Dedication

This newsletter is dedicated to my Father, Dave Manuel. Dad died with great grace and dignity in his home surrounded by family after a two year bout with cancer. 

In 1989 my Dad suggested I start my own business after working for Ringling for so many years. Without my parents support and guidance, I never would have been able to build my business to what it is today. I learned how to treat customers, put together displays, and deal with vendors all from working in my parents’ departments store in a small town. Little did I know that selling shoes, clothes, TV sets, and horse harnesses would teach me how to run my costume business. But it did. Dad taught me how to treat people fairly and stand my ground when necessary. He taught me work ethic and values that see me through thick and thin. I learned that you also build your business and family but also serve your community. I hold all these values close to my heart.  

This month’s newsletter is about clowning through tough economic times. Dad also showed me how to do that. With the encroachment of big discount stores in neighboring towns, my Dad saw the change of times where people didn't shop in a small town department store anymore. He continued to redefine his business including his shoe and zipper repair business. I moved into my Dad's big department store with him. As his business modified and became smaller I took over more of the building until I was able to buy the building from him. Dad continued his shoe repair business until last year. As I walk though my Dad's building today I see the mark he made on this building and this community. The dressing rooms he built are now used for my costume rental business. I still use his counters, racks and methods in my store.  

The next lesson in life Dad will teach me is how to clown through tough emotional times. Like all the lessons Dad taught me, he taught me well. 

Thank you for all your prayers, help and support for me and my family.  

David Andrew Manuel was born February 1, 1934 in Watkins to Pat and El (Graf) Manuel. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. David married Cathy Schleppenbach on October 9, 1954 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring. They moved to Maple Lake in 1955, where he owned and operated Manuel's Department Store for 53 years. David was a member of St. Timothy's Catholic Church, Catholic Order of Foresters, Maple Lake American Legion Post 131 and the Maple Lake Village Players (Maple Lake Community Theatre). He also served as president of the Maple Lake Commercial Club (Chamber of Commerce), was an original board member of the Maple Lake High School and served his community in the Maple Lake Fire Department. Dave enjoyed fishing, golfing, gun collecting, watching & playing baseball and playing cards with his grandchildren. 
 

Ain’t Got A Barrel Of Money… 

I hope you all had a happy April Fool’s Day! It is kind of a lost holiday. Hallmark and the retailers just haven’t found a way to get us to spend money on this ancient holiday.  

But clowning through hard times is no joke. Many people have lost jobs and are hurting right now. You don’t need me to tell you that. The question remains: what do you do during hard times as a clown? Your business may be down right now. Take this slow time and use it to your advantage. Americans always rebound. We did after the great Depression and also the stock market crash of the 80’s. The question is never “if?” -- it is always “when?” 

Even in the regular cycle of a business year there are slow times and busy times. With my business of The Costume Shoppe and Pricilla Mooseburger Originals there is a natural ebb and flow. I would be a fool if I told you I wanted the pressure and busy-ness of Halloween to be all year. I would not survive if we did a Moose Camp more than once a year! We all need some down time in our business so we can do the things that keep our business going! Remember when I say “business” I don’t mean this article is for those of you who charge for your services. Clowning is a business whether you clown for charity or profit. Anything worth doing is worth doing well, especially if you do clowning for charity.  

In slow times the best thing to do is to take a deep breath and relax. Now is your chance to redefine what you do, because you actually have the time to do it. First go through all your props. Take a critical look. It is time to organize, give away, fix, or throw away the things you don’t need. You might be sentimental about that beat up old prop. But your audience may not see it that way.  

Rework your show. If you have some extra time, look at writing a new show or adding something new to the show you have. If business has dropped off, it may be because you have not updated your show. It is much easier to not rehire if money is tight because you keep offering the same thing. Having a new show gives old customers a reason to bring you back time and time again. Be the entertainment they can’t live without! It is extra work. But it is how to keep working. It also keeps you from feeling burned out in the long run.  

What about your costume? Now IS the time to invest, make a new one, or have one made. Competition will be tougher in hard times. You do need to look your best. If you can’t afford a new costume, then consider adding a new piece. A new vest can revive a whole outfit. Replace a tired-looking wig at a very reasonable cost. Get a new hat or add some new accessories like collars and cuffs. Polish your shoes! Replacing shoe laces can give an old pair of shoes new life. If you can’t replace your clown dress put a petticoat under it to give it a totally different look. You can revive an old petticoat with a can of extra stiff hair spray!   

Promotion is everyone’s business whether you are a volunteer or professional clown. Everyone should have business cards. You shouldn’t walk out the door without them! They can be produced inexpensively on a computer and there are also companies who do it for free as long as you let them advertise on your card. Your audience wants to get in touch with you! Be prepared. You would be surprised how many clowns give out cards that do not have their area code on them! Do you have a coloring sheet with your information on the bottom to use as a giveaway? It doesn’t have to be a full sheet. It can be a quarter of a sheet. Once colored it will end up on Mom’s or Grandma’s refrigerator for months -- sometimes years! Don’t miss that opportunity. Make you own by putting a clear transparency over your clown picture. Outline your clown face with a magic marker. Then run the transparency through a copy machine and presto you have your own coloring page! Put together small posters to promote your services. Don’t be afraid to work out of make-up if necessary. You may want to consider a dressed down look and bill yourself as a children’s entertainer. Sadly sometimes folks just don’t want a clown, they want something less cartoony and more sophisticated.  

Call the folks who have booked you in the past. Don’t assume you will have that festival job again for the fall. Call! If they are wavering you may be able to offer them something different or scaled back to keep the job. Everyone is facing budget cuts. Be willing to negotiate your services. Now I am not saying that you do the same job for less. You need to work with people. Maybe this year you are only there for two hours instead of four. Perhaps there is something else you can do. Be creative and negotiate. They appreciate you thinking of them and coming up with an idea that allows them to have you at their event within their tight budget.  

Sometimes you do need to give it away. If you find yourself with a dead weekend with nothing booked, get dressed and go to a nursing home. Call first of course! But you really need to give back. There are so many lonely people in those places, people who have no family left. Or who are just plain forgotten. Spend an hour in a nursing home and you will be repaid 100 times over. There are people there who will ask for your card. Be sure your pockets are full. Your heart will be full when you are done.  

As my good friend Fred Baisch says, when God gives you a gift, you’re supposed to use it for the good of His people.  Use it, or loose it!  :o)  One story I saw on the news last week was about a hair stylist who is giving FREE haircuts and styles to unemployed folks before their job interviews.  She is a high-end stylist who normally charges $40 - $70 for her services, but does the work on her free time at no charge.  This is just one example of how someone is using their talent to help others in this tough economic time.  What about clowning?  Can you think of some ways in which you could employ this practice in your business?  What about a little kid whose parents just lost their jobs, or a day car center that is going bankrupt?  If you already are in the practice of not charging for your services (hospital or gospel clowning, etc.), then perhaps you could get some publicity out of it, just as the hair stylist did (her story was broadcast on national evening news!). You could really help bring attention to an ailing business or a family in need. 

Many clowns tell me they are too busy to go to a clown convention or Moose Camp. Now may be your chance to come to camp. You can learn a new skill that will improve your performance. Education always pays for itself in the long run.  

You may not have the money right now to go to camp. Start saving for next year, a little bit each week will build up fast. Look for ways to save. Just cutting out buying coffee, pop or snacks at convenience stores can save you a bundle. Now is the time to look at your life and decide what a “need” is and what just a “want” is. I have had to do it myself. As much as I love good coffee I used to think I “needed” it every day. Not so. Now when I have a really good cup I appreciate it so much more.  

Look at your life. What can you do to save? What can you do to recharge and renew? Hard times can actually help us all. It forces us to look at the true meaning of life. What is really important and how to hold on to it. Clowning is important because it makes people smile. A smile is magic. It transports someone from where they are to a better place, even if it is only for a few moments. Clowning is more important now than ever. Smiles and Laughs are something everyone can afford and no one can live without, so get busy!         

I invited our Moose Camp staff to include their thoughts on this topic: 

When Pricilla said she was going to talk about clowning during difficult times, economic and otherwise, I started thinking.  Shortly before, I had been discussing business with a friend of mine and compared to the last couple of years, January and February gigs were up.  March is slow but I am booking gigs for this summer.  So I started looking at what I am doing now and what I have been doing for the last 12 to 18 months.  One of the biggest things I had changed over the last year or two were the types of restaurants I worked at for Family nights.  Now I have been entertaining weekly at restaurants for about 7 or 8 years now.  My first restaurant was a Damon’s Ribs.  A nice chain to work with, good atmosphere, good clientele, however this one was missing the key ingredient... location... After a number of years new shopping centers and traffic patterns had moved and business was not great and a good portion of the customers were traveling which kind of limited extra birthday parties.  All in all the employees were great to work with, and it really helped me develop the experience to confidently approach other establishments.  Last summer I identified a neighboring town where the income level was considerably higher than local average.  I landed three restaurants around town but far enough apart that I was seen by a large portion of the population.  Not only have the tips been better and more consistent, but I have had a fair number of birthday parties from my repeat clients.  Since many people in this area are business owners or at least decision-makers, I have also increased my corporate work.  Restaurant work isn’t an instant fix for your wallet but over time it has the potential to radically increase your business.  Why? 

1) Exposure – you are regularly seen working.  The more people see you the more they remember you. 

2) Experience – each time you are at the restaurant you have the opportunity to practice, your character, your speed, your variety, your interactions with the customers. 

3) Money – you are being paid on a regular basis for doing what you love.    

Another project I’ve been working on recently is the daycare market.  I had a client that was interested in having me at her daughter’s daycare.  The director of the facility expressed some concern that the children might be scared.  So now I am slowly introducing myself to the directors of as many daycares as I can.  I pull out the phonebook and a mapping program and basically canvas an area.  I make sure I am very professionally dressed and carry a leather portfolio in which I have a couple of brochures and business cards.  I make sure before I leave that the director has both.  Very few entertainers actually visit daycares, usually if they think about doing anything at all they just send information in the mail.  Even though they usually don’t have much time it is really helpful for the director to see you as a professional before some stranger who looks like a clown comes into her facility.  It eases their minds, and if they are working on a program of some sort who do you think they are more likely to call?  Again this isn’t an instant fix.  I am booking gigs for summer programs right now, but as I develop relationships with the different facilities I see a number of possibilities.  Even though I still have plenty of opening in my schedule right now, it is reassuring to see the number of bookings in my calendar grow. 

      ~   Dan “Fitzwilly” Langwell 

Ok here are some thoughts through tough times. If you have an advertising budget and can afford it you need to continue with it. Too many people drop it all together and then when things get better they have to recreate themselves. Something we are playing with is creating a Facebook profile. This is a free service and might work for some people as an inexpensive way of promotion. Get a teenager to help you build it. I am using mine in connection with my web site.  Always keep an eye on where you could use your services.  This year I tried some trade shows; some were good some not so good. Next year I have a new spot to go to in the winter. If I hadn't given it a shot, it would not have happened. This can also be a good opportunity to get your foot in the door somewhere. If you are struggling for business, chances are somebody else is too! Use your services as a promotion point, maybe you can work for tips or with the understanding when things are better they bring you back for pay. Why not barter at the local restaurants or theatres? You have to eat to and it takes money so why not swap out? I used to do a theatre and they did partial money and partial tickets. I gave them to my sister's kids and potential clients. Now is the time to dig out that balloon video you have been meaning to do. You can also use this as a time to sell companies on the fact they need to use you as a promotional item. The housing market is tough right now.  Once I did a realty company’s open house; I entertained the kids while the realtors tried to sell the parents.  Check out the car lots they could sure use some help. Keep thinking of where you can go and who you could can help benefit. The main thing is: do NOT slink back, keep moving ahead. I truly believe in these tough times people who really care about their kids will want to show them a good time. Things are slow here through the winter, and now suddenly things are getting busy. Be positive -- things will get better, and you need to be ready when it happens!

      ~ Rex Nolen

MOOSE  CAMP  NEWS! 

Scholarships

I have gone through all the applications and this month I will be calling the winners and notifying all the applicants by email or mail.  We have so many deserving clowns apply each year, and I wish we could award every single one a scholarship – but, alas!  So if you didn’t win this year, please don’t let that persuade you from applying again for next year’s scholarship.  You can apply at any time, and the scholarship can be found online here.  Thank you to every Moose Camper who brought in an item for the Ralph Pounder Memorial Scholarship Auction, and another thank you to everyone who had bid high and bid often – YOU are the ones responsible for providing financial assistance to our winners.  We couldn’t do it without you!!   

PEP Talks --

If you are registered, please return your PEP Form as soon as possible this month!  You can send your form in by email, fax, or snail-mail.  I will be calling you in the next couple of months to complete your Personal Education Plan.  Look over the schedule and workshop descriptions so you’ll be prepared for our conversation.  After your PEP is done, I’ll mail your personalized schedule along with your Clown Workbook.  We’re so excited to get started on your education!! 

REGISTRATION –

If you are NOT registered, but would like to attend Moose Camp, you better make a move fast!  At the moment, we have approximately 12 - 17 spots remaining for Moose Camp this year.  If you would like to register by phone, you can call us toll free at 800-973-6277 (or 320-963-6277 for our International friends).  Or you can register online by clicking here.

INFORMATION –

If you’re thinking about going to Moose Camp, but you have questions – ASK US!  It does you no good to sit on the fence and hem-and-haw about it; pick up the phone or send us an email!  We would be more than happy to discuss your clown arts education and answer any of your Moose Camp questions.  Email Katie at katie@mooseburger.com or call Mooseburger Headquarters at 800-973-6277.  

Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp

July 28 – August 2, 2009

Buffalo, Minnesota

Click here to visit the website.

Red Skelton Clown School 

Time to open your calendars to June and mark off this week:

June 9 – 14, 2009 

Why? 

Because you’re going to the Red Skelton Clown School, or at least you BETTER be!  Don’t pass up this opportunity to attend the FIRST of what will be a fantastic annual event.  The goal of the school is to provide clowns from all walks of life a comprehensive education program comprised of energetic, interactive, safe and fun clowning skills.  Besides the classes, there will be LOTS of fun stuff to do in your free time, including the Red Skelton PARADE!  See parade photos online here.  

Who? 

Your stellar staff includes: Karen Bell, Earl ”Mister Clown” Chaney, Fred “Ozzie” Baisch ,Greg and Karen Desanto, Jim Howle, Joel Heidtman, Connie “Mizz Clown” Kennedy, Tricia “Pricilla Mooseburger” Manuel, Robin “Rusty” Eurich, Terry & Justin Ricketts, and Cheri “Cherri-Oats” Venturi. See their bios and classes online here. 

Where? 

Vincennes University in Red Skelton’s hometown, Vincennes, Indiana.  There you find a University and a Community that understands the importance of recognizing and promoting clown excellence under the marquee of its very own favorite son.  Read more about the location here.  

How? 

You can sign up by printing off this registration form and mailing it to the Red Skelton Clown School. Prices are listed on the form.  And PSSSST!  Hey, if you write “Mooseburger” on your registration form, you’ll get $50 off!  Wanna know how you can get an even bigger discount?  Scroll down to the Red Skelton Prints! 

What if…?

Got questions?  Go to http://www.redskeltonclownschool.com or email Terry Ricketts.   
 

So mark your calendars now and we’ll see you in the summer!! 
 

Red Skelton Prints 

They are still working very hard to raise money for both the Red Skelton Clown School and the Red Skelton Museum and we need your help. So you are probably wondering, "What is it going to cost me?" Luckily for you, they have had a wonderful donation of prints of some of Red's very famous paintings.  

This 3-piece set for only $100!

Sets can be ordered by mailing a check or credit card number to Red Skelton Events, PO Box 581, Vincennes, Indiana 47591 or by ordering online here. Add $15.00 for shipping.  All proceeds will go to the Red Skelton Museum and Clown School.  With this purchase, you will receive $50 off your registration!  For more information contact Jack Masters at redskeltonfestival@yahoo.com. 

This 7-piece set for only $250!

Sets can be ordered by mailing a check or credit card number to Red Skelton Events, PO Box 581, Vincennes, Indiana 47591 or by ordering online here. Add $15.00 for shipping.  All proceeds will go to the Red Skelton Museum and Clown School.  With this purchase, you will become a “Friend of the Museum and School” and we will knock $100 off from your registration!! “Are they crazy?” you ask -- No they are just clowns so...yeah, actually they are a little crazy! For more information contact Jack Masters at redskeltonfestival@yahoo.com. 
 

By purchasing one or both of these sets not only do you help get the School and Museum going, but you get an awesome collection of clown prints by Red Skelton AND a discount towards your registration!  What’s not to love?? 
 
 

April Sales

(and we ain’t foolin!)

We hand-picked these sale items to stretch your hard-earned dollars.

Add any of these items to your order to get FREE Shipping on your whole order!!! 

- Brush Holder - $16.00 (normally $20.00) - 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!  You can afford to be buying new brushes all the time; take good care of them now and save some money.  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!!

- Puppet Book - $10.00 (normally $12.00) - In the world of puppets, the possibilities are limitless! This quick and easy guide shows you how to create imaginary creatures, build all kinds of puppets, and put on shows -- ALL with items easily found in your recycling bin or craft store.  What a great way to “Go Green” while saving money in this tough economic time!

- Greasepaint - $6.50 (normally $7.00) - Choose from Red and RB Red. Mehron's high quality greasepaint comes in a flat circular container with a screw-on lid. No more messy makeup in your bin!  Use a brush to apply. This big 1.25 ounce container last a LONG time, which saves you money in the long-run.

- Greasepaint and FREE Stipple Sponges - $7.00 (normally $9.00) - And to tie-in to our down-and-out economic-themed newsletter this month, we are pandering to our hobo and tramp clown friends!  Hah-hah! Buy a container of Mehron's high quality Grey greasepaint, and we’ll give you a three-pack of stipple sponges.  These are made specially for creating a stubble-like appearance. Easy to use, and reusable! Greasepaint comes in a flat circular container with a screw-on lid. This big 1.25 ounce container last a LONG time.

- Solid Knee Socks - $9.00 (normally $9.50) - Choose from Red, Golden Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Purple, Royal Blue, and Hot Pink -  Buy 2 pair to save money and have a spare ready at home!  One size fits most, reaches all the way to the knee, and has a durable sweat-sock bottom.  Note: May be tight on larger claves.

Just add any of these items to your order and get FREE Shipping & Handling on every in-stock item in your order!  And that’s no joke! 
 

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 “APRIL FOOL” in the Discount Code box at the end of your online order, or write “APRIL FOOL” somewhere on your fax-in or mail-in order, or tell the word “APRIL FOOL” 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 April. 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. 

You can keep track of my travel schedule online here .  See you on the road! 

April 21 – 26, 2009 
Clowns of America International Convention 
Location: Holiday Inn of Clarksville, IN 
Website: http://www.inkyclowns.com/convention.html  

May 15 - 17, 2009 
Clown Town 
Location: Grove City, Ohio 
Website: http://www.clowntown.org/2009/CTframe.html  

June 9 - 14, 2009

Red Skelton Clown School 
Location: Vincennes, Indiana 
Website: http://redskeltonclownschool.com