Developing a character and a show

[Flutterby]

I think I should clarify that when I was told you should be able to perform something forwards and backwards in your sleep - it wasn't meant to mean that dropping something during juggling was a bad thing. I realize that lots of clowns incorporate a dropped item from juggling into their act and that a lot of pros will drop an item on purpose just to get a reaction... The whole point of being able to do a skill really well is so that you can make a change or adjust it quickly if needed depending on the situation or responses your are getting from your audience.

I would LOVE to see some of everyone's performances! I like the ones Chance has been posting lately - they are great videos! I think it is funny when any clown is worried that someone will "steal" a part of their show or whatever - like you said Fitz, just b/c something works for one clown doesn't mean it will work for another! Everyone has a different style and therefore one size does NOT fit all when it comes to performances and/or skits!

Thanks to everyone for your input here! It is VERY much appreciated!

Bump a nose!

[Flutterby]

Oh, and I should also add that when it comes to "stealing" material - Jim Howle and Earl Chaney have this whole skit they do that is HILARIOUS and it is based off of them using each other's material.... The only way to keep clowns from becoming a dying breed is to teach others the things you know - and then encourage them to use your stuff and make it THEIR OWN!

Bump a nose - again!

[Giggles the Clown]

I agree with Darrell and Mister Fuzzbutt: Kids love to see the clown "mess up" in any comic kind of way (message: it's o.k. not to be perfect), but we also have to lay some groundwork that we know a little bit about what we are doing. Allowing the kids to do hands-on is so very important to the little ones. With interactive play, we bring them right into that wonderful clown experience. Thanks.

[CataintaBrat]

I sure appreciate all the feedback! I have been practicing a lot-mostly the balloons but I have been reading about a lot of other skills. I would gladly put up some videos once I get to do some shows. I think I'm a long way from that right now! My big scare is that I'm making out too detailed a show, getting too involved in writing it and maybe I'm taking all the fun out. I think I'll add a post in the next few days just giving the basics of what I want to do-and would love to hear any critiques. Thanks again, Cat

[Fitzwilly]

That would be a great idea CB. I generally make a list of different bits that I do and leave it at that. However I will say that I know each bit and how they go very well. I may adjust the bit, try new jokes or something else, but I do that on the fly or maybe it is something I have been thinking about for awhile, I just don't write it in my show outline. I keep the outline or running order brief so that when I look at it during a show I can find where I want to be quickly and easily.

[Sir Toony Van Dukes]

Welcome to the Clown Forum. I would imagine that an ice cream shop would be a great place for a clown. I don't think there are any real rules. You can twist balloons or juggle with or without clown makeup. You can be a clown without juggling. Find something that you like to do and start there.

[Chance Marmalade]

Found this Godotesque clown show on YouTube tonight. It's a great example of what a staged clown show can be.

YouTube Video