Workshops

WHAT A PROGRAM!
There’s something for everyone—new clowns and veterans alike. This year: More choices!
More sessions you can attend!

P Out of My Pocket
This hands-on session gives you insights into how to entertain using only items you carry in your pockets. Class features “dumb” groaners and several small magic tricks, along with several rope maneuvers to entertain your audience. You’ll leave this class with techniques you can use right now.

P Clown Magic
Clowns are not actually magicians, although they may use magic in their act. The clown is usually not able to figure out how the trick works, even though the child makes it happen. This will demonstrate some “dumb” clown magic and some regular magic used in a clown atmosphere.

Barry "Bonzo" DeChant began clowning at a Michigan Bell Telephone Company picnic in 1976 and along with a few others formed Michigan Bell Clowns Galore in l978. He has won awards for make-up and skit performances in both Clowns of America International and World Clown Assoc. and gold and bronze medals for clown performances at the Sarasota International Circus Festival and Parade in 1994 and 1997. Barry has progressed through the ranks of clowning and has been very involved in skit work. Since 1980 he has written and directed many skits including the national award winner, Twelve Days of Clowning.

In 1986 he appeared at the White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington D.C., and has appeared in numerous television commercials, including a national Chevrolet spot. In addition he has performed in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Barry served as Education Director, Competition Director, and President of the World Clown Association, and served as its Competition Director until 1997. He is also a member of Clown of America International, Circus Fans of America, and the Circus Historical Society.

In mid ‘85 he published his first book, Don’t Forget the Blow-off, which contained 18 clown skits. In 1992 he published his second book, Bonzo’s Complete Book of Skits – Vol. 1. His third book, World’s Funniest Clown Skits, came off the presses in September 1995, published in the U.S., Great Britain and Australia.

From 1984 until 1993 he was an instructor and associate director of the University of Wisconsin Clown Camp in LaCrosse. He currently performs with circuses and teaches and lectures at clown clubs and conventions all over the U.S. and some foreign countries.

In 1999 he traveled with the Kelly Miller Circus as a clown and ringmaster. In 2001 he work as an advance clown with the KM Circus and performed at school assembly shows throughout the Eastern U.S.

Presently he is working with Circus Sarasota, performing as a clown and serving as technical assistant.

 

P  Face Art
This class will help you learn very simple to more advanced face painting techniques. You’ll learn how to organize your paints and how to use the tools and techniques that will help you brighten any child’s heart.

Diana Seal, Sharon White have a combined 15 years in the Life in Christ Circus in Orlando and have excelled in the art of face painting and have taught these simple but effective techniques to many other clown painters.
 

P  Mime You're Looking Well Today
Body movement drawn from the techniques of mime can be an important and useful asset in any clowning situation and can add that professional touch that makes the difference between a ho-hum performance and one that communicates your message.

P How to Make Your Clown...Funny
Becoming a funny clown is much more than merely putting on a funny face. Creating a character that generates smiles and laughter is a skill that takes work, a good measure of inspiration and some classic technique. This workshop will help you discover ways to uncover that inspiration and, using tried and true techniques, translate it to the funny stuff of clowning.

Billy Scadlock, a RBB&B Clown College graduate and a favorite at the CCC, was boss clown at Circus World from 1978-81, lead mime at Sea World and a favorite at Orlando’s Universal Studios. He has been a regular guest of the Christian Clown Connection and always adds a special dimension to the weekend.
 

P Beginning Clown Make-up
If you're a new clown or just getting into the "business," you can benefit from the techniques offered in this interactive workshop. You'll learn what works and what doesn't in the make-up department and what kind of face is appropriate for the clown inside of you.

Pam Hoepner is a graduate of Christ Clown College and a long-time member of the Life in Christ Circus. She has taught make-up techniques at many of the Christian Clown Connections and is an expert in choosing the right make-up and helping clowns learn to apply it quickly and professionally.

Ronda Schober Krauskopf graduated from Christ Clown College in 1988. A highlight of her clowning experience was traveling with Dick Hardel, Penne Peterson-Sewell and Herb Brokering to Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Ronda is known throughout the state for her work in youth ministries and has been an elementary and middle school teacher for more than 20 years.
 

P Advanced Make-up
This workshop will help you design or refine a clown face that effectively brings out your character and then learn the basics of applying clown make-up to bring that character to life. This class is also for clowns who are acquainted with make-up application but who want to refine their skills and learn about new materials. Stuff to bring to class: photo of self as clown for design changes or hints, baby oil or baby magic and baby shampoo, baby powder, cheap white socks, soft paper towels, a cap or headband, bib, smock or old shirt, self-supporting mirror, a couple of plastic food storage cups and lids, two or three soft flat watercolor brushes (#2, #4, #6), large soft shaving brush or makeup brush, makeup colors (white, black, red, flesh for Auguste, blue or some other accent color if desired.

P Tell me a story
Do you want to add storytelling to your clown routine? Sure, every gag is a story, but this is a more personal, intimate way to use your clown character to communicate with your audience. Learn what makes a good story and how to tell it effectively, whether your audience is young or young at heart.


Karen "Kari" DeChant has performed throughout the country. In her "normal" life she was a special education teacher in Redford, Michigan, experience that has given her the ability to write and produce school programs that both teach and entertain. She has performed at numerous school shows and has participated in clown ministry for churches and conferences throughout the country. "Kari" is also working to make storytelling an expanded part of her clowning. From 1999 through 2001 she traveled with the Kelly-Miller circus performing both on the show and as an advance clown presenting to school assemblies. She is an all-around Auguste clown, presently performing with Circus Sarasota in school educational programs. She also is involved with the Circus Sarasota Laughter Unlimited program providing visits to nursing homes and other senior citizen facilities in Southwest Florida.
 

P Prop Shop
Learn the art of making props and “walk-arounds.” This hands-on workshop led by two of the masters in creative prop design, will show you what it takes to make a routine prop work.

Wayne & Marty Scott. Wayne graduated from the first RBB&B Clown College and traveled with the circus. Marty is skilled in crafting foam and other materials and in the idea department. Wayne and Marty are considered the best shoemakers in the world.
 

P Creative (and Cheap) Clown Costuming
A costume that is functional as well as pretty/funny/gaudy/silly (insert your adjective here) is essential to the complete clown character. This workshop will help you discover how you can create your clown costume from inexpensive materials, hand-me-downs and other sources.

Anita Bornman is a Christ Clown College graduate, Life in Christ Circus member and experienced clown costume designer. Her techniques have helped clowns across Florida dress with style and on a budget.
 

P Motions and Emotions
Great movement, expressions and your clown character go together like peas in a pod. This is an interactive class that will physically involve you in combining these three elements for effective clowning.

P Clown History 101
Knowing about circus clowns an their traditions, past and present, will help you become better at your own traditions. This multimedia presentation will give you the rich background that created the circus as we know it today.

The Rev. Wayne Sidley is a RBB&B Clown College graduate with over 21 years of world-wide professional clowning experience. he has been Senior Clown and Boss Clown for RBB&B and Director of its Japan Clown College. He has been independent Producing clown for Shrine Circus and Director of College of Clowns for a Hong Kong theme park. He’s a pastor at Faith Assembly of God, Orlando.
 

P Hospital Clowning—the Healing Power of Laughter
There is a huge need for clowns in the hospitals. The problem is some hospitals just don’t know it. You will learn How to get started, who to contact, what questions to ask, things you can’t say to patients. We cover restricted areas, waiting room clowning and proper give-aways. A must for hospital visitors. You will laugh until you cry, as Bubba shares actual stories of visits he’s made—mistakes and all.

P Help! I’m Clowning and I Can’t Cut-up!
If you haven’t developed your character, you won’t be an effective clown. This class will show you how to discover your character and use the “3 zones” of your body for better communication. This class is a hoot!

J.T. “Bubba” Sikes has performed and taught Christian clowning from Florida to Iceland. he was the Clowns of America International 1996 “Clown Artist in Residence.” J.T.’s warm, whimsical “Bubba” will charm his way into your heart and turn you on to your Christian clowning possibilities.