International Clown Hall of Fame to Open Doors on May 21.

ENTER LAUGHING! 

Baraboo’s International Clown Hall of Fame & Research Center Opens For Funny Business On Friday, May 21, 2010

 

Baraboo, WI (April 29, 2010) -- The world’s foremost organization dedicated to the preservation of the art, craft and history of clowning will open its doors in Baraboo on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 10 am. 

The International Clown Hall of Fame & Research Center is located at 102 4^th Avenue in historic Downtown Baraboo, the city that gave birth to Ringling Bros. Circus.  

“Over the past four months we've been involved in the happy task of sorting and cataloguing the world's largest archive of clown artifacts,” says Greg DeSanto, Executive Director of the Hall.  “From the cash box built by August Ringling for his sons’ very first circus performance to the scrapbooks of legendary circus clowns such as Poodles Hanneford, Mark Anthony, the Sherman Brothers to authentic vaudeville contracts, personal effects, costumes, props and correspondence of some of the greatest funnymen on earth, it is our honor and privilege to preserve this priceless resource.”

 

“The clowns who left their professional lives in our care loved their work and their careers, opening their hearts to audiences on a daily basis.  We are extremely excited to be able to share these artifacts and the fascinating stories behind them.” 

In addition to the priceless archives, visitors will see a clowning “Wall of Fame,” honoring the exceptional group of international funny folk who have been enshrined in the Hall. 

“The ICHOF has been embraced by the Baraboo community in every sense of the word,” DeSanto adds.  “Without the support of downtown businesses, local government officials, circus fans and enthusiasts and friends, this opening would have never happened.” 

The Clown Hall of Fame will be open six days a week from 10am to 5pm.  Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for children and seniors.  Rates for groups are also available. 

For further information, call (608-355-0321) or visit the Hall’s website at www.theclownmuseum.com  

“We are honored to join the Circus World Museum and the Al Ringling Theater as key spokes in Baraboo’s celebrated wheel of circus history,” DeSanto concludes.   “We look forward to welcoming you to the legends of laughter.”  

9th Annual Juggle This! At Pratt in Brooklyn April 8-11

NYC's 9th Annual Juggling Festival!
Thursday April 8- Sunday April 11, 2010

At Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY

Juggling, workshops, games, shows, prizes, special guests, a raffle and more!!

For more information click the links to the right. All events open to the public.

JUGGLING AT PRATT STUDENT UNION
Thursday 7-11 pm (open juggling)
NOTE: NYC Jugglers will not be meeting at the Tony D Rec Center.

JUGGLING AT PRATT ACTIVITIES RESOURCE BUILDING
Friday 5-10:30 pm (open juggling)
Saturday 10 am-7 pm (open juggling & workshops)
Sunday 10 am-5 pm (open juggling, workshops, & games)
FREE and open to the public. Appropriate for all ages. No experience necessary.

SHOW SPECTACULAR AT PRATT MEMORIAL HALL
Saturday 7:30 pm
Featuring world-class local and international talent.
General Admission $10
General admission $10 BUY TICKETS NOW
Advance purchase recommended as the show will sell out.
Online ticket sales end Friday at 7pm.
Tickets will also be available in the ARC on Friday & Saturday.

LATE SHOW AT PRATT STUDENT UNION
Saturday Following Show Spectacular (approx. 11pm)
FREE Open Stage "Renegade" Show.
Parental discretion is advised.

Juggle This is hosted by Jugglers Anonymous: the Pratt Chapter with support from the NYC Jugglers.

Find out more about NYC juggling clubs here.

For full details including directions , visit the Juggle NYC website: http://www.jugglenyc.com

NY Downtown Clown Golden Nose Awards

NEW YORK DOWNTOWN CLOWN
GOLDEN NOSE AWARDS

The New York Downtown Clown Golden Nose Awards

Monday, April 19th, 2010
Red Carpet Arrivals 7:30 pm
Presentation set to begin at 8pm
The Kraine Theatre 85 E 4th St (btwn 2nd Ave & Bowery)

Tickets are not for sale.
To request tickets email info@newyorkdowntownclown.com

Dress: Formal Attire- Noses Optional

Winners of Audience Choice Awards will be announced on April 19th 2010 at The Golden Nose Ceremony and award statues will be given out to the winners.
...

THE 2010 New York Downtown Clown GOLDEN NOSE AWARD NOMINEES ARE:
(nominees appear in alphabetical order) 

Audience Choice Best Clown Act:                  
ICETACLES! The Last Chance of A LIfetime, Created and performed by: Lynn Berg, Audrey Crabtree, Jonathan Kaplan, Maria Parra, Jeff Seal and Shawn Wickens
Choreography by Ronald Hoffman
Kiki and Ted, by Aya Tucker and Aram Alan Aghazarian
Magic!, by Joel Jeske, Mike Richter, and Christopher Lueck
Otto and Lewis, by Matthew Duncan and Brian Foley, aka Bambouk Clown Theatre.
Audience Choice Best Clown Character:       
Brett Alters- Squeeks the Clown
Eric Davis- Red Bastard
Olivia Lehrman-Ms. Pretty Smart
Roland Zwicker Jr.- Roland Zee
Clown of The Year:
Eric Davis will be awarded the 2010 Clown of the Year Award for his unparalleled service to the clown community. This year alone Mr. Davis directed Kill Me Loudly:  A Clown Noir, taught workshops in Bouffon and Clown, was a finalist for the Andy Kaufman Award at Caroline's Comedy Club, and is a curator for the upcoming NY Clown Theatre Festival. Mr. Davis’ artistic work serves as an ambassador of American performance to the world. He has performed his famed Red Bastard character around the globe including shows in Canada, Europe, and Australia. His work is completely valued by his peers and therefore has workshopped Ovo and the new Kodak Theater project, both for Cirque du Soleil. It is with great respect and gratitude that New York Downtown Clown presents the 2010 Clown of The Year Award to Eric Davis.
Clown Organization of The Year:
Big Apple Circus Clown Care

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.

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New York Downtown Clown is proud to present the ONLY Clown Awards Show in North America- The New York Downtown Clown Golden Nose Awards.

This fourth-time annual event will honor Clown Excellence from performances of the New York Downtown Clown Monthly Revue’s 2010 year. In addition to the awards presented, the evening will include performances, door prizes, red carpet, and audience participation games with prizes. The show will also feature Clown Superstar Presenters.

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE SHOW

AWARD CATAGORY EXPLANATIONS 

The Audience Choice Awards go to the clown or clown group which receives the most votes over the past year at The New York Downtown Clown Revue performances in a specific category. The four Nominees are the top four most voted for in each category. The one with the most votes in a category is the winner of that category and will be announced at the Golden Nose Awards Ceremony on May 19th.

Clown Organization of the Year goes to the company or group that has accomplished an outstanding clown achievement. This award goes to large scale achievements which serve the clown community as a whole or to achievements of clown work for commercial/mass appeal. Nomination and Award are at the discretion of New York Downtown Clown producers.

To be eligible for the Clown of the Year category, the clown must have appeared on stage or in a film of the current year’s Clown Revue. This award is for individual clowns that work professionally and artistically and have also made contributions to the larger clown community through education, mentorship, directing, producing, and/or other forms. Nomination and Award are at the discretion of New York Downtown Clown producers.

This is the only Clown Awards Show in North America.

Call for submissions 2010 Toronto Festival of Clown

Call for submissions 2010 Toronto Festival of Clowns

From June 3rd to 6th, 2010, some of the World's best Clown and Physical performers will take over 6 Noble Street, the beautiful Pia Bauman School of Creative Movement.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL.

The Toronto Festival of Clowns aims to bring together clowns and physical theatre artists of all disciplines and backgrounds and provide a common space to showcase their work. 

Now entering its 5^th year, the festival continues to encourage the risk and exploration of the clown, hosting new and established works that inspire and delight. 

Past festivals have hosted some of North America’s top clowns, including David Craig (Roseneath Theatre, Napalm the Magnificent), Eric Davis (Red Bastard), Michelle Smith and Dean Gilmour (Theatre Smith-Gilmour), Sue Morrison (Institute of Canadian Clowning), John Turner (Mump & Smoot), and Leah Cherniak (Theatre Columbus).

Call for performers
They are looking for 4 full-length productions with a maximum show length of 60 minutes.  All forms and styles of clowning and physical theatre are encouraged to apply – Red nose, mask, bouffon, character pieces, acrobatics, et al.  Please note that the festival is not tailored towards children.
How to Apply
Your application should include the following:

1. Primary contact name, phone, snail and email addresses
2. The title of your piece, playwright, genre and running time
3. Performer/company names and bios
4. Short description of piece/Letter of intent (maximum 3 pages)
5. Photos are very important for us to have to get some visual sense of your show/what you’re working on.  Hard copies are great or digital files – send to festival@torontoclown.com
6. Video (optional)
7. Technical or other special requirements (we may be able to accommodate these with enough notice)
8. 2 cheques/money orders payable to Canada Clown:
1. a non-refundable $25 CDN administration fee
2. $150 production fee: This will ONLY be cashed if your show is accepted into the Festival – if your show is not accepted, the cheque will be destroyed

They must receive your application on or before Monday March 22^nd, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. On or before April 5^th you will be contacted regarding the status of your application.  Should your show be accepted, you will be notified at this time of performance dates and times.

NOTE:  If you withdraw from the festival after April 19^th, you will lose 50% ($75) of your production fee.  If you withdraw from the festival less than one month prior to your performance date, your $150 production fee will not be refunded. 
To apply send your submission to:  
Toronto Festival of Clowns
551 Concord Ave. #1
Toronto, ON, M6H 2R2
What you get:

• 2 performance dates and times over the duration of the festival.
• All performances in a newly renovated 115 seat theatre, with back stage access and a back cross
• Basic festival lighting and sound capability
• 2 lighting specials per company
• A green room
• Blanket festival publicity – the Festival has been featured in the Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, CBC, Andy Barrie in the morning, NOW Magazine and the Festival has also served as a scouting ground for Cirque du Soleil.
• 75% percent of the ticket money sold for your show.  Single tickets will cost $10.   

NOTE:  You must PROVIDE YOUR OWN STAGE MANAGER for your production should you be accepted into the Festival.

If you have any questions please feel free to email:  festival@torontoclown.com

The Holey Trinity of Festival Producers:
Dave McKay, Adam Lazarus, Sarah Buski

I am my own commedia mask

In honor of International Commedia Dell'arte day, I took a series of self-portraits with my ibook camera that I am titling "I am My Own Commedia Mask"

Masks? I don't need no stinkin' masks! :o)


I've attached the slideshow here. But if you can't see them because you don't get flash, visit http://bit.ly/commedia_faces for the FLICKR page.

February 25: International Commedia Dell'Arte Day

(Thanks to new papa Brian Foley for bringing this to my attention!) He'll also be performing at the View Theatre, Roy Arias Studios on Feb 25 in celebration.  See the postcard below for details)

Associazione SAT

has proclaimed February 25, 2010, a worldwide Commedia dell'Arte Day

Simultaneous events will occur all around the world as theatre companies, scholars, students, and audiences celebrate Commedia dell'Arte on Feb 25, 2010. There will be shows, conferences, lectures, and workshops in dozens of global cities. This worldwide festival is promoted by the Italian cultural association SAT and organized by Faction of Fools using viral and grassroots tools, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

View the current list of worldwide participants!

For more information, email them, join the Facebook group “Commedia
dell'Arte Day,” and become a "Facebook fan" of Faction of Fools.

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Theatre companies--large and small--will produce shows in the style of Commedia dell'Arte using traditional character types and scenarios. On Feb 25th, events will occur in hundreds of cities as diverse as Boston, Barcelona, Bangkok, and Beirut. The flagship event will be in Bologna where SAT and La Fraternal Compagnia will host an international conference of prominent European scholars and performers. Other companies are invited to produce events in their own cities and may utilize the free scripts and performance guides that are available on the Faction of Fools website http://www.factionoffools.org.

Commedia will also be in the classroom as theatre instructors dedicate their February 25th class time to Commedia dell'Arte at drama schools and universities around the world. Primary and secondary school teachers in the US can find easy-to-use, free curriculum that will aid them in teaching a lesson on Commedia dell'Arte tailored to their theatre, art, history, literature, or language classes. Curriculum will be available on the Faction of Fools website in January.

Did you know that Commedia dell' Arte is not recognized
as a "World Cultural Heritage"?

The United Nations' cultural wing (UNESCO) has officially recognized indigenous theatre traditions such as Japan's Noh and Kabuki; however, the famous "stock characters" of Commedia dell'Arte--Arlecchino (Harlequin), Pulcinella, Dottore (the Doctor), Pantalone (the Pantaloon), Scapin (Scapin), and Scaramuccia (Scarmouche)--have yet to be acknowledged.

The Italian cultural association SAT is petitioning the nation of Italy and the United Nations (UNESCO) for official recognition of this famous and monumental theatre form, and Faction of Fools is proud to support this appeal.

To organize a “Commedia dell'Arte Day” event in a theatre or classroom near you or for more information about SAT's petition for recognition of Commedia dell'Arte as "World Cultural Heritage," email Faction of Fools Artistic Director Matthew R. Wilson.

Commedia dell'Arte Day is promoted by SAT and is organized by Faction of Fools and the SAT project incommedia.it.

Clown Car Commercial for KCI

This commercial has a lot of great elements in it, and to my mind, uses the clowns in just the right way.
(Thanks to Toto Johnson for pointing this out, and being in the commercial to boot!)

Rhett and Link's T-Shirt War

Not saying these guys are actually clowns, but there are a lot of great clown ideas here, and really well executed use of stop motion.  The gag of pulling real stuff out of the shirt or vice versa is really well used.  Almost an object lesson in one-upsmanship and clowning, but in a film form that would be a little harder to pull off on stage.    And their marketing of the shirts afterward is great too.

A couple of these effects have me thinking...

You can find out more about these guys at their website: http://rhettandlink.com/

I'm definitely planning on taking a look at the rest of their pieces, based on this one.

Flying Karamazov Brothers in NY through March 7

World renowned juggling group who don't fly, aren't brothers, and aren't Russian, the Flying Karamazov Brothers are performing their show 4Play at the Minetta Lane Theater until March 7th.  If you don't know them, you should.  They are fantastic!  Actually, an earlier iteration of their show that they performed one summer at Trinity Rep got me interested in vaudeville.  I must have seen that cabaret 10 or 12 times as an usher!  (Yes, FKB, it's ALL your fault!)  

 

If you go to the box office at the theater, you can avoid the $7 "service" charge from Ticketmaster.

If you're on the fence, just watch this video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gALkHQnPPn0

Click Here Call 212-307-4100 Minetta Lane Theatre 18 Minetta Lane New York, New York 1pm- showtime   Don't miss THE FLYING KARAMAZOV BROTHERS in 4PLAY! LIMITED ENGAGEMENT February 8 thru March 7 ONLY! The Flying Karamazov Brothers are preparing for lift-off from the Minetta Lane Theatre from February 8 through March 7th for a run of their non-stop hit show "4PLAY". An innovative blend of comedy, theatre, juggling and music, this exuberant and hilarious theatrical event is recommended for ages 5 through 95. For tickets as low as $10 you get to ride a rocket to Planet K. The Karamazovs, master practitioners of cheap theatrics, juggle 'til they drop. The audience is invited to bring objects to the theater for Karamazov's Champ to juggle, making each show unique."4PLAY" shows NY's favorite multi-faceted, new-vaudevillians at the apex of their ambidextrous ability. Come watch the Flying Ks as they prove with each performance that chaos and unexpected events in our lives are the best part of being human. Four Weeks, Four Brothers, For Everyone, 4PLAY. "Book passage now! An evening of airborne hilarity! These four unrelated American lunatics know exactly where they are going — to the moon and beyond!" - The New York Times "Drop everything and go see them!" -The Today Show "So much fun that anyone you take to see it will want to go to bed with you!" -Chicago Reader INSANELY CHEAP!! TICKETS STARTING AT $10! WEEK 1 February 8 - 14 $10 - $50 WEEK 2 February 15 - 21 $20 - $55 WEEK 3 February 22 - 28 $25 - $60 WEEK 4 February 28 - March 7 $30 - $65 Performance schedule: Tuesday - Friday at 8pm Saturday at 2pm & 8pm Sunday at 2pm & 5pm Special performance: Monday, February 8 at 8pm February 8th - March 7th www.fkb.com

Silent Clowns Film Series Winter/Spring 2010 (NY)

The Silent Clowns Film Series under the direction/curation of Bruce Lawton and Ben Model has created another stellar lineup of classics and gems for cineastes and physical comedy aficionado's to drool over. This time it's films that are held in private collections, so these are RARELY seen. If you fall into either of those categories (film lover or physical comedy lover) you owe it to yourself to take a Sunday and spend it in the dark with Ben and Bruce. It will be well worth it. All programs will be held at the Arclight Theatre, located at 152 W 71st Street, between Broadway and Columbus. Tickets are $10 for all adults, and $5 for seniors, kids and members. Live piano accompaniment by Ben Model at all shows. Visit http://www.silentclowns.com/ for more information and to purchase tickets. I've also put the program descriptions below.

Sunday, February 21 at 2pm Films from the Jack Roth Collection If Mack Sennett was "The King of Comedy" then Hal Roach was its "Crown Prince." After starting as an extra in 1914, Roach was instrumental in making Harold Lloyd a comedy star, and along the way developed a school of comedy that consisted of recognizable everyday people trapped in outlandish and embarrassing situations. Today’s selection of 1927 releases includes the Stan Laurel vehicles DUCK SOUP, EVE'S LOVE LETTERS and WHY GIRLS LOVE SAILORS, plus Max Davidson in JEWISH PRUDENCE and Charley Chase in THE STING OF STINGS.
Sunday, March 14 at 2pm Films from the Streamline Films Collection: Johnny Hines was a very popular clown who made many Harold Lloyd-type of comedy features in the 1920s, but is unjustly overlooked today. CONDUCTOR 1492 (’24) gives a good look at Hines’ ability with sight-gags, not to mention his engaging smile, and breezy personality. Opening for the feature is Glenn Tryon, another neglected clown, in the Hal Roach short WHOSE BABY ARE YOU? (’25).
Sunday, March 21 at 2pm More films from the Streamline Films Collection When the cinema began every film was a short subject, but as the industry grew so did the length of its films and shorts became a pre-feature special attraction. Comedy shorts were a standard part of the typical theatre bill, and this program provides a wide sampling of the art form. Our line-up is Ben Turpin in LOVE’S OUTCAST ('21), UP ON THE FARM ('25) with Lee Moran, Lupino Lane in MOVIELAND ('26), WHAT! NO SPINACH? ('26) with Harry Sweet, and Snub Pollard as THE OLD SEA DOG (’22).
Sunday, April 11 at 2pm Films from the F.I.L.M. Archives Collection Throughout the silent era there were numerous "fun factories" that specialized in producing and distributing silent comedy one and two-reelers. From giants like Sennett and Christie to micro units like Tenneck – they all worked overtime to supply a steady stream of movie laughter. Our cross-section of producers include Harry Cohn (Sid Smith in A DOG-GONE MIX-UP, ’21,), Larry Darmour (Mickey McGuire in MICKEY’S CIRCUS, '27), William Fox (Arthur Housman in JUST A HUSBAND, '27), Louis, Adolph, & Max Weiss (Ben Turpin in THE EYES HAVE IT, '28), and Hal Roach (Snub Pollard in STRICTLY MODERN, '22, and Stan Laurel in COLLARS AND CUFFS, '23).
Sunday, April 25 at 2pm More films from the F.I.L.M. Archives Collection Known as “The King of Comedy,” Mack Sennett was actually the Henry Ford of slapstick, as he was the first person to create a film studio devoted to turning out comedies on an assembly-line schedule. The main targets for the rough and rowdy Sennett crew were order, pomposity, and social standing. Having discovered most of the big names in the genre, today’s sampling highlights the year 1926 and stars such as Billy Bevan, Ralph Graves and Ben Turpin in the shorts WHISPERING WHISKERS, HUBBY’S QUIET LITTLE GAME, YANKEE DOODLE DUKE, WHEN A MAN’S A PRINCE, and ICE COLD COCOS.

NY Clown Theater Festival Sept 3-26, 2010: CALL FOR ARTISTS

Just received this from the NY Clown Theatre Festival-- they are on again!  This is year #5.

NY Clown Theatre Festival 2010 

September 3-26th, 2010

New York Clown Theatre Festival is an annual celebration of the art of clown. Every fall the Brick Theatre presents the very best of clown performance from around the globe as well as hosting classes and workshops by world-renowned teachers. We host a bevy of outrageous events, including a massive pie fight, clown parade, and a clown funeral. The festival enters its 5th year this fall.  We look for full shows, cabaret pieces and shorter (20minute) pieces.  We do a mix of new and established work and focus on presenting a wide range of clown theatre and building our international community.
 

Last year we scaled the festival back to "Amuse Bouche" a small number of invited shows and will stick with this format every other year.  We are gearing up for the full scale festival September 3-26th, 2010. Let the application process begin!  You can find information on the space, details about requirements and the online-application here:  
http://www.bricktheater.com/applications

.


Deadline for applications: May 15, 2010.
Please email completed application, all supporting materials, and questions to:
clown@bricktheater.com.

Also join us on our new facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=293300703234

Pochinko workshop in Brooklyn 3/21-4/22/10

WORKSHOP
Character Mask to Clown With Deborah Kaufmann
Inspired by the teachings of Richard Pochinko, Canadian clown master teacher


"If we face the six directions of self, we can't help but laugh at the beauty  and ridiculousness of all that we are." -- Richard Pochinko

This investigation is an inspiring way for the artist to make direct connection to aspects of his/her true self. In the spirit of physical discovery and playfulness we will visit our childhood room, experience a bittersweet goodbye, and find the personal meaning in the colors of the rainbow. 

Then we will each make six masks: North, West, South, East, Above and Below. We will connect to and physicalize each direction and then create a clay mask. The masks are explored and a character is developed for each one. All six characters are combined to create a persona that is unique, with a deeply personal mythology and imagined environment that can be used for exploration and the development of new material. 

For artists in all disciplines and the seriously curious.
March 21 through April 22, 2010 (First Day of Spring to Earth Day).
Sundays and Thursdays; 5 weeks
March 21 3-8 pm, Then Thursdays, 6-9 pm, Sundays, 4-7 pm
$500.00, Scholarship available
Maximum 12 Students
Brooklyn Studio


Deborah Kaufmann has performed and taught Clown and Hospital Clowning in the US, and around the world. She has been the National Creative and Educational Coordinator of Big Apple Circus Clown Care since 1994. In that capacity she trains, coaches and directs, as she oversees the artistic quality and growth of more than 80 unique “clown doctors.”  Of her 2006 performance at the New York Clown Theatre Festival,  nytheatre.com said, “this performance gleams most brightly, with true mischief and solid will operating unfettered at maximum strength.”     http://www.tooshorttofallover.com

“It's a dream to find a teacher who combines a sharp directorial eye,  intuition as a clown, and a deep knowledge of techniques and material.
                  --Tanya Solomon, clown and burlesque performer 


The supportive way in which Deborah taught really resonated for me.”
               --- an Australian Student 

CONTACT: debdib@verizon.net
            www.tooshorttofallover.com

Coppelia Project: A Clown Ballet in 3 Acts

Heidi Stubblefield, actor/creator, is the creator and director of The Coppelia Project: a clown ballet in three acts, which was a commission by Accessible Arts. It was produced at the Kansas City Fringe Festival and had extended runs at the Off Center Theatre and Lawrence Arts Center.

She is a Kansas City, Kansas native. She received undergraduate training in Theatre at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS and went on to further study Physical Theatre and Ensemble Theatre at the Dell' Arte International School of Physical Theatre in Blue Lake, California. Heidi has performed with many theatre companies in the KC area, including the Kansas City Rep, Unicorn Theatre, Coterie Theatre, American Heartland Theatre, and Actor's Theatre of Kansas City. She has toured nationally with the Lawrence-based company Seem-to-Be Players. As a creator of original work she has created works for Princess Squid Productions, Byrd Productions, and the Coterie Theatre.

Heidi has also featured as an Emerging Artist by the Kansas City Star for her work with Arts in Prison, Inc., where she works with adult and juvenile inmates to write and perform original shows.

Heidi doesn't seem to have a website, but if you know of one for her, please post it here!

Finding Your Funny Bone! by Nancy Gold

In 1991, I traveled to Philadelphia to the International Clown Congress.  There I met a number of other clowns, many of whom I continue to be friendly with to this day (I also met a guy who was from Rhode Island, and we had a number of friends in common, but strangely had never met-- and we've worked on a number of projects together, including 3 original circuses and a large-scale festival.  But that's a different story!)

While I was there, I took workshops with Bolek Polivka and Fred Curchack.  I also met Ctibor Turba, who intrigued me enough that in 1992, I went to Czechoslovakia to study with him.

One of the people I met there was Nancy Gold, a clown teacher and performer from San Francisco.  She was taking Turba's week long workshop, (which was opposite my Polivka/Curchak classes)  and I asked for (and received) her meticulous notes about the class.  I think I gave her my much less meticulous notes about Polivka and Curchak back too. I got a much better bargain out of the deal.

Lo and behold, she's got a recent book out, Finding Your Funny Bone!, about learning physical comedy for actors.  Nancy has been teaching at A.C.T. and Berkeley Rep for a number of years, and has compacted all of her teaching into this book.  I haven't delved into the book yet, (she's promised me a review copy though, and when I get it, I will review it right here.)

 The little that I've seen of the book from her website, it looks like it's going to be very good.  Nancy writes and teaches with a lot of enthusiasm, and the excerpts from the book show it clearly.

If you've read the book, feel free to write a comment and tell us what you think about it.

WEBSITE:  http://www.findingyourfunnybone.com
BUY THE BOOK ON AMAZON.COM:  Finding Your Funny Bone!

ICHOF Names Greg DeSanto Executive Director

Couldn't happen to a nicer (or more deserving) guy.  Greg was one of my instructors at Clown College, and I've seen him a few times, including the couple of days that I was researching in Baraboo.  He's a very funny clown, and a historian and collector-- with one of the largest collections of clown video in the world (perhaps with a close second with Pat Cashin)  Anyway this is a great development, and will hopefully continue to advance the field of clowning.

 

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INTERNATIONAL CLOWN HALL OF FAME AND RESEARCH CENTER SENDS IN THE CLOWNS–AND BRINGS MUCH MORE – TO BARABOO

World’s Foremost Organization Dedicated To The Preservation Of The Art, Craft And History Of Clowning Names Greg DeSanto Executive Director

Baraboo, WI (January 18, 2010) – A bright addition to Baraboo’s unique circus heritage was revealed today as The International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center announced the opening of its new headquarters in America’s Circus City.


Internationally renowned for its research and involvement in the art, craft and history of clowning, the ICHOF boasts the world’s most wide-ranging collection of clown artifacts and memorabilia, including wardrobe and props from many of the most famous names in clowning history.


“We are delighted to send in the clowns – and send them to Baraboo, back home where they belong,” said Greg DeSanto, recently named the ICHOF’s Executive Director. Himself a celebrated clown and circus historian, DeSanto, a Baraboo resident, performed at the Circus World Museum for over seven years. He’s also been featured in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, the Big Apple Circus and other major shows around the world.


As we expand our presence in Baraboo, we hope that scholars and historians and the public at large will experience our fascinating exhibits and extensive archives,” DeSanto says.


Founded in Delevan, WI in 1986, the ICHOF was created as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, honoring and supporting the international art of clowning. The first and only group of its kind, it provides both rich research opportunities and educational outreach, along with the world’s largest collection of artifacts and collections concerning the art of clowning.


In 1988, the ICHOF began enshrining international artists who have enhanced and advanced the art of the clown. Since then, sixty-one performers have been inducted into the Hall, including Red Skelton, Lou Jacobs, Emmett Kelly, Otto Griebling, Felix Adler, Barry Lubin, Bobby Kaye, Jimmy Williams, Frosty Little, Steve Smith, Grock, Charlie Chaplin and Bill Irwin. The prestigious Lifetime of Laughter achievement award is also presented annually.


Fulfilling its commitment to community outreach, the Hall’s Caring Clown program provides therapeutic humor for children and their families at the Milwaukee’s Children’s Hospital. With Long Term Laughter Care, the ICHOF brings fun and comfort to residents at skilled nursing facilities and assisted living centers.


“We are honored to join the Circus World Museum and the Al Ringling Theater as key spokes in Barboo’s celebrated wheel of circus history,” adds DeSanto. “We welcome residents and visitors alike to join us in our ongoing efforts to promote and preserve the grand and glorious history of hilarity.”