Need Some Advice

noname · #1 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 05:09 PM

I was asked to do a clown show, no big deal, kind of used to that by now. Only thing is, it is in Michigan and they want to pay for transportation and the show. I don't know what to say though because I am on the East Coast, and, up to this point, I have done all the shows for free. To me, it is more just having fun, doing some juggling, magic, balloons, puppetry and being entertaining. I really don't feel too much pressure because of that, the pressure more comes from me and my desire to make sure people are entertained.

The reason I was asked is because I am Catholic and also a priest, and this would be for the opening of the Religious Education program, and the DRE (Director of Religious Education) wants a Catholic. He also wants me to be able to tie it in with ending with adoration (a Catholic practice of praying before the Blessed Sacrament)

Anyway, the problem is I am a silent clown and that would require me to talk, not that big of a deal, I suppose, but not something I am entirely comfortable with, and would definitely feel out of my element. Also, I would feel really obligated to make sure the show was phenomenal, seeing as they are flying me out for this purpose, and that is a lot of stress.

I haven't told him yet whether I would do it or not, but really need some "clown" advice with this matter.

Thanks

Jolly Well · #2 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 05:18 PM

You're always going to be under pressure to make your first pay gig The Greatest Show on Earth!!!!

But it's never going to happen. There will always be something you could have done better, and the only way to get better is to perform under pressure. Certainly you want a good routine, and it sounds like you've had time in front of people as a clown. I understand that as a Priest, this particular show must seem intimidating, but if it were me - I'd do it.

The absolute worst thing that can happen is that you're show isn't great, which isn't the end of ther world. Either way, it will be an experience you can learn from and move on.

As a Priest, I've no doubt that you can get the religious points they requiring of you across - which is probably the mosre important part of the performance. From that perspective, you have all the tools needed to conquer the hardest part of the show.

Good luck in your decision - I say go for it...

tim · #3 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 05:25 PM

Why do you have to talk, necessarily? Couldn't you get the points across silent if you wanted to? Develop some sort of scenario to bring out a monstrance then fall down in silent adoration, perhaps?

In concurring with JollyWell, even that which you might find fault with is most likely fairly phenomenal to the crowd.

Sir Toony Van Dukes · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 05:34 PM

That is a difficult challenge...

I know that there are other Catholic clowns, but likely not many Catholic Priests who are trained clowns. My first idea would be to help them find a Catholic clown that is close to them. With your connections on the Clown Forum and Moose Camp, that may be possible.

You would know better that I would, but having a clown skit before or after an adoration would be difficult. The energy level of the two is very different and I would not want to offend anyone who wants the quiet time with the Blessed Sacrament.

I would suggest talking with other priests in your area or the Bishop about this to get their opinion. If you accept their offer, I would only let them pay for your expenses. I assume that you would be able to stay in a rectory with other parish priests, so the only expense would be the travel and any balloons, props, etc. that you need for the show.

Good luck.

saphireSue · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 05:44 PM

check out Roly Bain He's Priest in the UK, he's written for The Clown and the Cross several times, here's his website. www.stthomasleigh.fslife.co.uk/rolybain.htm -

noname · #6 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim

Why do you have to talk, necessarily? Couldn't you get the points across silent if you wanted to? Develop some sort of scenario to bring out a monstrance then fall down in silent adoration, perhaps?

In concurring with JollyWell, even that which you might find fault with is most likely fairly phenomenal to the crowd.

Ooh, I like that..a lot. I had been working on something with similar ideas in mind. I have them written down somewhere and need to see if I could find them.

noname · #7 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Toony Van Dukes

That is a difficult challenge...

I know that there are other Catholic clowns, but likely not many Catholic Priests who are trained clowns. My first idea would be to help them find a Catholic clown that is close to them. With your connections on the Clown Forum and Moose Camp, that may be possible.

You would know better that I would, but having a clown skit before or after an adoration would be difficult. The energy level of the two is very different and I would not want to offend anyone who wants the quiet time with the Blessed Sacrament.

I would suggest talking with other priests in your area or the Bishop about this to get their opinion. If you accept their offer, I would only let them pay for your expenses. I assume that you would be able to stay in a rectory with other parish priests, so the only expense would be the travel and any balloons, props, etc. that you need for the show.

Good luck.

I would only take the money to donate to my parish. But, after these couple of posts, I am seeing ways that could make this possible. I just have a lot of work to do, if I decide to do it.

It is not until September, so I have time, but need to figure out a way of putting together a 45 minute show. I am still uncertain whether I will agree, just because of the cost of airfare and all that, but I do thank all of you for your suggestions and input.

tim · #8 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 06:21 PM

As far as travel and costs, I would recommend firstly asking them to cover your travel and accomodations cost. On top of that you might want to ask for the kind of fee which would be on par with what any parish would likely pay to a Confirmation retreat speaker, a parish mission leader, or similar such situations. Actually, you ought to be getting more considering the time and travel, but I think that asking for at least what they would pay a local for something like that is in order.

Some Christian ministry based clowns ask only for a "love offering", which is usually a donation taken up by the Church members at the service to be given to the performer. It might be more or less, depending upon the generosity of the audience/church community. But it would seem that, in this scenario, that wouldn't work with the circumstances.

tim · #9 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 06:23 PM

Also, get a copy of Brenda Marshall's book. She has a lot of good skit ideas which are ministry oriented. Several could surely be employed as a silent clown.

noname · #10 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim

Also, get a copy of Brenda Marshall's book. She has a lot of good skit ideas which are ministry oriented. Several could surely be employed as a silent clown.

What is the name of the book?

BTW, he wants to fly me back on Sept 11th. This just gets better and better