Workshop Presenters
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Lee Andrews
Lee Andrews is in his 22nd year of performing. He is a Former Advance Clown for Cole Brothers Circus for three seasons. He was a guest Trainer for Cirque du Soleil’s Cirque du Monde. He was featured in Zac Brown Band’s Music Video for “Goodbye In Her Eyes.” He Toured with the Fair Circuit Production of Nojoe’s Circus. Lee educates and entertains at schools, libraries, festivals, fairs, birthday parties, churches, and corporate events nearly 300 times each year! When Lee created his clown character, Lew-E, at the age of two, he had no idea that it would turn into his career. Lee has been blessed with the opportunity to travel the world creating thousands of smiles for families of All Ages!
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Paula Biggio
Chicagoland area Paula “Stickers” Biggio is a seasoned clown performer and storyteller, having worked over 30 years as a full time entertainer. She first appeared as a student at Clown Camp® in 1983. A couple of years later she was teaching at Camp and continued to teach there for the next 20 years. She has been recognized for her contributions to the art of clowning with a lifetime achievement award from the Midwest Clown Association. She has performed and lectured on the art of clowning throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan. She is a past education director for the World Clown Association. Paula and her husband Rich own and operate Laugh It Up Clownstuff. Her specialties includes face painting, storytelling and company picnics.
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Juanita Blackwell
Juanita “Polly T. Clown” Blackwell became a clown in October 2013 quite accidentally. Since then she has attended six training conferences and Clown Camp to be become as professional of a newcomer as possible. She has entertained through ballooning, glitter tattoos and comedy performance on stage at a number of homeless shelters, orphanages, hospitals, senior centers, preschools, fundraisers, community events, birthday parties, and Christmas parties here and abroad.
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Angel ContrerasChicago born cartoonist, Angel Contreras, has entertained crowds with his wacky caricatures and illustrations since 1988. Birthday parties, Corporate events, picnics, bar and bat mitzvahs are just some of the venues Angel has had the pleasure of sharing his zaniness. Angel’s heart, however has been illustrating for Clowns and Magicians all over the world. Since 1995 he has left his indelible mark on the Clown community with his winsome style and singular wit.
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Audrey Crabtree
Audrey Crabtree is an award-winning performer, director, and writer in clown and physical theater. She was the founder/director of the International NY Clown Theatre Festival. Audrey worked with Clowns Without Borders, and Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit as Dr. Pepper, developing and leading workshops for CCU Clowns, and medical students and professionals. At CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil she performed and directed 2 shows, and led the team of artistic coaches. She was a performer and teacher at Congreso de Payaso Hospitalarios, a hospital clowning symposium in Cali, Colombia, and a speaker at Performing the World Conference. Audrey was clown and coach for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She has toured in Mexico, Canada, Australia, UK, Ireland, Colombia, India, the Dominican Republic and all over the US. Currently she is at Circus Harmony in St. Louis as a teacher, performer and artistic coach.
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Andy Davis
At 27 (1999), I became involved with Kenny Cantors theater school in Lowestoft, not as an entertainer, but as a manager. Just before a children's party was to begin, Kenny became very ill and there was nobody to perform. Kenny said I should take the party, use his case and costume. Copy his act. I did. At the end the children and parents were very happy and as they left they asked to book their own birthday parties and wanted me. What's you're name they asked? "Andy..." came my reply. I was a birthday party clown with an active August face, which I could easily adjust to a lightface Auguste, dropping outlines to soften when working closeup, and full Auguste for stage and theater. In 2007, I started clowning full time, whilst reliant on my birthdays I did Festivals, fetes, shows, theaters, club and schools anywhere and everywhere. This clown wants to make people happy. It doesn't always involve laughter, but kindness and support. I am the former Alley Director for the WCA, an England Ambassador for COAI, former Membership Secretary for Clowns International, current Curator of Clown Gathering UK (an eclectic self funding selection of workshops, lectures and shows) and President of ClownFoundation.
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Bev Dowling
Bev Dowling has performed professionally and nationally since 1980, and has appeared on television and radio talk shows,and been the subject of various news paper articles. As a comedian, her presentation features hilarious routines,funny stories, humorist magic audience participation,spontaneous ad-libs, and a poignant message. She is acclaimed by many as one of the funniest keynote speaker/ entertainers of today. She believes that "laughter is good like a medicine" (Proverbs 17:22)
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Jim Dixon
James “Soapy” Dixon has been entertaining children and adults alike for 21 years. Born and raised in the “Exciting” state of Kansas, Jim studied the comedy arts under mento Darren “Stubbles” Davis. Now he is the current COAI education director, article writer and cigar fanatic, he is excited to bring his knowledge to you in this class.
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Tricky Ricky Henson
Tricky Ricky has been performing magic for most of his life. He has shared magic and ventriloquism on programs such as-Good Morning America, P.M. Magazine, News Around the World, Hour Magazine, and America's Most Funniest People.Ricky has held crusades all over the United States and annually works with the Native Americans at Falls Creek Assembly in Davis, Oklahoma.Ricky has over 24 different programs using tricks and ventriloquism. His programs are tailored for adults, as well as Children. Randy is Ricky's best friend and travels everywhere with him. He comes out of the suitcase, and when he's out, LOOK OUT! If you don't want anything said about you, then don't let him know your name.
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Dave Hill
Performing for 30 years (not counting his 8th grade talent contest in which he won 2nd place, blowing the audience away), Dave has gone from novice clown to full-time business owner, speaker, and notorious comedy performer. Some say he’s genius, others say he’s just sick. Dave’s motto: “If you can’t have fun, you might as well stay at home.” Dave (aka The Almost Amazing Rex/Rex The Wonder Clown) has entertained audiences small & large for companies such as Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse, Lennox China, 98 Lumber, RJ Reynolds, AT&T, Wal-Mart, etc. From intimate parties to company picnics to Grand Openings & banquet shows, Dave is in demand. A long time member of the Berkeley Civitan Clowns, Dave donates countless hours both to entertain & raise money for the mentally & developmentally disabled. He is instrumental in keeping fellow clowns abreast of the latest news in the clowning industry.
His business, Balloons & Clowns, began 15 years ago as a small store front business specializing in balloon deliveries & birthday parties; it now comprises a retail balloon shop, gift store, and entertainment agency which keeps 6 to 8 local performers busy year round. |
Dan Langwell
Dan "Fitzwilly" Langwell has been entertaining since 1988. He started in Children's radio and television ministry. With a strong belief in the importance of improving and adding new talents and skills to one's performing arsenal Dan has continued to study and share many areas of clowning, helping others grow in their craft. For over a decade Dan has been regularly entertaining at restaurants in Northern Indiana.
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Alma Lemus
Alma Lemas has been a clown entertainer for over 20 years now. She believes clowns should be preparing for all types of events from birthday parties for young children to corporate functions. "Right now, you have to sell your personality,” said Lemus. “You have to convince the public you are the right entertainer for their party.” Lemus believes clowns still bring a special magic and element to celebrations but it’s important to stay relevant and continue growing as an entertainer. “My persona lets me renew myself,” she said. “It injects you with energy. It can help you overcome the (tribulations) of everyday life.”
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Iman Lizarazu
Iman is co-owner and co-creator of Renegade Juggling, where she and her partner have made juggling equipment for 25 years. Although a person of many languages, as a mime Iman is silent. She is passionate about clowning and dedicates her time and considerable energy to exploring and honing her craft. She has performed in Tandy Beal and Company’s Mixed Nutz!: the Nutcracker REMixed to glowing reviews. Wallace Baine of the Santa Cruz Sentinel says: “Weaving through the architecture of the "Nutcracker" story is a collection of amazing performers including Iman Lizarazu, the multi-talented juggler/clown who serves as the show's "narrator" though she has no lines.”
Iman studied at the School of Mime with Marcel Marceau, and with Masters Julie Goell and Avner the Eccentric. This background helped her blend her training with her rich cultural background, resulting is a compelling, intoxicating show. |
Patricia Manuel
Hi, I'm Tricia Manuel, also know as Pricilla Mooseburger. I started my clowning career with Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus and parlayed it into my dream business of designing clown costumes. In addition to honing my clowning skills, I learned from the masters on what it takes to create a fantastic looking, yet durable, clown costume. I took those skills and started Pricilla Mooseburger Originals (PMO). Our doors opened in 1989 and we've been serving clowns around the world ever since! Step by step our business has expanded beyond costumes and now includes the wonderful world of teaching others to learn to be clowns or grow as existing clowns.
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Ivan Mendez
Ivan Mendez, “Caramelito the Clown,” has been clowning in the US since 2009. He first learned to clown by attending the Kanas City Fellowship of Christian Magician’s Conference. Then he also attended the local Clown Alley 217’s Workshop. He joined Alley 217 and Alley 92 in Kansas City. In 2012 he learned one on one from some Latin American clowns how to improve his makeup at the COAI Convention in Kansas City. He has worked hard to develop his clown character using a combination of Latin and American Styles. He does private parties but his favorite type of clowning is the charity work that he does in the Kansas City metro area. With a combination of balloons, comedy magic, and party games he’s a fun clown to have around.
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Lohren Meier
Lohren Meier aka "Sonny the Magic Clown" has been in the entertaining business for over 45 years now. He first learned and performed Ventriloquism at the age of 10. He began clowning and twisting balloons in 1977 and took up magic seriously in 1982. He started teaching workshops in 1989 and selling merchandise in 1990. His business is called Fantastic Clowning & Magic, and he carries a huge inventory of magic and clowning supplies. He is also a teacher by trade and he works well with all ages. He has performed and lectured all over the Continental United States. He is a past secretary of the International Fellowhsip of Christian Magicians (FCM) and currently serves as Co-President of the Kansas City Chapter of FCM. He is also the current President of Alley 217 in Kansas City. The alley putting on this fine convention.
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Rex Nolan
Rex Nolan Has been clowning for 22 years in that time I was Director of Ararat Shrine Clowns, Education Director for COAI, Staff member for 20 years Mooseburger Clown School, Staff member Red Skelton Clown School, Artist in Residence for COAI, Competed and won in regional and national Shrine competitions, Make up model for Mehron Make Up
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Curt & Diana Patty
Handy Andy and Blossom began their clowning being appointed to the mission service corp. in February 2002. They are ranked in the 10 ten clowns internationally and have received several awards regionally and internationally. They have taught and performed at many clown conferences. Published in the Christian Conjurer Magazine Sept. 2009, US News 2008, GA World Magazine and Discovery Missions Magazine 11/06,Also published in Couples Who Clown Together by Steve Kissel, The Hospital Clown by Pattie Wooten, Nursing Home Clowning by Anita Theis, and A Hospital Clown by Anita Theis. They are now working with schools local schools and other organizations to develop programs and to teach safety, drug abuse, and illusions., and basic skills like balancing, juggling, and plate spinning.We use the innovative creative use of bubbles, illusions, clowning and puppetry to teach and build self esteem. We have been involved in humor therapy for the past 10 years working as Clown Docs in a local Children's hospital.
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Dennis Porter
Dennis has been clowning since 1991. He learned the art of clowning through a private clown class, workshops and best of all, lots of experience. His degree in theater gave him a great education for building his clown characters. You can see Dennis as many different characters, ranging from a jester to the fabulous Ms. Ruby. Dennis is truly a variety entertainer. With his company, Happy Faces Entertainment, you can find him as an actor, clown, magician, storyteller, educator and emcee. He travels across the country and has had invitations to perform everywhere from New York City to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. You can see him perform in Kansas City with HFE before every Sunday Royals game, at ComedyCity and with the KC Mystery Players. Dennis has worked and taught in clown ministry, parades, storytelling, the circus, birthday parties, youth camps and anywhere else somebody needed some smiles. He has even raised thousands of dollars in a few minutes as a charity auctioneer. Dennis is a charter member of the Northland Clown Guild Alley 217 and is currently the Treasurer.
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Nicole Portwood
Nicole Portwood has been a professional clown for over 30 years. She has performed nationally and internationally with Ringling Bros. Circus, Disney and most recently the Clown Fest India. She enjoys many aspects of clowning such as juggling, stilt-walking, unicycling, magic, face painting, but she especially loves balloon twisting. She truly enjoys teaching and is also currently a substitute teacher in the public school system in her hometown where she not only teaches academics but also After School Enrichment classes and Extended Day programs where she can incorporate her clowning arts.
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Walter Slaymaker
Walter “Buttons” Slaymaker, a retired government worker (28yrs.) and retired U.S. Air Force Reservist (30yrs.) has been clowning for over 26 years, performing at birthday parties, fairs, day cares, parades, etc. He is a member of C.O.A.I, WCA and the Mid-Atlantic Clown Association (MACA). He was the editor of MACA’s quarterly magazine, The Big Top, for 17 years. He created and manages the websites for MACA, Clowns ‘R Us , Buttons The Clown and along with DJ Ehlert, Custom Badges by Buttons.
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Roy Stone
Roy Grew up in the carnival and circus, traveling week to week across America with sideshows, games, food concessions and more. At the age of nineteen, he left that nomadic life to settle in Crossville, Tennessee. There he came to know the Lord as his Savior and meet his wife, Cari. After spending time as an intern and mentoring under David Mitchel, Roy became the Children’s Pastor of that local church. Roy later stepped out in to the evangelistic field speaking at Summer Kids Camps and training events both at home, and internationally. Roy and Cari stone have over twenty-eight years of experience in children’s ministries. Roy is also a conference leader and teacher at many Children’s Ministries Conferences and secular clown and magic conferences. In his business Jam Stone Magic Roy is the graphic artist making some of the most colorful and useful signs, name tags, and backdrops on the market. You can learn a lot from his wealth of knowledge.
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Patti Ummel
As soon as she steps into the floppy shoes, this mom is no longer Patti Ummel. She's Jazzi. Patti “Jazzi” Ummel is a highly energetic, very funny clown who loves physical comedy. Making kids of all ages laugh and enjoy themselves and experience all the innocent silliness of a clown is what Jazzi does best! When she's got a gig, Jazzi starts the show even before she gets there. Stopped at a red light, Jazzi makes faces at other drivers and puts on her goofy glasses, if she's not already wearing them. No matter how brief the moment, Jazzi will try to make you laugh. And as a clown for 20-plus years, Jazzi, knows the difference between a great performer and a just-OK one: Always, always stay in character. "We're not people," Ummel said. "We're clowns."
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Julie Varholdt
Julie Varholdt, also known as Lovely Buttons, Miss Beulah Pearl, Woo~man and many more zany characters, has been entertaining and clowning in the Phoenix area and internationally now for over 23 years. Sharing the art of clowning is a passion of hers that she would like to share with you. In 2010 she made history when she won both the Clown of the Year Award from the WCA and Best in Clown from Clowns of America International. Julie wrote for the WCA magazine Clowning Around from 2001 to 2009. She is currently a senior writer for the COAI magazine Calliope. And was recently elected to the position of Alley/Regional Director for COAI. One of Julie's passions is traveling around the USA and abroad performing and teaching at clown schools and conventions, passing on the art of clowning to young and old alike. She currently owns and operates “Lovely Buttons Productions”, a clown based business that serves the greater Phoenix are with entertainment of all kinds.
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