Presenters, Bios, & Workshops in Alphabetical Order
(Not all times, workshops or presenters are confirmed-Subject to change without notice)
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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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Wednesday 10:45-11:45 Osage B Let's Pump Them Up- Basic Balloonology! Balloons are great items to draw a crowd and can be used for communicating Gospel Messages as well as Public Service Messages. In this class we will cover all the BASIC ITEMS. Where to purchase, how to store, tips on inflating, pumps and the different types of balloons. We will also cover CAUTIONS and LIABILITIES you need to be aware of. At least 10 basic designs will be taught, including ANIMALS, HATS, BRACELETS & FLOWERS. Every clown should have a knowledge of basic balloons.
Thursday 9:30-10:30 Osage B Okay Kid Here's Your Balloon, Now What? Balloon Sculpturing has become a staple in the image of clown. Now, it!s time to separate you from the clown that just twists balloons to the clown that entertains while you twist balloons! We will discuss little gags to perform for the children in the front of the line and even the ones in the very back! Also, we will discuss ways of handling fussy parents, and how to take care of breaks while working!
Thursday 9:30-10:30 Osage B Okay Kid Here's Your Balloon, Now What? Balloon Sculpturing has become a staple in the image of clown. Now, it!s time to separate you from the clown that just twists balloons to the clown that entertains while you twist balloons! We will discuss little gags to perform for the children in the front of the line and even the ones in the very back! Also, we will discuss ways of handling fussy parents, and how to take care of breaks while working!
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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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Wednesday 9:30-10:30 Osage B Facepainting for Fun and Profit: Hands on This session will give a step-by step demonstration of different facepainting techniques and designs. It will cover how to apply the paints, how to use glitter, and how to feather the paints. Students are encouraged to bring their own facepaints to class, so that they can follow along and practice the art of facepainting.
Friday 1:15-2:15 Osage B Losing Your Inhibitions Through Improvisation This class will utilize theater games and improvisational exercises to help students to lose their self-Consciousness and become more spontaneous. This will result in the building of your character. Wear compfortable clothes and bring your sense of Humor. This class thrives on group participation
Friday 1:15-2:15 Osage B Losing Your Inhibitions Through Improvisation This class will utilize theater games and improvisational exercises to help students to lose their self-Consciousness and become more spontaneous. This will result in the building of your character. Wear compfortable clothes and bring your sense of Humor. This class thrives on group participation
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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Tuesday 2:15-3:15 Osage C Glitter Tattoos!- Not ready for face painting or twisting balloons? Or would you just like to add to your menu of services you can provide? Come learn how to apply glitter tattoos! They are a fun and easy way to generate more income! And they are crowd pleasers for the young and old! All class participants will apply a tattoo and leave knowing how to get started.
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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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Tuesday 2:15-3:15 Osage A Going Through A Looney Stage This interactive class demonstrates how animated cartoons are wonderful
resources for character development, skit blocking and comedic timing. Angel will help you look at the cartoon through the eyes of a clown to learn valuable lessons in character creativity, techniques to produce cartoon-like Clown mayhem and polish up your stage presence.
Thursday 9:30-10:30 Osage C Schtickerology 101 This class demonstrates creative and fun ideas for using a clowns best friend – the sticker. Turn a mere handout into an interactive and entertaining moment. Other topics include sticker etiquette, using stickersfor self promotion, as well as an opportunity to share and brainstorm.
resources for character development, skit blocking and comedic timing. Angel will help you look at the cartoon through the eyes of a clown to learn valuable lessons in character creativity, techniques to produce cartoon-like Clown mayhem and polish up your stage presence.
Thursday 9:30-10:30 Osage C Schtickerology 101 This class demonstrates creative and fun ideas for using a clowns best friend – the sticker. Turn a mere handout into an interactive and entertaining moment. Other topics include sticker etiquette, using stickersfor self promotion, as well as an opportunity to share and brainstorm.
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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Friday 9:30-10:30 Osage B Making Instant Connections! An engaged, confident, and playful clown has the possibility of creating life changing moments. For your audience, and yourself. Today’s clown works in all sorts of places; hospitals, libraries, big tops, theaters, restaurants, parades and walk-around gigs in a variety of potential challenging situations. In this fun workshop we will learn and practice techniques to; stay grounded in your character, to read your audience and partners, and engage for that space creating great connections. When you make powerful connections with your audience not only will you and your audience walk away feeling energized and successful, but your clients will notice the difference!
Saturday 4:00-5:00 Osage B Funny on the Spot! In this playful workshop we will use basic improvisation techniques to create instant funny through your character. Developing new material alone can be challenging task, and re-freshing your standard material is often put on the back burner. Together we will break down a simple gag and using improvisation technique find the funny. You will practice finding your unique funny by committing to your ideas, trusting your instincts and play!
Saturday 4:00-5:00 Osage B Funny on the Spot! In this playful workshop we will use basic improvisation techniques to create instant funny through your character. Developing new material alone can be challenging task, and re-freshing your standard material is often put on the back burner. Together we will break down a simple gag and using improvisation technique find the funny. You will practice finding your unique funny by committing to your ideas, trusting your instincts and play!
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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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Tuesday 3:30-4:30 Osage A Party from a UK traveling suitcase- An hour of fun, bits of business. Some very simple ideas that are get to play with, whether at a birthday party for children or street performing for adults. Included is a juggling routine for everyone who cannot juggle, a story rhyme that's only performed by ME!, 'The Flaming Hoops of Fury' and 'The Tightrope of DOOOooommmmmM!' (plus quite a lot more and it's a real squeeze to get it all in to a teeny tiny suitcase - I might even sing you a song!)
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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Tuesday 2:15-3:15 Osage B Clowning From Your Pockets-Learn how to clown around one-on-one or with a group, performing from your pockets. In this exciting workshop Bev Dowling will teach you her easy to do time tested ideas and routines that pack small but play big and are filled with fun antics and etertainment.
Thursday 10:45-11:45 Osage A Entertaining Preschoolers- Learn how to keep pre-schoolers interest while entertaining them. It's fun, exciting and totally awesome and a must for all children's entertainers.
Thursday 10:45-11:45 Osage A Entertaining Preschoolers- Learn how to keep pre-schoolers interest while entertaining them. It's fun, exciting and totally awesome and a must for all children's entertainers.
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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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Tuesday 3:30-4:30 Main Ballroom Facial Expression-Posing- Posing is probably the most under-practiced yet important of all promotion that you can do for yourself in this clowning industry. Facial expression is how we communicate as clowns to our audience. Combine these two together into one class and you will have the knowledge of how to truly look great whenever you are placed on either paper or digital film.
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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Wednesday 4:30-5:30 Osage C Magic for Clowns- Learn some great comedy magic to do as clowns as only Ricky can show you. Learn several great tricks and several great routines in this hour of fun.
Friday 10:45-11:45 Osage C Ventriloquism for Clowns- Learn the basics of ventriloquism so you can use this art with your clowning. Ricky has a real simple substitution system for the hard to say sounds that anyone can learn so you can add ventriloquism to your repertoire.
Friday 10:45-11:45 Osage C Ventriloquism for Clowns- Learn the basics of ventriloquism so you can use this art with your clowning. Ricky has a real simple substitution system for the hard to say sounds that anyone can learn so you can add ventriloquism to your repertoire.
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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. |
Tuesday 1:00-2:00 Osage B Fun and Games With Balloons- NO TWISTING, HONEST. Entertain groups of 10-100 of all ages (yes adults too) using only stick and novelty balloons. Balloons and pumps provided but bring you own if you have them. Com and Play with us!
Thursday 10:45-11:45 Osage C Super Simple Magic For Clowns - Don't let Magic scare you. Come and learn 12 Simple, but Impressive magic tricks that actually work themselves. Great for Birthday parties or special events.
Thursday 10:45-11:45 Osage C Super Simple Magic For Clowns - Don't let Magic scare you. Come and learn 12 Simple, but Impressive magic tricks that actually work themselves. Great for Birthday parties or special events.
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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Friday 10:45-11:45 Osage A Doing Balloons in Restaurants- No description yet
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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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Thursday 1:15-3:30 Osage C Makeup Latino Style- (This is a back to back 2-session Workshop) Carmelito the Clown along with Alma Lemus, teaches make-up classes that focus on the Auguste and Lite Auguste styles. His style is a combination of both Latin American and American versions of these styles. He presents his process step by step while allowing for questions and explanations while he demonstrates. Ivan presents different techniques using sponges and brushes that greatly simplify the process and make it more enjoyable. In session 2 Ivan will help you put on your own makeup and make suggestions to help you improve your make-up.
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. |
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Thursday 2:30-4:45 Main Ballroom Eccentric Performing for theater professionals- this workshop is a physical approach to acting and comedy and it is a back to back 2-session workshop. The workshop initially addresses three areas: balance and control of the space, meeting and establishing complicity with the audience and with partners, and problem solving as a method of working on stage. After this introduction, we will explore ways of creating material and finding character. The focus is on activating the internal emotional state of the audience and helping the actor to always be interested rather than interesting.
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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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Tuesday 3:30-4:30 Osage B Lite Auguste Extreme Clown Make Over-Make-Up Edition!- Pricilla will use her years of make-up expertise to transform volunteers from the class into clowns before your very eyes! Find out how to do a Lite August make-up that still looks professional and not lazy.
Thursday 3:45-4:45 Osage C Funny Moves and Skits! Learn three skits you can do right away! Pricilla will teach you the routines and the funny comic movements to use to make any performance more entertaining. Put the two together and you get a winning combination
Thursday 3:45-4:45 Osage C Funny Moves and Skits! Learn three skits you can do right away! Pricilla will teach you the routines and the funny comic movements to use to make any performance more entertaining. Put the two together and you get a winning combination
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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Thursday 1:15-3:30 Osage C Makeup Latino Style- (This is a back to back 2-session Workshop) Carmelito the Clown along with Alma Lemus, teaches make-up classes that focus on the Auguste and Lite Auguste styles. His style is a combination of both Latin American and American versions of these styles. He presents his process step by step while allowing for questions and explanations while he demonstrates. Ivan presents different techniques using sponges and brushes that greatly simplify the process and make it more enjoyable. In session 2 Ivan will help you put on your own makeup and make suggestions to help you improve your make-up.
Saturday 9:30-10:30 Osage B Walk-Around Magic- Ivan Mendez, Caramelito the Clown, has a lot of experience doing parades and charity events in which he does walk-around magic. The tricks he uses are inexpensive, easy to do, and get great reactions. He will teach you how to use the same trick in different ways and even how to make some of them. He will also teach how to interact with people so they are more interested in the trick than they would be otherwise.
Saturday 9:30-10:30 Osage B Walk-Around Magic- Ivan Mendez, Caramelito the Clown, has a lot of experience doing parades and charity events in which he does walk-around magic. The tricks he uses are inexpensive, easy to do, and get great reactions. He will teach you how to use the same trick in different ways and even how to make some of them. He will also teach how to interact with people so they are more interested in the trick than they would be otherwise.
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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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Tuesday 1:00-2:00 Osage A Games People Play- In this workshop you will experience several games from around the world that are perfect for playing with children of all ages. Besides learning the games what kind of prizes to supply and how to use the adults to help the games be successful will be covered.
Friday 10:45-11:45 Osage A Clown Magic- The way a magician does magic and a clown does magic are two different things. Learn how to take a trick and add the comedy routine that a clown would do with it. See several routines and examples performed in this workshop.
Saturday 9:30-10:30 Osage A Editing and Getting Music to Play at the Right Time in a Show- Learn how to use a free editing software to edit songs and copyright free music you already own. Learn how to add a sound track to a piece of music for a custom introduction or other use. Learn a great platform to upload your songs into so they play at the right time and it will also clue you to what is coming next in your show. If you use an mp3 player learn how to keep it from sleeping before you need your next piece of music.
Friday 10:45-11:45 Osage A Clown Magic- The way a magician does magic and a clown does magic are two different things. Learn how to take a trick and add the comedy routine that a clown would do with it. See several routines and examples performed in this workshop.
Saturday 9:30-10:30 Osage A Editing and Getting Music to Play at the Right Time in a Show- Learn how to use a free editing software to edit songs and copyright free music you already own. Learn how to add a sound track to a piece of music for a custom introduction or other use. Learn a great platform to upload your songs into so they play at the right time and it will also clue you to what is coming next in your show. If you use an mp3 player learn how to keep it from sleeping before you need your next piece of music.
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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Thursday 1:15-2:15 Shawnee A Birthday Parties- No Description yet.
Friday 9:30-10:30 Osage A Basic Juggling- No Description yet.
Friday 9:30-10:30 Osage A Basic Juggling- No Description yet.
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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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Wednesday 4:30-5:30 Salon B Hospital Magic I- You will meet Dr. ICU and Nurse Sniggles to give you an overview of the ins and outs, ups and downs of this unique opportunity of caring clown. You will learn from them personally, what flies and what drops like a rock, from make up to face painting to routines they like to do. They will share their combined 20 years experience after graduating, from WhatsamaterU to present.
Saturday 2:45-3:45 Osage B Bubble Magic- It’s a Gas!- Did you ever think, blowing bubbles was fun, well it is. This hour will fly by quickly, while Learning to use bubbles as an encouragement, building self esteem for others. Teaching team work, using bubbles to tell stories, even using bubbles as a magic trick. This and much more………………….
Saturday 2:45-3:45 Osage B Bubble Magic- It’s a Gas!- Did you ever think, blowing bubbles was fun, well it is. This hour will fly by quickly, while Learning to use bubbles as an encouragement, building self esteem for others. Teaching team work, using bubbles to tell stories, even using bubbles as a magic trick. This and much more………………….
Dustin Portillo & Brandon Foster Convention Headliners
A(Bios are on Headliners Page)
Tuesday 3:30-4:30 Osage C Make-Up Tips, Cheats, and Secrets- You can't just use any baby powder to set you're make-up! Quit wasting so many q-tips! Pizza grease is just as good as baby oil. Dustin and Brandon teach you all the make-up tips, cheats, and secrets they learned while on the road with Ringling Bros. Circus -- tricks that will make your face cleaner and simpler to apply. When you apply your face up to 10x a week, 52 weeks a year, you get pretty good at it.
Wednesday 9:30-10:30am Main Ballroom Writing Big Time Comedy- Want to know how to write the perfectly hilarious clown gag? Brandon and Dustin will teach you their unique approach to gag writing and why it works. From figuring out your beginning, middle, and end, to coming up with comedic bits of business, this class will give you the tools necessary to ensure your material always gets the last laugh.
Wednesday 8:30-9:30pm (Approximately) Main Ballroom Q $ A After the Show- Ask our headliners questions about the show, about working with the Ringling Bros Circus, or about anything.
Thursday 10:45-11:45 Osage B Club Passing For Dummies- Two is better than one. Brandon and Dustin will teach you the basics of club passing with a partner. You'll learn the difference between "everys" and "every others," a "fast start" and "slow start," and much more. Bring your clubs and get ready to pass!
Friday 1:15-2:15 Osage A Hit Me!- This is slapstick class 101. Dustin and Brandon will teach you how to do everything your mother told you not to do to someone else -- without hurting them. Learn about eye pokes, slaps, ear pulls, head butts, and much more!
Saturday 4:00-5:00 Osage A Moving Like an Idiot- Part of being a clown is knowing how to move like one. In this workshop Brandon and Dustin will teach you how to utilize your body to convey your own unique clown character. Be prepared to let loose and act like an idiot in this intensely fun physical workshop
Tuesday 3:30-4:30 Osage C Make-Up Tips, Cheats, and Secrets- You can't just use any baby powder to set you're make-up! Quit wasting so many q-tips! Pizza grease is just as good as baby oil. Dustin and Brandon teach you all the make-up tips, cheats, and secrets they learned while on the road with Ringling Bros. Circus -- tricks that will make your face cleaner and simpler to apply. When you apply your face up to 10x a week, 52 weeks a year, you get pretty good at it.
Wednesday 9:30-10:30am Main Ballroom Writing Big Time Comedy- Want to know how to write the perfectly hilarious clown gag? Brandon and Dustin will teach you their unique approach to gag writing and why it works. From figuring out your beginning, middle, and end, to coming up with comedic bits of business, this class will give you the tools necessary to ensure your material always gets the last laugh.
Wednesday 8:30-9:30pm (Approximately) Main Ballroom Q $ A After the Show- Ask our headliners questions about the show, about working with the Ringling Bros Circus, or about anything.
Thursday 10:45-11:45 Osage B Club Passing For Dummies- Two is better than one. Brandon and Dustin will teach you the basics of club passing with a partner. You'll learn the difference between "everys" and "every others," a "fast start" and "slow start," and much more. Bring your clubs and get ready to pass!
Friday 1:15-2:15 Osage A Hit Me!- This is slapstick class 101. Dustin and Brandon will teach you how to do everything your mother told you not to do to someone else -- without hurting them. Learn about eye pokes, slaps, ear pulls, head butts, and much more!
Saturday 4:00-5:00 Osage A Moving Like an Idiot- Part of being a clown is knowing how to move like one. In this workshop Brandon and Dustin will teach you how to utilize your body to convey your own unique clown character. Be prepared to let loose and act like an idiot in this intensely fun physical workshop
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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Thursday 2:30-3:30 Osage A Webpage Set-Up- (Lohren Meier & Dennis Porter are co-leading this workshop) Have you wanted a webpage for your business or do you want to improve your web presence. Learn some tricks of the trade for creating websites and learn some great resources and sites to help you create your website.
Saturday 10:45-11:45 Osage B How to Host a convention- Has your alley wanted to host a convention but did not know if that was possible or where to start? This workshop is for you. Learn some very important things to consider when hosting a convention from a veteran of conventions (Alley 217 has hosted two regional conventions and two International conventions besides other events),
Saturday 10:45-11:45 Osage B How to Host a convention- Has your alley wanted to host a convention but did not know if that was possible or where to start? This workshop is for you. Learn some very important things to consider when hosting a convention from a veteran of conventions (Alley 217 has hosted two regional conventions and two International conventions besides other events),
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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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Saturday 2:45-3:45 Osage C Fast & Fancy Balloon Twisting- Nicole began twisting in 1984. Back then they required you to blow them by mouth! Needless to say she has learned many tricks and tips over the years to not only make the whole process more enjoyable for the performer but A LOT faster. Her biggest claim to fame was twisting at all the Northern CA Krispy Kreme Grand Openings where she was asked to do 6 hour shifts non-stop. That’s when she was able to figure out JUST how fast she was. The grand total each store was 600 balloons! That’s 100 balloons/ hr.! Learn several of her favorite fast and fancy balloon creations.
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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Saturday 2:45-3:45 Osage A Parades-101- His first venture into clowning was in a parade and it has been his favorite event ever since. He has won numerous awards for paradeability competition and is now lecturing on the topic at clown conventions around the country. This lecture, covers what to do and not to do in parades; types of parade props that you can make, and Paradeability competition.
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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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Tuesday 1:00-2:00 Main Ballroom Tips for A Better Stage Presence- Take you performance to the next level by implementing these 16 easy but very helpful tips on stage presence. What better place to learn them but from the main stage of the convention.
Saturday 10:45-11:45 Osage A Professional Amateur or Quality Professional- Fixing those tiny mistakes that cause you to appear amateurish. When you grow up traveling with the carnival and circus, your very life centers around performance and presentation— just ask Roy Stone. Join this veteran speaker, magician, and ventriloquist as he shares trade secrets about the most important and often overlooked components of entertainment that keep performers—magicians, clowns, puppeteers, ventriloquists, and the like—from taking their careers to the next level. From costuming to character development, you will learn what it takes to move from being a hit-or-miss Professional Amateur to a prolific Quality Professional.
Saturday 10:45-11:45 Osage A Professional Amateur or Quality Professional- Fixing those tiny mistakes that cause you to appear amateurish. When you grow up traveling with the carnival and circus, your very life centers around performance and presentation— just ask Roy Stone. Join this veteran speaker, magician, and ventriloquist as he shares trade secrets about the most important and often overlooked components of entertainment that keep performers—magicians, clowns, puppeteers, ventriloquists, and the like—from taking their careers to the next level. From costuming to character development, you will learn what it takes to move from being a hit-or-miss Professional Amateur to a prolific Quality Professional.
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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Wednesday 10:45-11:45 Osage A The Business of Clowning- How many hats do you wear? Patti “Zazzi” Ummel had her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, and is a full-time variety entertainer for over 24 years. It doesn’t matter if you clown as a volunteer, hobby, part-time or full-time…this class is chocked full of valuable information. We will discuss the entire process of how to go about marketing yourself, promoting your business and talking to potential clients. We will also cover booking a gig (what to do and not to do), invoicing and contracts, expectations of the client, your expectations of the gig, Insurance, preparing for your gig, performance, selling yourself at the gig, following up after the gig, bookkeeping, and thank you’s.
Saturday 10:45-11:45 Osage C Who’s Line Is It ?…Controlling your Face Painting/Balloon Lines!- If you think performing for a 2-hour Face Painting or Balloon Twisting gig is easy…. you better think again! There is a lot of thought that goes into each and every gig you book. This class is targeted to entertainers that are either Face Painters and/or Balloon Artists whether you are in or out of clown. I will cover all aspects of how to manage and control your lines, customers and clients; as well as the factors that go into estimating how much time/how many entertainers you will need for the gig, working with other entertainers (may not be as easy as you think !), what designs to offer for Face Painting and Balloons, and explore the oh-so-many ways to cut your line off !
Saturday 10:45-11:45 Osage C Who’s Line Is It ?…Controlling your Face Painting/Balloon Lines!- If you think performing for a 2-hour Face Painting or Balloon Twisting gig is easy…. you better think again! There is a lot of thought that goes into each and every gig you book. This class is targeted to entertainers that are either Face Painters and/or Balloon Artists whether you are in or out of clown. I will cover all aspects of how to manage and control your lines, customers and clients; as well as the factors that go into estimating how much time/how many entertainers you will need for the gig, working with other entertainers (may not be as easy as you think !), what designs to offer for Face Painting and Balloons, and explore the oh-so-many ways to cut your line off !
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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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Thursday 9:30-10:30 Osage A Just What the Doctor Ordered- A fun class that deals with the do's and don'ts of hospital and nursing home clowning while giving you lots of ideas for entertaining those that are in need of a smile. Whether it is the patients or the nurses, you will have them all in stitches while leaving them with a smile.
Friday 9:30-10:30 Osage C To Skit or Not to Skit? That is the Question- Trying to find a funny skit for a show or competition and all your books are 15 to 20 years old and nothing is funny? What was funny back in 1960 may not be funny anymore and it may not be ‘politically correct’ either. This class will show you how to rework it, reword it, and make it your own.
Friday 9:30-10:30 Osage C To Skit or Not to Skit? That is the Question- Trying to find a funny skit for a show or competition and all your books are 15 to 20 years old and nothing is funny? What was funny back in 1960 may not be funny anymore and it may not be ‘politically correct’ either. This class will show you how to rework it, reword it, and make it your own.
