This article is for anyone who has been to a

clown convention, clown school, or clown camp recently.

It’s for both the new and the experienced clowns.

 

When you come home, you are on an emotional high, right?

You are super-charged with positive energy.

Your brain is buzzing with new ideas.

You’ve been surrounded by creative, accepting, amazing people 24 hours a day.

 

…and now you are back home.

In the “real world”…

With “normal” people again.

Folks who didn’t attend will be interested in your stories for 0.5 minutes.

They just can’t relate.

Ugh.

 

It’s only natural that you will feel a little down

We run our clown camp for one week every summer, and the week after everyone goes home is when we experience the “Moose Camp Blues”. 

It’s the toughest week of the year. It is such a let-down.

All my fun friends played, laughed, and had a great time.

The performances were so fun, the courses and workshops were amazing, and the All Star Clown Show packed in record crowds. I saw all those happy smiling clown faces having the time of their lives…

…and now clown school is over for another year.

Bummer!

I’m sure I can’t be the only one feeling like this. So I decided to blog about it. 

 

“Moose Camp Blues”

This is a common feeling after folks have come to Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp and gone through our beginner program.  

Now they are all pumped up, and say to themselves “Hey, I’m a Clown! … Now what???”

Others may have clowned for quite a while, but are now on-fire again for clowning. They got their “clown batteries” recharged.

Now they go home and try to fit in with all the clowns who didn’t go to camp. Oof. Tough order!

What is a clown to do?

Use your powers for good instead of evil!

If you club is interested in what you have learned, be willing to share it.  If you find that not all the club is interested, then find the ones who are and form a small subcommittee.

Don’t be offended that some folks just don’t understand. Don’t let your new skills cause problems in your club.

In that subcommittee you can practice gags, write new material, plan performances, build props, have make-up labs, etc. You name it.

You can still be part of the alley, but plan some times to work on the new things you have learned at clown school and share them with clowns of the same interest.

You may be surprised who eventually shows up to share and learn with you!

 

DON’T be a “know-it-all”

So many well-meaning clowns fall into this category without even knowing it. They want to help so much, that they dive in without realizing that their enthusiasm is not welcome.

DO NOT offer critique unless you are asked for it. It is the best way to offend someone. It doesn’t even matter if you are right — if it is not offered in the right way, then people do not listen.

You can say things like, “I can see you are working on your make-up. If you need any help I would be happy to help.”

But be sure to STOP right there if they don’t ask for your help.

That goes for performance, too

If you are in a position to help with their skit or routine, be sure to be gentle.

“What I see there is good; have you ever thought about doing it this way?”

or

“Could I see you try it once like this?”

Be sure to be complimentary on what is good about the skit first. People will be much more open to your suggestions if they feel like you genuinely want to see them improve, not just tell them what they are doing wrong.

You should always be able to find something nice to say. We are clowns, after all! People do so much better with a little encouragement.

 

You can build a stronger club if you can share and laugh together.

No one likes critique, unless they totally respect the person offering the advice. Even then it can be tough to swallow. 

It might take a little time to build the trust needed to share with the entire alley, but in the end it will be worth it.

 

CLICK HERE for more articles about improving your clown club!

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Would you like to learn how to be a clown?

Mooseburger Clown Arts Education has been running the world’s most well-rounded clown school since 1996. Performers from all over the globe travel to Minnesota each summer for a fun and intensive clown training program. Each aspect of our clown camp is designed to meet your needs and boost your confidence as an entertainer.

Whether you want to join the circus, visit nursing homes, run your own birthday party business, paint faces, or twist balloons, there is something just for you at Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp.

>> CLICK HERE for more information!

Or call me toll-free to discuss your education and see if Mooseburger is the right fit for you: 800-973-6277