Pet peeves

[Smiley The Clown]

I've loved clowns all my life as well. I'm sure most, if not all of the clowns on here feel the same.

All of the posts in this thread have been a real eye opener for me. I thought I was the only one having troubles with the kiddies. It really helps to know that others are experiencing the same things AND give solutions to the challenges.

As far as pet peeves go, I have experienced almost everything shared here except for one. I have a "clown alley" in my office above the garage. I keep all of my costumes, props, accessories, makeup, etc up there as well as props in development and ideas I'm working on. It really ticks me off when my (non-clown) friends come over and start putting on my wigs, noses and such and say things like "Hey, I'm dumbo the clown" or "POOF! Instant clown!"

People have no idea the commitment it takes to be a (good) clown. I work at it every day. I'm always working, learning and focused on being a little bit better today than I was yesterday. Costume development, new accessories and props, skit ideas, parade vehicle ideas and maintenance, you name it.

Thanks to everyone who posted on this thread. Your insights have been invaluable and I HONORED to be here!

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by Smiley The Clown

It really ticks me off when my (non-clown) friends come over and start putting on my wigs, noses and such and say things like "Hey, I'm dumbo the clown" or "POOF! Instant clown!"

Ooooooo, Smiley, I feel your pain. My blood is boiling just thinking about when my kids' pals come over and think it's great fun "playing clown" with all of my wigs, magic, and props. Grrrrr.

[Governor of Florida in 1682]

Thanks for the image Smiley! I have to use that for a gag during my fire safety shows.

[Smiley The Clown]

Hey Luki!

What a GREAT idea!

Thank YOU!

[Willace-the-Clown]

Willace might not do this but Will will Grab the stuff from them & say if ou touch my stuff again I'll brake your hand ( yes ive done that before) when people work my nerves i can sometimes turn as mean as i am nice. & im jelsue of all you with clown rooms i want one but there arnt any spare rooms in my house

[Governor of Florida in 1682]

My daughter doesn't like living in the dog's house but what is a clown in need of storage space to do?

[Smiley The Clown]

Hey, if you want the kids to leave your lunch alone, try the fake sandwich mold bag trick:

[Nevada]

On THE SUBJECT OF GETTING PAID

I like giving a custom thank you card to the person who booked me, and also give another envelop at same time, while I walking threw the door before the party starts, the prices are pre printed on envelop and the price on envelop are 75.00 more then my regular rate, I have crossed that out but they are still able to read it and wrote down in pen what the pay is and give the illusion that they are a preferred customer, and special rate, and I start that on the first phone call with them, at the end of call, make them feel I made a mistake right from the beginning and tell them on call I will give an envelop to them when I get there and they are to put the money in that and set it on my back table off to the side of me during the show when I ask them to come up and help me with a trick worked every time. And makes exit easy and fast.

[Grandpa Weatherbie]

Thanks Smiley!
I'll install a few of these in my apartment complexes just before inspection.

[buttonstclown]

I have been haunting my garage on Halloween for many years. Only the "brave" (mostly the older kids) would dare to enter. When I started clowning, I decided to (for the "little ones") do a cheery circus theme about every third year or so. Instead of a dark and spooky theme I would create a very bright and happy one and dress as I would for any other clown event. The kids (even the older ones) loved it. Now they all ask me what I'm planning each year - scary or Clowny.