I performed at an elementary school tonight and got a reaction that I must say was a first for me. I had a girl on stage helping me with a trick and near the end... she pee'd her pants... I covered it well and got her off stage to her waiting parents none of the other kids even knew what was going on. I didn't want her to be embarrassed and they took her out to change and brought her back. The fact that they had a change of clothes tells me this is something that happens to this girl often which I never would have expected from a girl her age. So here is my question.. has anything like this happened to you and how did you deal with it? What would you do if it were to happen? i was not prepared for this situation and handled it the best I could but I am not sure what I would do if this were to happen again.

I'm curious as to how YOU dealt with it? What did you have to do to cover it?

I must admit, I'm at a loss, myself, and don't think I'd know what to do until actually facing the situation. My nature is to respond and react with whatever happens around me. But that would likely foster embarrassment, which I'd rather save the child from.

I suppose a lot would have to do with how bad the situation is to begin with. Is it something which just I noticed? In that case, perhaps finding a way to finish up with the volunteer fast like and lead her offstage ASAP would be best. But what if EVERYONE noticed? Perhaps I'd try to make a self deprecating joke to place the blame on myself. Or say something like, "So I'M not the only one who this happens to!" Or note how people say that the show is so funny that you'll pee in your pants. Again, not ideal as it only calls further attention to the situation. But if everyone is laughing because of the unfortunate circumstance....

To go entirely the other way, it may have to be a teaching moment when you get serious and say that it isn't funny to laugh at someone else's misfortune. As a clown, I act funny and dumb for you to laugh at, but it is just an act. When people really have something bad happen that they don't want, it is painful and hurtful if we laugh at them. Then try to get the kids to show sympathy and support in return. Again, awkward, but perhaps appreciated by others if the situation was already difficult to start.

Once I noticed I positioned myself between the girl and the audience shielding her from their view and noticed the parents coming up towards the girl and she walked behind me and to her father. Thank goodness this is something that happens to her and her parents were aware and reacted quickly.. had they not the situation would have ended much differently. I am not sure what I would have done had they not come up. She left a puddle on the floor so I moved the kids back and put a table over the spot where she was standing. I then became hyper aware of some of the other kids doing the pee pee dance sitting in the audience so I wrapped the show up (it was nearly over anyway) It really rattled me I am glad it happened near the end of the show.

I then became hyper aware of some of the other kids doing the pee pee dance sitting in the audience ...

LOL. Sounds like the beginnings of a new bit.

"Everybody DO the pee pee dance!" (badboobee doo doo doo - doo bee doo.) "Come on, everybody, let's pee in our pants!" (badoobee doo doo doo - wheeeeeeeee)

Thanks for giving me the best laugh I've had all day!

(Yes, I know, it's not nice, children, to laugh at other clowns' misfortune.)

Sounds like you did the best you could. Not sure how'd I'd handle it myself, guess alot would depend on what's and where it's happening and how best not to let a big deal be made out of it

I can't think of anything else you could have done differently. I applaude you for being sensitive to the situation and taking immediate actions to keep the girl from being humiliated.

Great job!!!

About how old was the kid, btw?

I would guess she was 8 or 9?

It's situations like this that have got me to thinking that I would like a class at the next Spring Fling on how to deal with situations like this, maybe more of a discussion time where people bring up stuff that happened to them that are similar to this and we discuss what we would do. Cause just when I think i have heard it all.....Thanks for sharing and I think you did a good job at handling the situation.

Just another reason to carry insurance which I know you do Stu but it's good her parent's were understanding.
Sara K.

I don't know if there is "one best way" to deal with such a situation, but it sounds like you did a good job.

I think it was at the World Clown Association convention where there was a young boy called up to be a volunteer with Pleasure B, but his barn door was open. K helped to zip him up and the boy was immediately embarassed by the situation. I don't remember what K did, but he was able to reconnect with the boy and let him continue being a volunteer.

I performed at an elementary school tonight and got a reaction that I must say was a first for me.

Applause from the audience?


Oh, I was supposed to read the rest of the post. Sounds like you did the best possible by just keeping your cool.