I have a problem that some of you may be able to shed some light on. Here it is . In the town that I live there are three of us that reaaly practice the art of clowning and we really love what we do. Just recently we have had 2 newbies start clowning around for themselves. Heres the problem they have been late for parties, have been rude to people,and seem to thrive on harrassing people for the fun of it. They see no prolbem in this and I personally have told them this is not what we are about it gives us all a bad name. They say that's what they like and no one can tell them what to do.The 3 of us work separtely of each other but do work together on some big events in the area. Ehat's even wose is they are using some very good clown instrutors names as thier references tyhat they were trained by them. How would some of you handle this if it were you.Don't want to hurt ourselves because we are good at what we do but this is just bad news. Thanks for any info you have .

well peanut if it was me the first thing i would do is write aletter to the editor regarding your thoughts on what these so called clowns are doing to the art of clowning and your thoughts on it with luck it will get in the paper and the word will start to get out. put your name and the names of the other two clowns that you work with if they agree so you or them will not be confused with these off beat and possibly missinformed clowns. it is sad when someone takes clowning only for there pleasure and not to bring smiles to others. as red skelton would say "if you are having a bad day and you think of something i have done or said and it brings a smile to your face then i have done my job". good luck with this and if i think of something else i will get back to you

First and foremost I personally would refuse to do any work with them... Not only do they sound like they give clowning a bad name, but you being known to work with them will get a bad name also.

2nd I would notify the instructors whose names they are using and let them know about it immediately... I would work close with that person to make sure that they stop. I would have the instructor call them and let them know that this is just not right.

Although contacting the paper is a good idea, you might have reprocussions.. i.e. being sued for slander, although Slander's defense is the truth, it's very hard to prove.

I'm so sorry to hear that there are people like this in the clowning industry and wish you luck with these, for no better name, "idiots" they shouldn't even be called clowns.

Bestest of luck to you, and keep us posted please.

Panetta

"Give an Idiot enough rope and they will hang themself and save you the trouble."

I agree with Panetta. You must collectively refuse to work with them and write to the clowns who they claim instructed them because their good names are being misused.

However regarding the newspaper, the three of you could place an advert dissasociating yourselves with any clown who does the things Which these problem clowns are doing without naming individual clowns. This will require careful wording in order to disassociate yourselves from their actions. The reason I say place and advert is because it removes the risk of the article not being put in or being edited. If you talk to the editor you may be able to get an exclusive because it is newsworthy. However be careful because the paper will have it's own agenda and I have found that they will turn on you if it suits their purpose. That's why I think the advert is probably the best way forward.

You might also consider forming an Alley together and using the Alley name as a badge of clowning excellence in your area. Membership could then specify good conduct and a professional approcach as pre-requisites of membership. A probation period for all new members will also help weed out the non-compliant clowns.

Having been through this with a clown in our area I have found that by being yourself and doing the best you can the bad clowns just go away
The word gets around about them andthen they cant buy work
People want the best when they are paying for it andd that is you

hey the alley thing is a good idea ive been thinkin about doin that my self