Hello From Uncle Yodie

[Uncle_Yodie]

I have been a lurker for a while and thought I should let you know who I am.

Most of my working time is spent as a fifth grade school teacher in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.

As a part time business I also do clowning and story telling. It allows me to work with children and families in a way that is different from teaching, but at the same time ties into many of the same skills that teachers use. As I tell the student teachers that work with me, the main difference between clowning and teaching is that as a clown I perform for three hours without any breaks, and as a teacher I perform for six and a half hours with a twenty minute break for lunch. Either job requires an iron bladder.

Over the years my red nose and makeup have slowly disappeared from my character as I have gotten to know who "Uncle Yodie" is. There have been gentle nudges along the way from children and adults who have said things like, "I think clowns are scary, but I am not scared of you because you do not look scary."

The final push happened a few years ago when I was working as the entertainment at a banquet for children and adults who participate in a program where they ride horses for therapy. One boy was terrifed every time he saw me with my nose and make-up. At the very end of the evening, I went out of the room, took off everything that I could and still be decent, and went back in the room to do some clown magic with him which he loved.

When we were done playing and I really did have to leave, I asked him if he knew who I was. He looked at the silly bowtie I had forgotten to remove, laughed that big belly laugh of his, and said, "You are a clown!" As I drove home that night, I realized that the young man had given me a great gift of helping me to know that "Uncle Yodie the clown" was not my red nose, make-up, or big shoes (which I still use), but it was the person inside of me that has been there all along.

I know most clowns are able to make the full make-up look work well for them and I am glad they are carrying on the traditional look. Maybe it is just because of who I am as a person, but I have found that going in a different direction has been what works for me and the people that I work with. After nine years of being Uncle Yodie, I know there is much more for me to learn and it may be that someday I will again get out my ProNose and the grease sticks.

For now though, Uncle Yodie seems pretty comfortable being that favorite uncle in silly clothes who shows up at the house or party with goofy games and stories and makes you laugh and listens when you tell him secrets about your cat having kittens or your trip to Disney World with your family.

All the best to you,
Uncle Yodie

[ashes]

Welcome, Uncle Yodie!!!

What a great story.


We're glad you decided to jump in and introduce yourself, and
thanks for sharing your story.

I believe the big, bold makeup is great for stage work, but
when it comes to small groups, or one-on-one a much softer
makeup look helps keep the clown character from being
too overwhelming.

Most folks don't realize it, but all it takes to be a clown is
just enough to be "different."

Please keep posting your experiences!

Ashes

[The_Princess_of_Bozonia]

Thanks for posting such a great introduction, Uncle Yodie. It sounds like you've been able to create a warm, funny character the kids can really relate to, with or without the makeup.

[Scruffy]

Welcome to you Uncle Yodie! Help yerself to the buffet!

[saphireSue]

Welcome to the forum. Glad to meet ya.

[GiGi]

Welcome to the forum!

GiGi

[Sassafras]

Beware of the musical fruit!