Everybody’s Surfin’ Now…

…Everybody’s Learnin’ How 

Egroups, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, podcasts, and all kinds of internet communication are growing in a big way these days. I think it is a great way to stay or get connected to other clowns around the world. It can be a wonderful educational tool as you learn what works and what doesn’t for other clowns who are doing what you are doing!

For those of you who aren’t that web-savvy and probably had enough trouble just trying to subscribe this e-newsletter, you might be saying, “Face-who?  Twit-what?”  Here’s just a quick primer:

E-Groups: A central group that allow message posting by its members on one or more boards, usually with a moderator keeping the peace.  Some groups have very interactive features.  Some have expanded profiles that let each member display more biographical information and personality.  Examples of this type would be Clown Forum and the Mooseburger Yahoo group.

Blogs: Reads like a diary entry or news release.  Posted by an individual clown or entertainment company; some are very factual and news-worthy, some are just fun and personal.  Many have photos sprinkled throughout each entry.  Some have opportunities for the public to comment on a blog entry.

Social Networking Sites: Facebook, MySpace, and Friendster are examples.  Your profile is where you display all your favorite things and tell the world about yourself.  And then all your friends do that same, and you get to see each other’s favorite things.  Some sites have social features like chat or instant messaging.  Other sites have games, quizzes, and applications for more social interaction.  Twitter would fit in the Social Networking Sites category, except it is limited to just writing status updates (that simply means telling the world how you are feeling or what you just did, i.e. “I just had a bag of pretzels and now I’m thirsty.”)

Podcasts/YouTube: A podcast is an audio broadcast (like radio, but on the internet), and sometimes it can also be a video.  It seems everyone and their dear aunt Sally is posting his/her mug and voice all over the internet. But every now and then you come across a particularly well-done video or podcast.  Other sites, like www.YouTube.com, are video sharing sites. YouTube.com has some members who have collected a vast number of old Ringling videos and other historical performance videos.  Plus, many clowns have posted videos of their own work on YouTube.  

These are great way to improve the online presence of your business.  The more folks can find you using the internet, the more likely they are to remember your name and face.  When it’s free and easy to use, online communities can be your company’s friendliest marketing tool. Sheesh, even I’ve got a MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/mooseburgeroriginals) for our costumes.  So go out there and learn how to use these fun tools to help your business. 

When it comes to using these online sites for your clown arts education, the main thing to remember is that internet information is not necessarily gospel. It is primarily opinion. The old adage, “it has to be true, I read it in the …..” is not true. You really do have to be discerning as the information age has created the ability for anyone with a keyboard and online access to look like an expert. Stuff you read online must be taken in context and with a grain of salt. Opinions are like belly buttons, everybody has one! 

One of my favorite online communities is www.clown-forum.com  I have watched this forum bloom and grow! One side benefit is that many of them have gotten together to attend Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp. That is great for me, but I really believe it is also great for them. Clown-forum has allowed people from all over the world to communicate on a topic they love. Now they have a place to gather and continue their communication face to face. Sweet!    

Don’t forget about the Mooseburger Yahoo Group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mooseburger/), too.  It’s a great way to stay on top of any new developments in the Mooseburger world and meet your fellow Moose Campers before you meet in person.  The great thing about message boards and e-groups, is that there is something for every odd little niche group.  For the handful of people out there who are Auguste clowns, over 40, and like to twist balloons while unicycling through the Swiss Alps as they yodel, I bet there’s a group for you!  The good news is, if you land yourself in a group that just doesn’t jive with any of your opinions or business ethics, there are bound to be 10 more groups out there that will fit you just fine.  So shop around and have fun. 

There are pros and cons of communication online.  The exchange of ideas and tips, the encouragement and mutual-appreciation societies, the opportunities to challenge yourself - these are all fantastic for stretching and growing our craft.  But you can’t expect to toss hundreds of performers together without getting a couple with hot tempers.  Opposing opinions will arise and theories will conflict; that’s just the nature of this arena. Many user-run groups have moderators and/or posting guidelines – be sure to read the rules if you’re unsure what is off-topic or off-limits for the group. 

If you find yourself in a community or a conversation thread that evolves into a disagreement, remember no to take it too seriously. The reason you and everybody else are in that group is to feed your clowning and help one another, right?  So keep that in mind, be constructive, and stay civil at all costs. Nobody has ever won an argument by hitting people over the head with heavy-handed censure and insults (look up “flame wars” sometime). While online communication gives us a freedom we don’t always gets in the real world, a good rule of thumb for online message boards is, “Don’t post anything you wouldn’t say out loud in person”.  We need to maintain a level of professionalism to support the art of clowning and not come off as some kind of nutty fringe group. You never know who will be reading your post! Putting something on a chat group is akin to plastering it on a billboard. When all else fails, contact the person offline for a more detailed conversation. Remember that this is supposed to be FUN. Agree to disagree! A variety of opinions discussed respectfully allows for growth, education, and enlightenment!     

I belong to a Yahoo group for Ringling clown alumni. It has a very interesting thread running on traditional looking clowns vs. more theatrical “lite” looking clowns. I find the conversation very interesting. I even learned that some folks are worried that traditional clowns are doomed for distinction! “Ha!” I say! Here is my response:

“I can tell you that traditional clown costumes are alive and well. I can speak from the experience of attending over a dozen clown conventions and conferences a year all over the country. People who get into clowning still love to wear brightly colored clothes and funny wigs. They do it for themselves as much as they do it for the kids. A crazy costume helps people step away from their serious side and embrace that part of them that needs to play. Lighter make-ups and more theatrical and realistic costumes are popular with folks who do not want to wear as much make-up, or just like the look of it. Some are afraid of the skill they think they need to apply a more “clowny” looking face. Either way both types of clowns are out there performing side by side with great results. The art of clowning may be changing in look, but it is alive and well.” 

Here is something that does need mentioning. Beginning clowns often need the colorful make-up and costuming as a tool. Face it, when we first get started we are running on heart not skill. After a clown develops skills they often progress into a theatrical character. Not always; but sometimes. Supporting ALL kinds of looks for clowns is a good thing. Variety keeps more people participating as they find their “look”. The “fear of clowns” thing has made a slight impact of the number of people getting into clowning; less people, but more quality people. I believe the people who “just can’t help themselves” will be come clowns no matter what. Those are the people we want in this art form.  

By the way, 95 people are coming from all over the world to study the art of clowning in Minnesota this year at Moose Camp. Ringling Alumni Staff includes Karen Bell, Karen and Greg DeSanto, Robin Eurich, Christopher Hudert and me plus other great staff, Marcela Murad, Fred Baisch, Rex Nolen, and Brenda Marshall. I thought attendance would be down in this economy, but it is up! 

That’s my two cents worth for the month of June! Take the time to enjoy this summer. Have fun clowning, but put some time on the calendar for family and down-time for yourself. Quality quiet time really refreshes the soul. As a wise old clown told me one time…”when you can’t do your best, take a rest.” I like that idea…I think I will go take a nap! 
 

Pricilla

Tips of the Month

How to survive summer clowning… 

Make-up Tip  --  This one’s an oldie but a goodie! If your make-up pencils are too soft in the summer, store them in the freezer! Be sure to use a good sharpener, preferably one that is made for that brand. Cosmetic store sharpeners are not always as sharp as the ones made for a specific pencil, especially the Mehron Pro Pencils with the hard plastic casings.

SALE: Get a new Mehron Pro-Pencil sharpener for $3.00 when you buy any Mehron Pro-Pencil. Save $2!  (scroll down to see Sale details)

Over-Heating Tip --  Wear a Skull Cap to keep cool

You: “My wig is too HOT!”

Me: “Wear a cotton skull cap!”

You: “What? Are you nutz? How could putting on another layer make me cooler?”

Trust me; it works. You’re putting a natural layer between your head and a synthetic wig – it’s a technique that’s worked for decades for thousands of clowns.  The cotton fabric wicks the sweat and skin oils away from you scalp. It keeps your head cool and your wig clean. Everyone knows that washing your wig shortens the life of it.  Now imagine if you could prevent the need for washing your wig as often!  A skull cap absorbs all those icky bits that would otherwise make a stinky home in your wig – and all you have to do is toss it in the washing machine.  You’ve just saved another few years of your wig’s life!  Our skull caps are also adjustable -- No wig headache!

SALE: Get a new skull cap for only $10.00. Save $3!  (scroll down to see Sale details) 
 
 

Prop of the Month 

How do you like my new i-Pod???? Ha Ha! Yeah it’s corny, but it is cute and easy to make. You need: 

1 black sharpie marker

3 ping pong balls

2 paper clips or clothes pins

5” x 8” green felt or fleece

Fabric or craft glue

Stapler or needle and thread 

Print out this pattern and fold it.  Fold material in half, trace pattern onto it, and cut out the half-moon shape. Staple or sew the edges of the pod. Turn inside out. Draw eyes on the ping pong balls with the marker. Glue ping pong balls into the pod. Use the paper clips or clothes pins to hold the felt or fleece together while it dries. 

Not that handy? Order it from the premiere foam prop maker Steve Long at Peachey Keene Props (http://www.peacheykeene.com)!  

Our local clown club, The Clown Arounds, had a fun time making theirs at last month’s meeting.  Now we each have a new prop to add to the bin! 

If you are in the Wright County area and would like information on joining The Clown Arounds, please email president Darrell Jensen at cpljens@aol.com. It’s free to join!

MOOSE  CAMP  NEWS! 

Only eight weeks until Moose Camp!  Can you feel the excitement in the air?  It’s electric!

Almost all 95 spots are full…just a handful are left open…

Like last year, we will have a Waiting List set up for those of you who are willing to take a chance and wait. When a cancellation opens up a spot, we will go down the list and start calling you. You are under NO obligation to accept the registration, so you have nothing to lose by signing up!  

For Registered Campers:

--  Be prepared for your PEP Talk this month!  Have you turned in your PEP Talk form yet?  Look over the schedule we sent you and read through the workshop descriptions online (http://www.mooseburger.com/camp/teach.html).  I will be ringing your phone during the time and day you selected to go over your questions, course options, and help you get a schedule nailed down.  If you are outside the US and Canada, please email me at Pricilla@mooseburger.com to figure the best way to conduct your PEP Talk.

--  Just in case you had your head buried in the sand for that last 10 months and didn’t get this notice: JUNE 1^ST was the LAST day to cancel and receive a refund.  You can still cancel after June 1^st, but you will not receive a refund.

--  June 1^st was also the deadline to turn in your Travel Form and Health Form.  If you are still finalizing your travel plans, don’t worry – all you need to do is drop Katie at line at katie@mooseburger.com and let her know that your Travel Form will be delayed.

--  If you are in the dark about anything and have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us!  We want to make sure you are 150% excited and ready for Moose Camp!  Call us toll free: 800-973-6277 (or 320-963-6277 for our Canadian friends) or email katie@mooseburger.com and we’ll make sure you get all your questions answered. 

For Everybody Else:

--  Thinking about registering?  Well, you better make up your mind quick!  If we do fill up before our July 20th deadline, we’ll start a waiting list – there are always a few last-minute cancellations that we can fill, so you never know when it will be your lucky day!  If you register after June 1^st, you need to have your balance paid in full at the time of registration. 

--  Want us to send you an email with more information then you’ve ever wanted to know (about Moose Camp, that is)?  Send an email with the subject “Moose Camp Info, please?” to katie@mooseburger.com and we’ll send you a long letter explaining what you need to know before coming to Moose Camp.  The letter has a packing list, schedule, travel arrangements, camp history, and a lot more. 

Another Happy Camper! 

Wayne and Marge Marschel attended Moose Camp in 2004 and 2005, and have been clowning their socks off ever since!  We received photos and an email from them last week and wanted to share their story with you: 

As past attendees of Mooseburger Camp, we wanted to share with you what is most likely our most meaningful clowning experience.  Earlier this year, our church announced a Mission Trip to Slovakia.   

We were unsure and nervous, not knowing what to expect in a country where clowns are not well known at all, not to mention the language difficulties we thought we would encounter.  We loaded up all of our gear: clown clothes, make-up, magic tricks, face painting supplies, 100’s of balloons, stickers, and 10 lbs of Tootsie Pops, along with the rest of the non-clown necessities for a 12 day trip, 4000 miles away! 

What joyful, wonderful experiences we had. We performed four clown magic shows at a school in Martin, followed by balloons and face painting. At the Women and Children’s Crisis Center in Nitra, we did not appear “in face”, but Wamper never goes far without his balloon bag, and he delighted the youngsters and adults alike with his creations. In Nitra, we also performed at the Sunday church service “in face”. 

Everywhere we went we stressed our message “Sharing God’s Love through Laughter”.  Our trip was truly a wonderful experience – words cannot fully describe the joy we felt in sharing with our new Slovakian friends; we know what it means to say we received more than we gave.

We wanted to share this with you because Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp played a big role in our becoming clowns; our experiences at Moose Camp will remain with us always as we continue to grow in our ministry and share with others the joy we have found in clowning. 

Greetings to all of our Minnesota friends –

Wayne and Marge Marschel

Aka Wamper and Miz Maggie

wamper@embarqmail.com 

Thanks to Moose Camp alumni like the Marschels, Love and Laughter are being spread all over the globe.  Keep up the good work! 

If any Moose Camp alumni have stories and photos to share, please send them to katie@mooseburger.com and we’ll be happy to share them with the world! 

What’s NEW? 

Here at Mooseburger Headquarters, we always have customers calling to ask “What’s in stock right now?”  Well, to answer your question, we’d like to introduce a NEW section of the Moose Newz, called “What’s New?”  In this section, we will take a photo of a few costumes that have just been made and put into stock.  This way, you’ll get to see new fabrics we just got in, fun new styles that we’re making, and different ideas for putting clown costumes together.  Think of it as “electronic window shopping”!   

NEW APRONS! Our full aprons were a big hit this year, so we thought we’d add another design to the line: SPLATTER!  Great for messy clowns!  We used long-lasting fabric paint and dribbled, threw, swiped, and splattered it all over our sturdy poly-cotton aprons.  Totally machine washable! With long ties around the neck and waist, ANY size can wear them.  And with three roomy pockets across the bottom, ANY type of entertainer can use them!  Balloonists, face painters, hair stylists, etc.

Choose any solid color fabric, mix-and-match up to 3 different colors for the body, pockets, and trim.  Paint colors will be complementary shades that will show up well against your chosen apron color.  Takes only 3 weeks to make.

$50.00

SALE: These three here are currently in stock and they would qualify for our FREE SHIPPING offer (scroll down for details)! 

http://mooseburger.com/onlinestore/index.cgi?code=3&cat=9

NEW T-SHIRT COLORS! Take a look at the new colors; check out our standard colors. We now have 10 knits to choose from for custom-made t-shirts, and even a few more discontinued colors in limited supply.  Call for your size and color: 800-973-6277.  If not in stock, it only takes 2 weeks to make.

A new shirt is a great way to perk up an old outfit! One thing about Mooseburger t-shirts, they last FOREVER! Okay…not forever, but how about 7 years!?! That’s right: the average life of a Mooseburger t-shirt is about 7 years because I only buy the best fabric available. All of our t-shirts are made of high quality poly/cotton knit. You know the construction is great, but did you know just how high quality the fabric is, too?

Yes we do short sleeve shirts and ¾ length sleeves as well.  Just ask! 

Want a neckline or cuffs without the Velcro? Just ask!

Want two different colors for the sleeves and body?  Just ask!

$53.00

SALE: Any in stock t-shirt would qualify for our FREE SHIPPING offer (scroll down for details)!  If you buy TWO in-stock t-shirts, you get free shipping AND $10 OFF your order! 
 

Hot Time in the City Specials!!

(5 special deals PLUS our clearance section!) 
 

**  FREE shipping on all in-stock orders over $35!  WOW!!

Yes, you read that right: ANY items ordered from inventory totaling $35 or more will get absolutely FREE Shipping & Handling.  No restrictions!  Clearance items included.  If it’s in stock, then you’re not getting charged postage.  Load up your shopping cart! 

** Buy 2 in-stock t-shirts and get free shipping AND $10 OFF your order.  That’s a savings of at least $18.00!! 

** Get a new Mehron Pro-Pencil sharpener for only $3.00 when you buy ANY in-stock Mehron Pro-Pencil, Jumbo or Slim. Save $2!

** Skull Caps = $10 each. Save $3! Choose from either Large or Medium; Flesh or White.

** Buy a Kazoo Band Kit and we’ll add another roll of colored tape and a FREE Pricilla Lapel Pin.  That’s a $6 value!  Plus, this item qualifies for FREE Shipping!  Contains enough materials to outfit 25 kazoo instruments.  All you have to add are the hose and decorations!

** CLEARANCE costumes: Lou Coat, Pippi Dress, and Cutest Clown Dress all marked way way down!

** CLEARANCE collars: Mini, Regular, and Lou Jacob styles are ALL discounted!

June Sale Details:

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

Where in the World WAS Pricilla?? 

Clown Town 2009

Last month, I went to Grove City, Ohio for Clown Town.  The new location is GREAT!  It was very intimate and worked well for our needs.  And the new event, with parade and downtown show, was tons of fun.  Brenda Marshall and I got to be back-up singers/assistants for “Elvis” (wish I had pictures to show you).  It was a blast! 

Marching with the Clown Town Parade 

Posing with new buddy, Kankles

and

Taking a rest.  Grass sure is comfy when you’re tired! 

---

Alley 19 Meeting 

Last week I went to the Alley 19 (http://www.minnesotaclownalley19.com/) meeting, held at the lovely Jewel Theatre, which is located at the top of Twin Cities Magic & Costume (http://www.twincitiesmagic.com/) – co-owned by the marvelous Mr. Fred Baisch.  I conducted a brand new Kazoo Band and we had a great time!  I brought oodles of supplies and decorations, and everybody dug in and created wacky kazoo instruments.  We stretched our musical muscles, had lots of fun, and now they all have a brand new prop to add to their routine.

Like our Kazoo Band instruments?  Why not order your clown club a kit? It’s on sale!!  Enough materials for 25 clowns! 

Where in the World will Pricilla be? 

In a week, I’ll be heading out of town again, so catch me at these shows to get some great clown arts education and stock up on our wonderful Mooseburger wares!  You can keep track of my travel schedule online here. See you on the road! 

June 9 - 14, 2009

Red Skelton Clown School

Location: Vincennes, Indiana

Website: http://redskeltonclownschool.com

(psst – don’t forget that you can save up to $100 on your registration fee by purchasing a set of Red Skelton prints!  Click here to go to the ordering page.  

September 16 - 20, 2009

Clownfest

Location: Seaside Heights, NJ

Website: http://www.clownfest.com/  

October 7 - 11, 2009

Midwest Clown Round-Up

Location: Lansing, Michigan

Website: www.midwestclowns.net  
 

November 8 - 12, 2009

Western Region Clown Association Convention

Location: Laughlin, NV

Website: http://www.westregionclowns.org/