Schedule Improvement

We all want to be better performers (if we didn’t we wouldn’t belong to COAI or WCA or Puppeteers of America or any other organization) but aside from reading parts of a magazine once in a while how many of us are actually doing something to become a better entertainer? Are you working on a new skill that you have been wanting to add, or focusing on a skill you already have?

I am an information hound. For those of you scratching your head, that means I like to hunt down bits of information, lots of information. I am working on a complete collection of The New Calliope as well as Laugh Makers, The Funny Paper and other Clown related Magazines. I have a long way to go but by reading these old issues and pulling bits of wisdom from them and combining it with something I find in the latest issue in my mailbox, I might have just the brainstorm to create a new routine or even a new show. Sometimes a blast from the past will be completely forgotten or simply unknown in my area.

One thing I have noticed is that most January issues talk about rethinking your show, taking time to repaint or replace worn props. They talk about the general cleaning and maintenance of both the physical and mental aspects of your clowning. This is a great idea and I look forward to the encouragement each year, however in my life, at least for the last few years it seems that even if my clowning slows down for a couple of months there is more than enough “real life” that needs to be caught up on from the previous few months of bedlam. My best intentions seem to be thwarted by that closet that has to be cleaned out if I ever expect to get the door shut again, by the carpet that needs to be replaced, or firewood that needs to be brought in.

Here are a few thoughts that have helped me.
Work on a schedule for improvement that runs throughout the year. Not one that stops at the end of February! All year long pay attention to conventions and other educational opportunities. Buy a calendar and write them down. Most of us can’t make it to all of them but chances are that someone you know is going to a different event than you. Plan on getting together afterwards and sharing some of the information you gathered. The nice thing about doing this is that it forces you to reexamine what you learned when it is your turn to share and I find that I use more of the information I learned after I have shared it with my friends. I think this is because I am forced to understand it better as it applies to me. This is a great time to include your alley.

Create an alley calendar if you don’t already have one along side the alley events list the conventions, workshops and other events and then write down who is planning to go. Schedule a mini-meeting afterwards for sharing.

Set a revolving schedule for “prop rejuvenation.” For example in August and September I set aside time to refresh my memory, and any costuming or props that need attention for a fall festival show. For this show I am more of an artist or character than clown. That way in October and November when I am working the fall circuit I can pull out “Fitzy the Manic Elf: Santa’s most energetic helper” and make sure everything is ready for December.

End of Part 1 - stay tuned for Part 2!