Givers Gain

First of Mays need mentors!

Okay…back it up for a minute -- what is a First of May?

Traditionally, new clowns showed up on the circus on May 1st before the start of the new season. You held the title for your first year on the road. We still call beginners “first of mays” regardless of when they start putting on the make-up and red nose.

Recently I had a coaching call where I asked seasoned clowns what they would like to share with new clowns. You can listen to the call for free on your computer: http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WvXQR7bQ. All three have different career paths when it comes to clowning. One is a professional home-town party clown and Shriner, one is a home town clown and volunteer, one is a brand new circus clown with a home-town clown background.

Their answer to my question was the same: Get a mentor! In their formative years as a clown these fellows talked about how important a mentor was to the growth of their performance and clown character. Mentors can be in Clubs, the Shrine, and friends. It may sound easier than it actually is to find a good mentor. But I will tell you that there is one key ingredient: be a good student!

No one wants to waste their time on someone who is not willing to learn. Those of us who love to teach do not claim to know it all. But when you spend an hour or two helping someone with their make-up and the next time you see them they have the same face on from before your session, and come back asking the same questions…it gets a little discouraging.

Being a good student means being open to failure. You have to get out there and take a few risks to really improve in clowning. DJ was home working on new material for the upcoming season of Culpepper Merriweather Circus. We had some fun brain-storming sessions and rehearsals. Then he was on the road. After the first show I asked how it went. He texted me: "Terrible, but the second show was 100% better." DJ is a great student because he tries so hard, listens to advice, and works to develop his own style. Check out their website at www.cmcircus.com. They tour the central states from Michigan to Texas. Don't be afraid to stop by and say hi!

A good student knows when to listen and when to contribute. Being enthusiastic is key. People love to work with someone who is willing to have fun. You may have more than one mentor as different clowns have different skill sets. When you want to shift your focus from magic to balloons, you might need to start your mentor search again.

Don't expect something for nothing. You don't necessarily need to pay someone, but consider other ways of showing your appreciation. Buying the balloons for a jam session, writing a thank you note, picking up the lunch tab, or offering to drive goes a long way to tell someone you value their time and talent.

I believe in the "Givers Gain" philosophy. When you give to someone it comes back to you 100 times over. Student and teachers learn from each other. People who like to have fun and work hard will find it easier to find a mentor. Often the mentor finds them! Other folks have a harder time because of fear. They are afraid they will disappoint their mentor or their audience so they hesitate to dive in and give it all they’ve got. They find excuses not to go on club outings nor attend meetings regularly. Let it go. Ask yourself: What is it costing you?

Answer: A lot of fun.

So in this month of May, let us all consider supporting one another in the teacher/student relationship. Everyone has something to learn. It's more fun if we do it together!

In Love and Laughter,

Pricilla

Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp

July 31 – August 5, 2012 in Buffalo, MN

One of the best weeks of your life!

www.mooseburger.com/camp

-- Clown Arts education at its finest --

We are blessed to have so many talented friends who give 110% of themselves at Moose Camp. The staff is what makes Mooseburger such a wonderful place to learn. You won’t find a better collection of heart, brains, and funny bones anywhere else! Starting with our September 2011 issue, we have been highlighting our staff members, including courses and skill specialties, so you can get to know them better.

To date, we have focused on Fred Baisch, Karen Bell, Sean Carlock, Greg DeSanto, Karen DeSanto, Robin Eurich, Christopher Hudert, Connie Kennedy, Dan Langwell, Tricia Manuel, Brenda Marshall, Marcela Murad, Rex Nolen, Neal Skoy, and our Special Guest Star Jay Stewart. This month, we finish up with Terry Ricketts and the rest of the Support Staff!

To read about all of our staff, click here to go to our Camp Instructors page online.

Terry Ricketts was born in 1955 - the same year Disneyland opened its gates. He began clowning in 1969 at carnivals and parades. Luckily, he met Happy Kellems, ICHOF member -- who brought years of vaudeville and circus knowledge -- and taught Terry about makeup and performance. Terry performed in the Air Force 1975-79 with a Hospital Visitation Program. In 1980, he began working with a nationally recognized food service selling burgers and fries. Currently, Terry works for the Arizona Public Service (APS), the states largest utility in the Communications/Creative Services Department. He functions as Head of the APS Volunteer Clown Troupe: some 125 volunteer clowns participating in parades and special events statewide. Terry is the master o f props, with his wacky and zany ideas, from using everyday objects to great parade props! His enthusiasm is sure to spark a few great ideas of your own. Terry loves making parade balloons, inflatables, unique parade props and has also accepted to chair the 2012-13 Fiesta Bowl Parade.

Terry says:

"Moose Camp is the greatest collection of teachers I have ever been associated with. I am so proud to be a part of this Camp....I enjoy teaching as much as I enjoy learning. Moose Camp is truly the most wonderful week on earth."

MORNING COURSE

Prop Building 101:

If you love to make your own props – this is your course.

If you enjoy making children and adults laugh…with only the things you have around the house – this is your course.

If you are cheap and want easy things to make – this is your course.

…Seriously, we make clown props out of just about anything!

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS & LABS

Kazoo Band Instruments – When you thought you had made every kind of kazoo instrument….then came “Moose Mania for Kazoo Band.” Come play and make all types and sizes of kazoo instruments. Learn to show your musical expertise to everyone. …And -- as you know – EVERYONE can be in the Kazoo Band!!

Parades: Do it with a Theme - Learn the ins and outs of a parade. From planning, implementation and review you will explore how to take advantage of “Parade Themes.” You will learn a simple formula for making all your parades memorable. Lots of fun new ideas for balloons, costumes, props and more.

Manic Mania: Props with Everyday Objects - Get ready for a wild ride! Terry is the king of make-it and take-it, cheap but easy, fun and frolic! You will love this class if you want to laugh, make your own stuff, and stay on a budget!

Make it and Take it: with a Magical Twist – Tight budget? Need some new props with a magical twist? This is your session. We will make some great props that you will add to your bag of trick immediately. Using cups, paper, envelopes, glasses and many other items from around the house. They are just waiting for you to entertain!

Open Build Time - We have created the perfect prop workshop! We have the supplies, the ideas, and the expert staff to help you create wonderful props. This year our prop shop will be filled with Make It and Take it props. You will be able to purchase kits with all the needed supplies to make a number of great props, such as: Parade boards, Third-Arm Puppets, and Crazy Clown Kazoo Horns!

WORKSHOPS & LABS

Brittany Allen & Theresa Govenettio:

Wake-Up Wiggles with Zoe and Teri-Okie – Start your day the fun way! Zoe and Teri-Okie will teach your some Good Morning stretches to get your blood pumping, your brain thinking, and your body moving. The rest of the day, you will be limbered up for creativity!

Sandy Kephart:

Air Brush Face Painting Demo – See how to incorporate air brushing technology into your face painting art. See examples of Sandy’s work, and how an air brush system works. It’s another great way to build your business!

George Quast:

Let's Do Skits! Sometimes you just need to do a skit! Pricilla and Beanz will teach everyone some fun skits that also develop your comic movement skills. Scripts provided. (team-taught with Tricia Manuel)

Brad Stone:

Play to a Crowd - Have you ever been asked to “entertain” at a charity event and are not sure what to do? Bonehead shares some of the gags and props that help him engage the crowd. He also will discuss some of the pitfalls to avoid and how to approach the coulrophobic (fear of clowns) child, teenager, adult.

Blake Thomson:

Small Hospital, Big Heart - Caring Clown Workshop

Support Staff:

Beginner Make-Up Labs

How To Tie a Balloon (and other beginner basics)

Balloon Jams

Juggling Labs

…and more!

These dedicated folks will be assisting instructors, working the dealers room, running things behind the scenes, and being generally (and genuinely) helpful:

Brittany Allen, Katie Baisch, Anita Beal, Julia Bothun, La'Tisha Burns, Steve Busch, Mickey Capps, Mary Christen, Emily DeSanto, Theresa Govenettio, Candace Hudert, Darrell Jensen, Sandy Kephart, Dale Kottke, Cali Kvistad, Cathy Manuel, Carol Northenscold, George Quast, Katie Serrano, Deb Ricketts, Brad Stone, Mary Sullivan, and possibly more helpers...

“You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm!”

www.mooseburger.com/camp

Scan this QR Code with your smartphone:

This will send you to the Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp website

May Sale Special:

“Anything on a Hanger” Sale!

25% off

In-stock hanging items

While supplies last! NO back-orders -- in stock items only.

Pants, Blouses, Dresses, Vests, Coats, Aprons, Dress Shirts, Smocks…

…if it is on a hanger, then you get 25% off!

If you order online, the price will already be discounted to reflect the 25% savings.

If you order over the phone or by fax, however,

remember to mention the special discount code:

“STOCKSHOCK”

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

Fax your order: 320-963-6692

Go online to order: www.mooseburger.com

Terms and Conditions of Sales:

1. Supplies are limited. Sales are only valid on in-stock merchandise. 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 about the availability of stock, then call us before you place your order: 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277.

2. Good on phone-in, mail-in, fax-in, or online orders. Order must be placed during the month of May. This offer is not retroactive.

3. All sales on clearance items are final; no returns or refunds.

Where in the World is Pricilla Mooseburger?

Mooseburger Travel Calendar (http://mooseburger.com/cgi-bin/moose/calendar.pl)

June 5 – 10, 2012

Red Skelton Clown School

Location: Vincennes, IN

Website: www.redskeltonclownschool.com

June 16, 2012

Buffalo Days Parade

Location: Buffalo, MN

Website: http://www.buffalochamber.org/sitepages/pid40.php

July 31 – August 5, 2012

Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp

Location: Buffalo, MN

Website: http://mooseburger.com/camp/index.html

PMO Website: http://mooseburger.com/pricilla/index.html

PMO Twitter: http://twitter.com/pmooseburger

PMO Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PricillaMooseburgerOriginals

Moose Camp Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MooseburgerCamp

Moose Camp Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mooseburger/