How to find an alley and/or training help

[MrsFix]

I'm new at all this, and I would love some great local resources (I'm in the far northwest 'burbs of Chicago). So far, my talents only consist of some improv-type storytelling, face painting, and innate silliness (a.k.a. non-growup-itis).

I'm a perpetual klutz, so I don't know if it's possible to learn juggling--unless there's a way to do a klutz act.

Am I right in thinking that getting involved in a local alley would be the right thing? I'm a writer, too, and I've learned a megaton of craft from my romance writers' chapter (even though I'm more of a fantasy bent); hence the idea that local clown groups might offer similar support.

What are other ways to learn? I don't have a lot of money to spare. I spent a bundle on my Snazaroo face paints already, and I must keep a few pennies in hand for other tools/props/etc.

Anyway suggestions for helping me progress from just another goofball to a grade-A prime Clown?

Many, many thanks in advance.

PS--I watched that little video on making paper roses. I took my little girl to Applebee's last night for a reward. While there, I made a little bouquet of these for our server. My DD "helped" (we used hers as "grass"). The manager stopped me on the way out to thank me for making the server's week. I just had fun showing my girl how to make someone smile. :-)

[MrsFix]

I remembered something and just had to laugh...

I took some classes at Second City in Chicago. The building is called "Piper's Alley." Coincidence? I don't know. Would you call John Candy, the Belushi brothers, Bill Murray, the Cusacks, and more, clowns?

[Fifi D. Clown]

If there is a local clown alley, that would be a great way to learn from other clowns.

Because there are no other real clowns within an hour of me, I've learned a lot from books (Creative Clowning, Behind the Big Red Nose, David Ginn's books, and JOKE BOOKS).

And of course, the greatest way to learn is just to get out there and do it, see what makes people laugh. Play with people, young and old. They love to be entertained by someone who is obviously an "idiot". Try to learn some little magic or walk-around goofy stuff that packs small, but gets a smile. Enjoy your silliness.

From you're puns I can tell you have a great attitude for clowning!

You took classes at Second City? I AM JEALOUS. I may get some flack on this, but I don't believe you have to dress up a certain way to be a clown. To me it is way of entertaining that makes people laugh by behaving like a child or someone who is not the brightest bulb on the tree. There are so many different ways to do this and I consider those SC comedians to be clowns just as much as Red Skeleton, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton or Laurel & Hardy.

[MrsFix]

Kids LOVE it when I pretend I don't know what I'm doing. I've always done that. My dad has always been corny that way, and my mom is a punster.

I would love to go back to SC, but it's 50 miles, and with the little guy, I haven't the time or money. That money is now going for Zoe's ice skating lessons--just keeping upright has been an accomplishment! ;-)

I'll look into those books. Maybe I can get review copies of clown books. I do book reviews... well, in theory. It's been a while. I've been taking time off from reviewing and hope to get going again in July.

Thanks again!

[MrsFix]

Slaps own forehead!

I should ask the clown at the mall. It's a huge mall, and she's the one who told me about Snazaroo.

Maybe she'll know, if I'm lucky.

[Fitzwilly]

Originally Posted by MrsFix

Kids LOVE it when I pretend I don't know what I'm doing.
Thanks again!

You have to pretend you don't know what you are doing? That would make it so much harder.

[MrsFix]

Well, last Saturday when I did a face-painting gig, I "rescued" a balloon (I was the tallest person in the room) and just couldn't hang on to the ribbon.

And where did I leave my ears? And I dropped my pocket...

[azzy]

MrsFix, I live in Rockford and I've been looking for an alley nearby. There is a clown guild in the southwest subburbs. They meet in Chicago Ridge which may be a bit far south for you, but I can shoot you more information.

I wasn't able to attend this month's meeting nor will I be able to next month, but hopefully August!

Also http://www.coai.org lists an alley in Grayslake. I didn't get an email response from them, but you could try calling the number and see if they still are around.

[tim]

A friend of mine who lives in Cary has been trying to clue me in a bit on some resources out your way. Unfortunately, he feels it is a bit of slim pickens. But if you email me, I'll forward you what he sent.

This isn't clowning, specifically, but Kidabra has a local branch which meets in the NW burbs and seems to have some membership in your areas:

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