Any Mooseburger Camp Graduates?

[Pinky59]

I'm brand spanking new to clowning. I have only been in clown face in public twice so far. I have no training, whatsoever. I have no idea what I'm doing. I don't even know if with training, I will be any good at clowning (I tend to be shy, but the makeup seems to help).

All that being said, are there any graduates (or former attendees) of the Mooseburger Clown camp who can recommend or weigh in as to whether this would be $$ well spent for me? I figure with airfare, I'm looking at a $1,500 hit (when I add in $$ for buying tools, etc at the camp).

Any comments are greatly appreciate. It might help you to know that I hope to do clown ministry with any skills I acquire.

Robin (Pinky)

[pixcoco]

I will be happy to share some training places I know. I have not been to moosecamp but I have been to many others. I have known trish for many years. I know she does a very good job and ANYTHING she does if first rate.
Because you want to ministry clowning I would also suggest Joey to the world in Houston in Feb. It is completly geared towards clown ministry. The fee is only like 25 dollars. The youth group from the church provide meals and snacks for a reasonable fee which funds thier camp. Dealers include Tony Jones of TNT, Steve Kissle, Chaggy, and costumes by barbi.
I also enjoyed many years at clown camp in WI. Coai offeres a lot of training at their annual convention.
Oh, you would also enjoy TNT, speaking of. It is also ministry based.
And don't worry about yourself so much. You already know that with Gods help you can do wonderful things.
Feel free to contact me if I can help.

[Pinky59]

Thanks so much, Coco. I went to your website, and you're very impressive! I wish some day to be "professional" like you. I don't have any self-confidence right now, as you can probably tell. I'm sorry to be a dunce, but could you tell me what those initials in your post stand for (e.g. TNT, etc)?

[pixcoco]

www.clowning4christ.com/tnt_clown_retreat.htm
I'm sorry I didn't explain myself better. This is Tony Jones web site. For years he worked as Betty Cash's partner as a costume designer. Beforee that he was a Shriner clown. Now he has seperated from Betty and has his own costume line. He also runs a convention every year for ministry clowns. It runs for a week. He is also the editor (and I believe owner) of the Cross and the Crown. A ministry clowning magazine. Might I add he and his wife Nikke are very nice people. Maybe his web site can help you.
We all start somewhere. I started part time because of the face painting. After a few years and a few trips to clown camp I set a 5 year plan to be doing this for a living. You can to if that is your dream. It just takes a little planning, a lot of training, and a bit of heart. You have the heart, you are searching for the training, and I'm sure you can do the planning.
You picture is little but you look pretty good to me. Certainly better that someone who has only been in make-up a couple of times. So you are already up on a lot of people.
I also took collage acting classes. If you are lucky enough to get an instructor like mine you will gain a lot.

[Fitzwilly]

Hi Pinky. There are a few people on the Forum that have been to one or another of the Mooseburger events. Personally Mooseburger not only changed my clowning life, I can say that MooseCamp change my entire life for the better. I have my business degree and tried the cubicle world but I was a round peg in a square hole. And what made it even worse was that I was to shy to rock the boat in an effort to make things better for me. In 1999 I went to Moosecamp for the first time. It wasn't just the classes that made the difference. The time around the classes I made some fantastic friendships that will exist for the rest of my life. So that one week didn't just stay one week. To this day if I am working on a problem with a skit, or need advice on most any aspect of clowning there is someone I can call. Due to what I learned at Moosecamp along with the confidence there and afterwards through using the skills I learned and improved at Moosecamp I ran for a position on the Board of the Midwest Clown Association. I have spent the last year and a half as the president of the MCA. I recently tossed my hat in the ring for Regional Vice President of Clowns of America International. Oh, after 1999, I went back in 2000 and again in 2001.

[tim]

Well, I'll second the good words about TNT. Their cast and crew does a very nice job teaching both basics and particular emphasis upon a clown ministry perspective. I haven't attended the convention they put on, but I have had the chance to take classes with some of their crew during an "on the road" type event. So I'd highly recommend them for going further in ministry clowning.

That said, you've noted that you're a beginner. And, I honestly can't recommend anything better than Moosecamp for someone like yourself. The investment (which is what it truly is) will be well worth it. Their staff is top notch. They'll teach you not only necessary skills but the very heart of clowning. It's only a week and only a start, given, but OH WHAT A START! It is something which will likely affect and influence your clowning and your outlook for a long time to come. Moosecamp is where I went (in 2005) when I was "starting out" and wanting to truly delve deep and seriously into clowning. I could have gone elsewhere and would have benefitted from the various other programs available, also, I'm certain. But I'm quite thankful that I chose Moosecamp, as it offered me an outlook which was important and essential; influencing a lot of my further direction in a way I may have not grown and understood as well, otherwise.

Moosecamp is also a LOT of fun. The cast and crew of teaching staff is of a quality that you generally really can't pay to have and see all in one place. The evening performances they put on, alone, are priceless and educational, if you watch with an eye towards both enjoyment and learning. They'll sit around and chat with you in the off times, during meals, late at night. You'll make friends and build professional relationships which will last. And the center where it is held can't be beat. (Well, alright, the mattresses are a little too soft for me, but other than that...) They treat you top notch like an honored guest (more so than a lot of businesses would, honestly.) It's beautiful and pastoral; situated on a lovely little lake.

Also, since your interest is clown ministry, I believe that Brenda Marshall will probably be on staff this year. Brenda is one of the top teachers in that area of concentration (and a very nice person, to boot.) So you could learn from the best, in receiving an introduction to that specialty through a class or two (if not the complete course - though you may want to stick with "clowning 101" for primary coursework, actually, if you're brand spankin' new at all of this, more generally), as well as talking with her and others of a like interest in attendance during the week.

Just one word of warning if you do attend Moosecamp: bring bug spray! Those mosquitos are nasty. No wonder they call it the "State Bird" of Minnesota!

Well, okay, two words of warning: Fitzwilly teaches there, too!

[Pinky59]

You all have been so helpful. I'm really afraid to travel alone (I get panic attacks) so this will be a big committment for me, if I go. Besides the money! I am retired and this is not a budgeted amount, LOL. Plus, since I plan to only do ministry clowning, I won't be bringing in any $$ to offset my expenses, but I shouldn't complain about that (it IS a ministry, after all). I think the TNT convention would be good for me after I go to Mooseburger (if I do). I think I might need a starting foundation there, first. Thanks so much for your input. Pray for me, that I make the right decision. Hugs and mugs,
Robin

[Fitzwilly]

Pinky - Let me see about getting ahold of Brenda's email so you can talk directly to her about her course at Moosecamp. I think you will be (I'm not sure what word to use, I was going to use impressed but Brenda is so humble...) I think you would enjoy speaking with her and it would probably answer some of your questions.

[Pinky59]

That would be great! Thanks so much.

[Fitzwilly]

Pinky - here is Brenda's email: flowertc@flash.net so mail away......