Barry “Grandma” Lubin – Grandma
was born on January 1, 1975 in
Venice, Florida. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College auditions in Boston
in the spring of 1974 changed his direction entirel y.
Barry has enjoyed a professional relationship with Nickelodeon Networks co -creating,
starring in, and executive producing two television pilots while partnering with renowned
director, Yvette Kaplan. Barry developed and directed comedy segments for MTV, CBS’s
Circus of the Stars, and many other projects both live and in television. Barry directed many
routines for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey’s touring units, for Big Apple Circus,
Sea World of Florida, Disneyland and Disneyworld, Clown College, and many others. Barry
was recentl y featured in the PBS mini -series, Circus, which chronicled a year on the road
with the Big Apple Circus. (www.pbs.org/circus) Barry has direct ed numerous shows for Big
Apple Circus outside the Big Top Touring Unit.
Barry enjoyed 5 seasons traveling with Ringling, a three year stand -up comedy stint in San
Diego, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York, 25 seasons with New York’s famed one ring
circus, Big Apple Circus where he became the “Face of the Big Apple Circus,” and numerous
other appearances around the world. Barry has continued to bring Grandma to audiences in
theaters, on television, in Festivals, and in other circuses in America, Europe, Asia , and
Oceania. He starred in Stars en Der Manege which was broadcast in 8 European markets,
Circo Massimo in Italy two times, and numerous other international television appearances.
In the US he has appeared on Prime Time Live, on the national broadcasts of the morning
programs on NBC, CBS, and ABC, on PBS’s Evening at Pops, on Late Night with David
Letterman 4 times, was featured on PBS’s mini -series, Circus produced by Show of Force,
and many others.
Barry was inducted into the International Clown Hall o f Fame in 2002, and the Sarasota Ring
of Fame in 2012, the highest honor in American Circus. He received the Lou Jacobs Lifetime
Achievement Award in 2007. He has appeared in the International Circus Festival of Monte
Carlo twice, the onl y American clown t o have received this honor. He has also appeared in
the International Circus Festivals in Hungary, in Izhevsk and Moscow, Russia. He is one of
onl y two American clowns to appear in the 80 year history of prestigious Wintercirckus of
Circus Krone in Munich where he was named, “The World’s Funniest Grandma.” He was
named onl y the 5th Legend of the Parade Award in the 75 year history of Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade, where he was a featured character in 15 appearances both live and
on NBC.
Character Development - Through the use of improvisation and fun musical exercises, we will
explore the possibilities for developing new characters as well as your existing character. Thinking
outside the box is what takes us as far as possible on this journey of development. With great risk comes
great rewards!
Writing – Using various techniques of improvisation as well as working in teams, we will actually
create new material on the spot. Bring a notebook as we will talk about many different techniques, easily
attained, to give our clowns the ability to get past "writer's block" and into a creative place.
Comedy Movement – Using music, slapstick, dance, and improvisation, we will have a fun time doing
what we do best, movement, but adding a little something extra to make it work even better.
Mentoring (The Art of Teaching the Art) – This will be a class where we will discuss what truly
works for you when you are being mentored/taught, and when you mentor others. I will talk about and
answer questions about what I do when mentoring someone, and we will discuss various ways to
successfully mentor new and also experienced clowns.
Business For Clowns: Bring a notebook – This class will be a discussion where we will compare
notes on how we get bookings and how to get better bookings and raise our rates when it is appropriate.
We will discuss using social media as a way of getting our business more recognition and how to handle
ourselves as a "business of one."
Bob “Mr. Puppet” Abdou – My name is Bob Abdou, stage name Mr.
Puppet. I have been a full time entertainer since 1996. I got my start in Atlanta, where
I got my stage name "Mr. Puppet". As a new ventriloquist, I was very privileged to
have many professional ventriloquists and puppeteers as friends and mentors early in
my career. I owe a debt of gratitude to folks who nurtured me. To those schools and
families that hired me when I was just starting out, I say, "Thank you." In Atlanta
after my career took off, I became a regular at schools and birthday parties and made
many special relationships there.
In 2002, I married my best friend, June Wilkins and moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where June was still
in seminary. Work in Philadelphia was just as successful as Atlanta for me and living on the East Coast made
me an even bigger Mets fan! June graduated and got called to a church in Austin, Texas and we moved there in
2003. Living in Austin has been fun and hot! Texas has given me an opportunity to bring great puppetry to the
Lone Star State (did I mention how hot it is here?? - It's HOT!) My goal in Texas is to prove that puppets and
ventriloquism can be entertainment for all ages - not just the little kiddies.
After 8 wonderful years in Texas and making puppetry a success, June and I have moved to Columbus, Ohio.
We are now in our new location and want to continue bringing laughter and fun with puppets to the Buckeye
State. My wonderful career has allowed me to meet wonderful people and has taken me to some of the most
beautiful places on earth. I've performed in many different states including Hawaii and Tokyo, Japan at the
Japanese Ventriloquist Convention in 2006.
One of my greatest experiences as a performer is when I perform at a party and all the adults are in another
room. The children laugh so much that the adults just have to see what all the commotion is about. When the
adults come see, they laugh out loud too!
It’s Alive - This is for the beginner clown that just bought or has a puppet but never uses it. This
lecture will give information on the different kinds of puppets, their functions and the basic use to a show
to get them started and get the puppet out of storage.
It’s Still Alive - This is for the clown performer that has a puppet and uses it occasionally but needs to
learn more on the do’s and don’ts of performing with a puppet. This is also hands on demonstration and
tons of audience participation.
Birthday Party Bookings - In my 17 years of full time performing, I have performed just about
6,000 shows and 1/3 of them are birthday parties. This lecture will show how to book a show on the
phone, paperwork information, performing at the show and tips on getting a tip, I get a lot of them,
there’s a trick to get them
Harry Allen – can make you laugh while he astounds you!!! He is one of the most
amazing magicians working today. Harry is a "magician's magician", and fantastic he is!!! His humorous magic
and personable manner make him one of the most popular magicians in the business. He is a veteran performer
who has just the right touch to entertain groups of magicians and clowns. His years of experience as a magic
dealer, performer and lecturer enable him to be the perfect host along with his partner Irv Cook. From
showmanship to sleight-of-hand, Harry is the total entertainment personality. He will make your attendance at
the Daytona Beach Festival of Magic a memorable one.
Magic While Face Painting – Do you want to laugh? Do you want to be amazed? Do you want to
take yourself to the next level as a performer? Your face painting gig will never be the same. Your
audience will want you back again and again.
Touch of Gospel Magic – A lecture on gospel and comedy magic that will help you become more of
an entertainer.
Angel’s Artistic Endeavors – Chicago 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. He has been on staff
at Clown Camp® since 1998 teaching clowns the art of simple cartooning and developing his own frolicking
clown character named simply, Mr. Angel. He has also been an instructor, teaching cartooning to clowns at the
Midwest Clown Round-up, FCM, Next Step, Comedy Magic Workshop, Circus Magic and Clownfest.
There have been Angel sightings at WCA and COAI Conventions, Randy Christensen's IMPACT Conferences,
and various clown alleys as well.
Angel provides the clown community with skilled, fun illustrations for self promotional use, and has developed
clown focused merchandise such as tee-shirts, tote bags, note cards, note pads and caps. Angel has currently put
out a line of clown stickers as well. Will his mind ever stop??? Beware his pen, he has one and is not afraid to
use it!
Makin’ Faces: Drawing Simple Cartoon Faces - This demonstration/hands-on session will
illustrate how simple lines and shapes can be used for drawing expressive cartoon faces. Clowns,
balloonists, or face painters can use these techniques to help give some extra character and uniqueness to
their craft. No prior art skills needed.
Schtickerology 101 - This class demonstrates creative and fun ideas for using a clown’s best friend –
the sticker. Turn a mere handout into an interactive and entertaining moment. Other topics include
sticker etiquette, using stickers for self promotion, as well as an opportunity to share and brainstorm.
Norm Barnhart - Norm is a full time comedy entertainer who has presented in
schools, fairs, festivals and corporate events in all 50 states and 5 other counties. He won 1st place in America's
Funniest Magician Contest in Las Vegas in 2007. Laughmaker's Magazine named him Laughmaker of the Year
in 1998. He enjoyed 1st for skit in the People's Choice Award at W.C.A. Convention in Alaska and was our
2008-2009 W.C.A. Clown of the Year. He likes pie.
Comedy & Magic with Balloons – Magic with balloons in amazing, and when you add Norm’s comedy
routines it’s astonishing and entertaining. Norm will show you how he changes red Kool-aid drink into
red balloons or makes a balloon dog jump through a balloon hoop. You’ll discover the secrets of how to
make Rudolph the balloon Reindeer fly, send a birthday card into a balloon, magically stack balloon
animals like magnetic acrobats, make an invisible balloon inflate and appear from no where. Audiences
gasp in amazement at the surprise ending of Norm’s original comedy routine “Harry Balloondini, the pin
Cushion Balloon.” It’s a fast and funny needle thru balloon routine that includes a surprise finish after
the balloon pops, the pieces are picked up and then, magically restored. The blown up balloon is then
handed out to a child from the audience, with many jokes and bits of business. This class covers many of
Norm’s cool balloon magic inventions that come with entertaining routines that delight audiences.
Paula Biggio from the Chicagoland area is a seasoned clown performer and storyteller
having worked over 23 years as a full time entertainer. She teaches at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse,
Clown Camp program, where she has been on staff for the past 17 years. She held the position of Education
Director for the World Clown Association for 4 years. She has performed and lectured throughout the United
States, Japan, Europe, Canada and Australia. She has been a keynote speaker at national and international clown
conventions for Clowns of America International and the World Clown Association. She has a bachelor's
degree from Rosary College and a strong background in both theatre and business.
Face Painting for Fun & Profits – Lecture - This lecture will explain and show the different
brands of face paints, sizes and styles of brushes, and other materials, which are necessary and available
for face painting. Discussion will cover booking into fairs, set-up, insurance, face painting charts and
general questions and answers.
Face Painting for Fun & Profits – Hands On - This session will give a step-by step
demonstration of different face painting 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 face paints
to class, so that they can follow along and practice the art of face painting.
Fancy Face Painting in a Flash - Make your face painting standout in a crowd. Learn to use
the latest techniques and products to enhance your own face painting style. Gems, jewels, glitter, dotters,
& stencils will be demonstrated. Appropriate for beginning to advanced face painters.
Ben "Hopper" Christensen – has performed all over the USA both with his
one-man-show and as a part of various productions including time spent with the Circus Hall of Fame and the
LOL Show. He took first place in a diabolo (Chinese yo-yo) competition at the MONDO, took gold at a World
Clown Association convention and walked away with the trophy at the talent competition for the International
FCM.
Growing up in a family of clowns it was not unusual to find Ben in the backyard or in the basement juggling,
practicing magic tricks, or working on a new clown routine. Ben has successfully made the transition to the
stage where he has shared his talents with thousands.
Old Tricks, New Ideas - Come and catch a glimpse into the mind of Ben Christensen. In this class we
will take standard magical props (i.e. change bag, break-a-part wand) and give them a new twist. You
can do so much more than what the directions say! If you are have a prop and don't know what to do
with it bring it along too. This class will cover original material by Ben as well as some of the most
innovative ideas used by performers today.
Beginning Juggling - A class in which the basic building blocks of juggling will be discussed and
practiced. A hands-on learning experience with personal instruction. Other basic circus skills (plate
spinning, balancing, diabolos, and flower stixs) will also be demonstrated. Come and learn a valuable tool
to be incorporated into your clowning.
Randy "Simon De Clown" Christensen – is from Willmar, Minnesota.
Randy is truly a “clown’s clown”. Talent, wit, gentleness and passion are only a few of Randy’s inner talents.
His performances are captivating and family focused. Audiences love him as if they‘ve been best friends for
years and he’s just hanging out in their living room. His energy is infectious.
The Body Speaks - Mime movement techniques based on the Del Sarte and DeCroux mime methods
are taught in practical immediately applicable segments.
Slapstick and Physical Comedy - Trips, falls, slaps, chair tipovers, ladder falls, and more. From the
simple, non-athletic, funny stuff all the way to the broad circus slapstick is demonstrated.
Scott Correll has been performing comedy magic for over thirty years. He has won
numerous national magic awards for his comedy and originality. He has also created many original magic
props. He will show you some of his best comedy magic with easy to make props. He will also tickle your mind
with easy sight gags using simple magic. He also does fantastic magic with BUBBLES. Everybody of all ages
loves bubbles. Don't miss out on these fantastic lectures.
Unbelievable Magic – Scott will show all types of wands to use as comedy props. He also teaches how
to make magical comedy props that have been in his hilarious comedy show for years.
WANDerful Comedy Magic - Scott will teach you to blow a bubble you can bounce and hold on the
palm of your hand. He will also show you many tricks with all types of bubbles that you can do.
Martin D’Souza - has been in the business of Entertainment since 1990. His
exposure to international clowning took shape when he was awarded the Mark Anthony Scholarship to attended
Clown Camp at Wisconsin, USA in 2006. Since then Martin has been closely associated with WCA.
Martin is an Entertainer, Entrepreneur and the producer of the International Clown Festival in India. As an MC,
Martin has evolved his own personal style. He is spontaneous and fun. With over 20 years of stage experience,
Martin is a natural on stage. Whether it's a serious corporate conference, an employee engagement program, a
fun party or a personal event, Martin brings a touch of class to it. He has briefly dabbled with Radio and
Voiceovers. However his main passion has been the stage. From innovative games and fun activities combined
with his knowledge of magic and entertainment, no event is ever forgotten for a long time.
www.martindsouza.com and www.flubbertheclown.com
How to be a Great MC - In this class you will learn the Difference between Announcer, Compere,
Commentator and MC. You will pick up handy tips on how to be a great MC: Acts, tricks, Lines, jokes,
anecdotes that can go with any event.
Dave Hill - Dave has been clowning professionally for nearly 20 years, first put on
greasepaint 33 years ago, and was Class Clown since 1st grade. He has been a featured
entertainer and lecturer at nearly every WCA and COAI event across the U.S. and still
performs over 250 shows each year. He lives his motto "If you can't have Fun, you
might as well stay home."
Fun and Games with Balloons - Learn and play games using animal balloons and novelty balloons.
This is a fun, hands on class which requires absolutely no twisting skills. Great for Birthday Parties,
Daycares, Church events, and anywhere you just want to have fun.
Blues Brothers
Dana Hill - Performing since the ripe old age of 8, Dana has really grown up as a clown. He
specializes in balloons and magic, and was recently voted the only two time champion in close-up magic at the
Daytona Festival of Magic. You'll love hearing his fresh new ideas.
Performing for Restaurants – Learn fun and easy effects and routines to entertain at restaurants and
strolling events. Also, ideas for getting and keeping steady and good paying jobs.
Adran Revindren @ Jelly - is well known as Jelly which is his character
name. He runs an entertainment company, Jelly & Frenz Entertainment and also an event management company
namely, Jelly & Frenz Eventz Asia Sdn Bhd. He started his magical career when he was just 15 years old, as a
clown. This multi-talented person has developed successfully into a professional clown, magician, event
organizer and Master of Ceremony as well, as meeting and talking to people is part of his core criteria in his
job. He’s also a member of World Clown Association and Clowns of America International. He has also
recently won 3rd place in The Qualatex Event Malaysia 2011 in the Busking category.
Basic Balloon Twisting - This workshop include proper techniques of inflating and tying balloons
and basic balloon twist as fold, bubble, ear twist, tulip.
At the End of this workshop, you will be able to sculpture Rabbit, Flower, Sword, Gun, Bear, Heart,
bracelet and more.
Advance Balloon Twisting – This workshop is to teach more advanced techniques to balloon
twisting. This class covers working in the field and choosing the different sizes of balloons for twisting.
At the end of this workshop, you will be able to sculpture more complicated designs and combine
more than one balloon in one sculpture.
John “JAY JAY” Joseph – In 1982, he started clowning with the Medinah Shrine
Clown Unit, Chicago, IL. Started as a White Face Clown, then as a Tramp Clown. He won numerous awards
competing both within the Shrine and against professional clowns. Jay Jay is now Goofer an Auguste Lite
clown who appears regularly at the Chicago Shrine Hospital as Dr. Goofer.
Jay Jay has been a lecturer at numerous clown gatherings around the country. He is Past President of the Great
Lakes Shrine Clown Units Association (2010), Past Chief Joey of the Midwest Clown Association (2002-04).
Was inducted into the MCA Hall of Fame (1998) and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from MCA in
2012.
Jay Jay and his Lady Judy have four grown children and seven grand children. Jay Jay has been in the
insurance industry for over 30 years and also served in the United States Navy Reserve for 28 years.
Why we work parades? - Over 100 parade ideas, Safety, Clown etiquette, general parade tips
on dressing for the weather and props and a discussion about why we parade.
Aurora “BeBop” Krause - began her adventure into the world of clowning
in 1995. Within the first few years she joined several clown organizations. She quickly
ventured into every aspect of clowning in order to gain the knowledge she needed to develop
her clown character, “Bebop”. As her years and experience in clowning grew, Aurora began to
provide her local Clown Alley with classes in clowning and also taught clowning courses at
local school districts in their Community Education program. These opportunities inspired her
interest in teaching classes and workshops in the “Art of Clowning“. Since 2004 Aurora has
been on staff at educational clown programs and conventions such as; Clown Camp-La Crosse,
ComediFest, Joey To the World, California Clown Campin’, Northwest Festival of Clowns, The
Association of Applied & Therapeutic Humor (AATH), Hazme Reir II (a clown conference in
Puerto Rico) World Clown Association (WCA), Texas Clown Association (TCA), SouthEast
Clown Association (SECA) and the ‘Next Step Workshop’ for Advanced Clowning. In July
2013 Bebop will be the featured clown at the Texas Clown Associations convention in Dallas
and she’ll again be an instructor at the annual SouthEast Clown Association (SECA) convention
in Florida this Sept. 2013.
Aurora also travels to various states and Clown Alleys conducting her weekend clown
workshop “Spotlight on Clowning” which she has developed with a focus on both education
and entertainment. Her goals as an instructor are to teach with enthusiasm in order to inspire all
clowns to represent the Art of Clowning with dedication and respect.
Aurora was honored with the “2006 Ambassador of Clowning” by TCA, this being the highest
honor given to a Texas clown. She is also the recipient of other honors including; 2002 “All
Around Clown” and “Clown of the Year 2009” both from WCA. In addition she has won
numerous clowning awards in make-up/costume, skit and performance competitions. She also
continues to write articles on clowning topics for clown publications distributed worldwide.
Using Body Movement and Facial Expressions - Because energy and enthusiasm are great
elements in clowning, physical movements and facial expressions are a major part of successful
clowning. This class will cover how basic movements can become comedy antics that create
entertainment.
Clowning with Music - Learn to use music as your partner; it adds to your performance and assists in
structuring your act/presentation. Use it from the point of introduction to closing your show and
everything in between. Music is not limited to stage performances’ it can be an essential part when
clowning for one or one-hundred.
Molly “Skiddles” Kleeman - has been performing full time as SKiDDLES
the Clown since 1996 and founded SKiDDLES SHOESMART in 2006. She has been stiltwalking for over a
decade and riding a unicycle since she was young. In addition to performing at thousands of events over the
years, Molly has attended, competed at, taught at, judged competitions for, and/or was a vendor at: WRCA
(only missed 1 since '96); The 1st Annual Clown Festival India 2010 (the reason WRCA was missed once!);
Great Clown Adventure; Clown Camp Canada; Clowns Canada Carnivale; SECA; COAI; and WCA
Conventions. She has won over 40 awards at these events and is WCA's “2012 Clown of the Year”. Molly has
been the Colorado Rep. for WRCA since 1996, has served in many positions for her local alley, a term and a
half as WCA's Southwest Director and 3 years as WCA's Convention Chair. Want to know what all those
initials stand for? Ask her, she's NICE!
My Birthday Party – SKiDDLES will perform her birthday party show! After this action packed,
laugh filled half hour show SKiDDLES will explain all tricks used in the show and answer general
questions about doing birthday parties.
Making Mouth Coils the EASY Way! - In this hands-on workshop participants will make mouth
coils using tissue paper, tape, scissors and paint stirrers. Using this technique they can be made in a small
space.
Val “Puff the Clown” Meiners – Puff has been sharing joy with
children since 1980 and is the co-owner Laughter Without Borders Ltd established in 2005. Puff, along with
her partner in fun DeeDee the Clown, performed at the First International Clown Festival Mumbai India
November 2010, Puff has trained at the World's Largest Clown School from 2004-2009 by Ringling Brothers
and other professionals from around the World, 5 years at clown camp at the University of Wisconsin Clown
Camp in La Crosse Wisconsin, 2010 Winner of the World Clown Association White Face Clown Competition,
began clowning in 1980 with the Chimo Clowns of Winnipeg, has taught basic clowning to adults in a
classroom setting for 3 years at an Adult Education facility skills include magic, face painting, balloon
sculpting, juggling, co-operative games, crafts, Clown Ministry and safety clowning, specializes in Fear Free
birthday parties for the very young child, and attended Clown Camp 2005, 06, 07, and 2009. Instructor and on
the Board of Directors at California Clown Campin’ in 2010 as well as the World Clown Association
Convention held in April 2010
Fear Free Clowning - This class will give you the tools to introduce clowning to an audience that may
have fears. The focus is on clowning for the very young.
Tricia “Pricilla Mooseburger” Manuel - Tricia is the unmistakable
“Pricilla Mooseburger”! She got her start in clowning in the 80’s with Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus
and Disneyland. Tricia went on to create the costume company Pricilla Mooseburger Originals. Clown Arts
education is the love of her life; she teaches all aspects of clowning and produces some of the finest educational
programs for clowns and children entertainers. Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp has become one of the top
training facilities for all types of clowns in the country. She gives 100% of herself to her students and it shows!
Clown Costumes that Work – Pricilla will teach you the tricks of the trade whether you buy or make
your own costumes. She will cover useful sewing tips as well as terrific ideas for you to put together your
own working wardrobe. (Handouts included)
Extreme Clown Make Over - Pricilla will use her years of make-up expertise to transform
volunteers from the class into clowns before your very eyes! You will learn application skills as well as
information on the latest make-up products and how to use them on your skin type and choice of
character. (Useful handouts included.) This class can be followed by hands on Make-up Lab. Additional
assistance is required in order for everyone to get the help they need.
Posing for Pictures and Working with the Media - Working with the media is a clowns’ best
friend for free publicity. Make sure you never take a bad picture again or get lost on the cutting room
floor! Let Pricilla’s 30 years of experience work for you whether you are a professional or volunteer
clown.
Lee "Juggles" Mullally - Lee is past president of the World Clown
Association and the South East Clown Association. He has held numerous positions in WCA
and SECA and was honored as the 1994 WCA Clown of the Year. “Juggles” has been
recognized for his achievements in clowning by receiving many awards. He is currently the
Assistant Director of Clown Camp® at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Developing and Performing Skits - Participants will be exposed to what constitutes a skit, some
resources for skits, the basic three elements of a skit, and items that should be considered when
developing and performing skits.
What Does this Prop Do? - Props that can be used in a variety of settings will be demonstrated and
the reasons for using the props will be discussed. Participants will explain some basic characteristics of
useful props. The participants will be shown props and asked how the props could be used.
Randall “Circles the Clown” Munson – a gifted
entertainer and exceptional teacher, has been entertaining professionally since 1972 when he fulfilled his
childhood goal to become a clown when he grew up. Besides being one of America's top clowns,
"CIRCLES the Clown,” he is a master magician, ventriloquist, professional speaker, and best- selling
author. He is also one of America’s most sought after lecturers and teachers in these fields. Randall has one
of the most creative minds in the world of clowning. He has been the recipient of over 40 national and
international awards for his performances.
You may have seen him in newspapers, magazines, or in one of his many TV appearances in the US and
Europe. He has presented live performances in 40 countries across 6 continents for groups including the
Minnesota Vikings half-time show, Bally's Grand in Las Vegas Emmett Kelley Jr. Circus, Ringling Brothers
and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disneyland, Disney World, and The White House!.
Ventriloquism for Dummies And Those Who Have a Hand in Making Them Talk - In this
class, you will learn the main elements of ventriloquism. We will dispel some of the myths and share
many of the insights into the art. If you are new to ventriloquism, you will discover that you really are
able to do it yourself. If you are already a practicing vent (like doctors, we are all continuing our
practice), you will find some new insights and tips to help improve your performances. Join in the fun
and laugh as you learn to talk to yourself in a whole new way.
Tips of the Trade - This is a circus-wagon-full of great ideas, helpful hints, and problem-prevention
techniques that have been discovered through more than 40 years of professional performance
experience. These class is packed full of clever secrets you won’t see in books or in any other lecture.
These simple, powerful ideas can make your life as a performer much better and much easier.
Desi “Dizzy” Payne – has been Dizzy since 1997 but she has worked with children for over
25 years. She is seen weekly on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and daily on the Smile of a
Child television network. She is the producer of 52 on-line Bible videos which can be seen on
her web-site, www.timewithdizzy.com. She has done commercials for PaPa Murphy’s Pizza, is
an author of several books and promotes reading and strong character through her many school
assemblies. She clowns weekly at a local hospital and cancer center and has a BA in Christian
Education.
“Oodles of Church Ministry Ideas” - 30 years as Children’s Pastor has given
Desi the foundation to minister as Dizzy in churches. Ideas will be given on themed programs,
object lesson ideas and are you hungry? Desi will teach you how to find items in a grocery
store that can teach gospel messages. Bunches of bananas, I mean ideas will be shared.
J. T. “Bubba” Sikes – A dynamic clown, author, instructor and
motivational speaker, J.T. Sikes is recognized as one of the premier Ministry Clowns
in the country. He has the extraordinary knack of communicating with you the
moment you first meet. His character, "Bubba", is a wonderful, creative and
charismatic clown, that delights and amuses audiences with his very positive style of
clowning. This warm and whimsy character will get into your heart and make you
laugh every time you think of him.
Traveling from coast to coast, Bubba has performed and lectured in churches,
hospitals, nursing homes, clown alleys and at National and Regional Conventions.
His teaching, mentoring and performing has inspired clowns throughout the world. J.T. was Co-Director of
Advanced Studies in the Art of Clowning. He has served on staff at The American Clown Academy, Advanced
Studies, Clownfest, Circus Magic and ClownJam. He is an award winning clown in Makeup, Single Skit, Group
Skit, Gospel Skit and Parades. He is regarded as one of the best clown makeup artists in the country. In 1997,
Bubba was featured on opening night at the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. This was the first time this
organization has ever featured a clown on opening night. On February 19th, 2011, J.T. "Bubba" Sikes was the
First Inductee into the Show Me Clowns for Jesus "Ministry Clown Hall of Fame".
Using All of the Tools For The Kingdom ... Clown Ministry - In this class you will be shown
how to use Balloons, Puppets, Music, Singing, Object Lessons, Face Painting, and Story Telling for
Christ. We will also discuss places you can use these tools IN and OUT of the church. This is a hands on
lab. Be willing to try something new!
"YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL .... DARLING" ... ADVANCED MAKE-UP APPLICATION - I truly believe
that you need to be, and look your very BEST each time you put on your grease paint. Clowning deserves
only the Very Best you have to offer. You will learn the proper way to apply make-up for the
"Professional Look". How to blend colors to accent your face. New and faster products available. If you
learn the secrets early in your clowning, it will make you enjoy putting that face on each time. We teach
both BEGINNING & ADVANCED Make-up CLASSES. Powder without a huge powder cloud or mess.
This class has something NEW for all experience levels with makeup ....
Sandi “Ida Know” Sylvester – Costumes by Betty
Cash - My name is Sandi Sylvester and I am the new owner of Costumes By Betty. I bought the business
from Betty and her family when she decided to retire in 2012. Betty is so important to the clown world that I
felt it was important to keep her name and costumes going. I kept everything the same with the
business....name, website, phone number, etc. I also wanted Betty's designs to be available to future clowns. I
have known Betty for many years and we talked sewing costumes many times. I have clowned for about 10
years. I live in Eureka, Illinois with my husband and youngest daughter, Emma, who is 15.
Basic Costumes - Basic class on the types of costumes there are for each type of clown and how to come
up with a do-it-yourself costume and costume care.
Janet “Jelly Bean” Tucker - In 1977, Janet was doing marionette shows with
her husband, Larry, when she took a clown class to add to her skills in children’s entertainment…and Jelly Bean
was born. Since that time, Jelly Bean has been developing as a clown and entertainer. She is a Past President
of the World Clown Association, was an Artist in Residence for 4 years for Clowns of America International,
has taught clown arts at Clown Camp®, University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, WI since 1983, is the Chairman of
the Clown Department of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians, has been President of two local clown alleys,
Michiana Clowns and Calumet Clowns, and is currently the Vice President of the World Clown Association,
President of Calumet Clowns, and Treasurer for the Midwest Clown Association. Jelly Bean was a delegate to
the International Clown Summit in Dalkeith, Scotland, has served on the Board of Directors of the International
Clown Hall of Fame, was the World Clown Association Clown of the Year in 2002 and received the Lifetime
Achievement Award of the Midwest Clown Association in 2004. Jelly Bean has clowned in England, Scotland,
the Philippines, and clowned at the International World’s Fair in Aichi, Japan, in June of 2005. Jelly Bean has
written several books on clown ministry and performs over 250 shows a year for parties, corporate events,
schools, festivals and clown ministry programs.
Laughter is Good Medicine - A look at the gentle qualities of a caring clown: the clown who makes a
special visit to the terminally ill child, the loving birthday clown who takes the time to build up a child’s
self-esteem, the heart of a clown that reaches out in response to those in nursing homes, hospitals, specialeducation centers, prisons. Includes a look at tried-and-true routines for the caring clown.
Merilyn Barrett Photographer -
is a seasoned clown photographer of
35 years. A member of COAI, MCA, and WCA. Her photography has been published in
numerous magazines both nationally and internationally. Merilyn is a passionate detailed
photographer who strives to achieve the “ahhh” response. Famous quotation, “Pop your
Eyes”.
Merilyn will be taking photos throughout the convention. If you appear in makeup during
the convention your photo will appear on the Convention DVD.
Dale Landis - Dale started clowning in Germany in 1964 and
Marion joined him after a couple of our 25 years at Clown Camp. We started making props when the dog ate
Fritzi's zipper banana that he needed for shows with Artists-in-Schools in Columbus, OH. All the friends,
traveling, and fun we have had through clowning are priceless!
Sam “Uncle Button” Tee - Malaysian born clown Sam Tee has been
in the industry for more than 18 years. He travels extensively and has done numerous of
functions and occasions, teaching & performing locally & abroad. The highlights includes :
- World Clown Conference, Kuching 2013
- Flora festival, Taiwan 2011
- World Expo Aichi, Japan 2005
- Clown Camp USA, UK, Singapore, Japan & India. 2002-2012
- Clown A Round The World' Festival Singapore & Malaysia
He is also involved with several Non-Profit Humanitarian organization in
Post disaster mission to several country such as:
Indian Tsunami, earthquake in Bam, Iran, Pakistan & Sichuan, China.
Using Humor as a form of therapy for psycho-social program.
From birthday parties to corporate shows, Uncle Button has brought
memorable experience bringing cheer & laughter to all ages and races.
His motto: ' A Happy heart does good like a medicine'