Hi there,

I wonder if you can help.

Do you know of anyone practising as a clown with an inspirational story to tell. I am looking for people who've had 'personal journey's' in their lives, as we're making a series of 1 minute 'inspirational and uplifting films' to be shown on tv networks throughout the world. Is there anyone out there who - for the sake of argument - had a life-long dream of becoming a clown and finally achieved their goal, or anyone who 'clowns' for the love
of it to brighten people's days (i.e. where it's not so much of a professional thing) - or anyone who is doing anything special with their clowing, like working in areas of trouble or severe poverty.

I really hope that you may be able to help me and that you may know of someone who would fit the bill. At this stage, the work I I am doing is purely background research, simply trying to find stories of people who're
special in some way.

Many thanks for your help and I hope to hear back from you.

Kind regards.

Sophie Roberts

I realize that this is getting to you a bit late, but I think you've a great idea here that should not be so overlooked. I'm not too sure that my story is very inspirational, but I'd love to share it with you.

Much like most of us, I'm sure, I've always been a ham. Living in the theatre at school, forever searching for the spotlight, yearning to make others happy & have some fun, but never quite knowing where to go with it. I feel the turning point in my life, however, was back in '96 at a local festival here in the Seattle area.

I was 22 or so at the time and my wife, then fiancee, discovered a local clown was going to be performing at the fair and really wanted to go. I was like most people my age I suppose and remember saying "A clown? Can't we do something more 'adult' at the fair?" and other such things. She explained to me that this clown was J.P. Patches, a local icon to Seattle who had been performing on tv and stage for many years. She'd grown up watching him the way I did Sesame Street or Captain Kangaroo. It meant a lot to her, so I reluctantly agreed to watch the show.

We got to the fair and took a seat on the grass with the rest of the crowd. Within a few moments, he arrived. This was no grand enterance, he simply walked from behind the tent over the stage, put down his props and supplies, and stepped up to the microphone. Even as simple as this was, the entire crowd gave him a standing ovation. This got my attention, so I'd decided to actually watch his show, rather than waiting for the show to be over. He was great. He had a lot of fun, good timing on his gags, and put on a teriffic show. That wasn't the best of it though. As we reached the middle of the show, I began to watch the audience. Then, I began to see them. I was amazed to see that all of them, every single one, truly loved this man. More than that, the love they expressed to him began to show in one another. Young children laughed and played, those my age laughed with them. Folks as old as my parents, who had barely looked at each other before the show, were now talking and laughing like old friends. Some teens had shown up and were kindly invited to watch by elderly members of the audience. Everyone had forgotten their troubles, prejiduces, and worries and enjoyed this moment with one another . . . and all of this because of a clown.

This was truly inspirational to see and I remember turning to my wife and say "I want to be a clown." She looked at me and said "I know." I'm still not sure why she said that, but at least she supported me. After the show, we joned the autograph line. She got to finally meet her childhood hero, and I got to shake his hand and thank him for helping to change my life. I got to work right away learning all that I could about clowns and the art of clowning. Many hours were spent at the library, I took notes and practiced, and studied. Some time went by, almost 2 years, and I was well educated in clowning, but wasn't much closer to my dream than I'd been at the start. I was feeling discouraged, but wasn't giving up. About that time, I finally got hooked into the internet, and the research possibilities grew. I was able to actually talk with other clowns and find folks in my area who could help me.

Many of these places were entertainment providers. clowns, storytellers, strippers, that sort of thing. I applied with most of them to get work, or get some training, and none of them were willing. I was new to the business, had no real training, my costume was really a slap together sort of a thing, not what a professional business is looking for. I understood, of course, but it had not made me feel very good after all that work. Soon after, however, the Ringling Bros. Circus was in town and auditions for clown college were being held. I saw this as a golden opportunity and was there in an instant. Long story short, I didn't get in. Now I was really discouraged. After sulking for a bit, I sent a letter to J.P. Patches himself through email. I was expecting nothing more than to let him know how he'd helped me to realise my dreams, and thank him for that. He returned my letter with a very kind and uplifting one, and that really helped to turn my discouragement into determination.

I went out of my way to improve my look and show. I spent time and money on good props and gags and learning how to use them properly. Suddenly, I got a call from one of the local entertainment companies who said they were willing to provide me a metor and some training to get me started. Overjoyed, I accepted and was soon on my way with a wonderful clown named Wahoo. He not only helped to train me and educate me, but he took to some birthdays with him as well as some hospitals. I must say, there is nothing more rewarding than going to the hospitals and being the bright shine to a childs otherwise sad day. I've met many very brave, smart, fun, and wonderful children who show me with every show why I wanted to be a clown in the first place. To touch lives the way that mine was touched. To bring some joy and happiness into the lives of those around me, and make this a better place to live for all.

Since then, I've been clowning at birthdays, malls, and hospitals all over. It was a clown who changed my life, made me realize my dreams, and showed me that there is a lot of fun, magic, and happiness to be found in life. As a clown, I've been able to share these things with every one I meet, young and old, and touch the ives of others the way mine was touched. As I say, I don't know if this is what you were looking for, or how inspirational it is, but I'm always happy to share my story with others. If for no other reason than to help them get to know me better.

I am very keen to hear more of the progress of your work, so let me know. If you'd like to learn more about my new hero, and the man who changed my life, just follow this link and enjoy your stay.


www.jppatches.com


Good luck to you! ---- Kitty

Hi,

I am a school social worker and have an after school clown troupe. I am a clown myself, and specialize in teaching about prevention issues. In teaching children the art of clowning, they write stories about bullying, teasing, friendship, sharing, peer pressure, and grief. They are able to learn how to express themselves through being a clown, as well as practice/utlize strategies in dealing with these issues.
With the children, I have written many skits (humorous/serious) and will someday put all the materials together into a book.

I hope that you are still looking for people to talk to about this. Feel free to come visit us sometime. We are in Chicago and would love to meet you!

Shawn

I don't know if you recieved my message b/c I didn't see it posted. However, I am a school social worker. I am a clown who usually does clowning for only non-profit agencies/events. In addition, I have an after school clown troupe geared towards the at risk population. They are very humorous, learn/write their own skits. We write & perform skits about serious issues such as bullying, teasing, peer pressure, drugs, friendship, and grief. They also write/perform humorous skits, make balloon animals, and do magic tricks.
Eventually, I will write a book about my experiences with what I call therapuetic clowning. If you are interested, you are welcome to come see our performances or a practice. My email is smileforpeace@juno.com.
Thanks for being interested!