How to start a clown alley??

[Queen Moo-D]

I was curious if anyone knows about Alley's and what had to be done to start one? Also, where do I find out about trainings for an Alley? I know I can get some info from the COAI and WCA; is everything else just local by finding clowns that would be willing to host trainings or what? I was hoping for a local Alley but the nearest one to me is about an hour away and that can be tough time wise when you have 3 kids. Thanks for your help!

[Chance Marmalade]

A few other clowns have also asked for this kind of information. I think there is a thread somewhere on here in regards to that, but if I were you I would definitely get started by finding a few good clowns in your area who are interested.

I am doing something very similar right now with the Guild of Vau-De-Ville Artists. Basically I just put up a free ad on Craig's List looking for people who want to network and perform vaudeville style shows and acts. I mentioned the point of the Guild which is to connect vaudeville performers together so they can collaborate and share contacts etc. I put the ad up last week and I have three members!

Get it started yourself and pool your contacts and talents together to get it started on your own terms. I am sure there are rules to become an official alley of COAI but you don't really need that, though I imagine there are some fine benefits. I am a very do it yourself kinda clown, and I think if you want to get something started you gotta do it yourself. Best of luck to you!

Chance

[Fitzwilly]

For starting an alley the real question is how formal to you want to be in the beginning? The easiest way is to find a couple of other performers, they don't even have to be clowns, and start meeting on a semi regular basis to talk shop. It can be at a restaurant (not a lot of work gets done but a lot of eating does) a coffeeshop (fun, social but not easy to twist balloons or practice face painting without bothering others) or a room at the library or your church. If you have a location without a lot of other distractions you can focus more easily on your topic for the night and still have fun. I found that it worked best to pick the topics a meeting or two in advance. That way a lot of time isn't wasted decided what you want to work on that night and everybody can come prepared.

There is really no need to draw up bylaws at first, unless you start with 20 people or more. As far as training. Your members, if they have been perforning for any length of time, should have something they can share, and if you plan your topics in advance it gives everyone a chance to do some research. There are plenty of DVDs on all aspects of clowning. The group could buy one or two and you watch them together and practice wht you are learning. You might contact the neighboring Alley and see if someone would be willing to lead a meeting.

Just a few ideas, I am working on an article or two on alleys for the Forum, but it may be a little while before they are finished.

[Shoq T. Clown]

my Queen... leave it to us! sounds like the litle town of clio is going to be a new clown kingdom! i will teach you guys everything you need to know... the rest will come!!!! we live about what... 7 miles appart at most? you can drive from one side of this town to the other in 10 min!