wig” $26.00 - Comes in Red, Gold, Yellow, Sky Blue, Royal Blue, Purple, and Hot Pink.  Dyed feathers are sewn into a stretchy silky cap.  Now you, too, can look and act like Phyllis Diller!

#4: “60s Mod Wig” $35.00 - Comes in Red, Light Purple, Burgundy, Black, Brown, Blonde, and Auburn.  Very high quality wig. Luxurious long hair is crowned by a lift of teased hair on top and long bangs (which will need to be trimmed to show off your eye greasepaint)

#5: “Wispy Wig” $32.00 - Comes in Red, Orange, Yellow, Apple Green, Sky Blue, Royal Blue, Light Purple, Regular Purple, and Hot Pink. Very high quality wig. This fun wig has lots of loose curly waves.  Looks kinda like Marilyn Monroe, doesn’t it?  There are no bangs to get in your eyes, and the short length means it won’t get matted quickly.

#6: “Brady Flip Wig” $20.00 – Comes in Red, Yellow, Apple Green, Sky Blue, Royal Blue, Light Purple, Regular Purple, Hot Pink. Reminiscent of Mrs. Brady Bunch, this retro style is long enough to give you coverage in the back, but still can flip up at the ends.  The long bangs would need to be trimmed to show off your eye greasepaint, though.

#7: “Lil Lucy Wig” $20.00 Comes in Red, Orange, Yellow, Apple Green, Emerald Green, Sky Blue, Royal Blue, Light Purple, Regular Purple, and Hot Pink. Cute as a button!  This short wig has a little flip at the ends and curved bangs. 

Which style is your favorite? Which would YOU want to buy for yourself?  Make your voice heard this election season!  PLEASE send a reply to katie@mooseburger.com by November 25^th, and we will tally up the votes and report back to you next month.  Thank you!!! 
 

Sale! 

2 for the Price of 1

&

FREE Shipping & Handling! 

You may already be familiar with our regular striped sweat-socks…but let me introduce you to our

OVER THE KNEE SOCKS

Yes, you read that right: OVER the knee!  These stretchy stockings were originally designed to be ladies’ thigh-high stockings, but Pricilla Mooseburger Originals has found that they make GREAT clown socks for folks with larger calves or just those who don’t like wearing the heavier socks.  These are intended for Men and Women alike. 

NYLON – The first five colors are made from 100% nylon and are just like thick tights.  They are the stretchiest and most light-weight hosiery we offer.

ACRYLIC – The last two colors come in a medium-weight acrylic, which is still lighter than our other striped sweat-socks. 

Price: $8 for any TWO pairs of Thigh Highs.  Mix-and-Match any two colors! No limit! And did we mention that you get FREE Shipping & Handling on your entire order, too?  Stock up now and SAVE!   

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 “PUMPKIN PIE” in the Discount Code box at the end of your online order, or write “PUMPKIN PIE” somewhere on your fax-in or mail-in order, or tell the word “PUMPKIN PIE” 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 November. This offer is not retroactive.
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. 

Need a Christmas gift idea for your favorite clown?  The 2008 All Star Clown Show DVD makes a great gift, even if they did not attend Moose Camp.  Why?  Because it shows over a dozen classic gags and walk-arounds in front of a live audience…what a perfect learning tool!  You can order a copy online here.

And don’t forget about Mooseburger Gift Certificates!  You can order them by phone (call toll free 800-973-6277) or online in any dollar amount. 

We’ll see you in Laughlin, Nevada for the Western Region Clown Association Convention.  It takes place November 9^th – 13th at the Riverside Resort and Casino.  I’ll be selling and teaching, so stop by and say “HI”! Check it out online: www.westregionclowns.org and head out west next week! 

…and Have a Happy Thanksgiving!