Maybe a better question would be "What don't we teach?"

We offer our curriculum much in the same way as a university does: one major and many electives. Your major is the COURSE and your electives are the AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS.

COURSES: You will meet with the same instructor each morning from 9 - 6 am and study one of the nine topics below. You can choose only one Morning COURSE for the entire week.

WORKSHOPS : After lunch, you can choose from many different Afternoon Workshops each day! Each Workshop lasts an hour and 15 minutes each, and will cover every aspect of clowning, children's entertainment, and performing. Sometimes the staff will be teaching portions of their course in a shorter Workshop format. We recommend you try all our staff. If you like them, then perhaps next year you will want to take a course from another staff on another subject!

Don't know which Course to choose? Relax, we've gotcha covered. As part of your registration, you will receive a free PEP (Personal Education Plan) Talk by way of a phone call from Tricia Manuel (aka "Pricilla Mooseburger"). Your PEP Talk will help you get the most out of your time at Moose Camp. After getting to know what sort of clowning you wish to do, Tricia will give you the best suggestions for which Course and Workshops to take. For more information about your PEP, go to the "What Makes Us Different" section.

Balloons

Taught by: Dan Langwell
Alright, you balloonatics!  It's time to twist, twist, twist!  Dan has been professionally twisting balloons on stage, in living rooms, and at restaurant tables for decades.  Since you already know the basics, we'll proceed step-by-step increasing your level of complexity.  Along with the in-depth twisting lessons, Dan will also teach you the business basics of being a balloon-man-for-hire, and give examples of patter that keeps the customers happy!

Birthday Parties and Show Routines.

Taught by: Rex Nolen
Rex Nolen has worked everything from living rooms to circus arenas. Put your shows together using practical business tips, comedy magic, routining, child management skills, adapting your character, and much more. This course will teach you routines you can really use. Rex's tried-and-true methods and wide range of experience make your business bloom! Learn and laugh your way to success! Be prepared to go home with a ton of useful material.

Clowning 101 *

Taught by: Tricia Manuel, Brenda Marshall
Learn the funny art of clowning from the ground up. Tricia and Brenda will gently introduce you to make-up, costuming, character development, and performance skills. Their holistic approach will seamlessly interweave the skills that will start you on the road toward being a great clown. Their sharing-and-caring style will teach you volumes in a short time! When you leave Moose Camp, you will have all the basics you need to begin your new life as a clown. If you have never put on make-up before, then Clowning 101 is the right Course for you!

* There is a $40 fee to buy the recommended make-up kit. In past years we simply had make-up at the table for everyone to use communally, but the risk of cross-contamination has now become an issue. For the health of our campers we can no longer offer it that way. The kit will contain all the necessary items to create both Auguste and Whiteface clown characters. There will be mirrors and containers of Q-tips and wet-wipes available for your use at the make-up table. Please know that we tried our best to put only the bare essentials in the kit and to keep it at wholesale cost. The kit we put together for you will be much cheaper than buying the same make-up separately in the Dealers Room.

The Colorful and Fun Art of Face Painting

* There is a $48 fee to buy the recommended face-painting kit. In past years we had sample palettes for everyone to use communally, but the risk of cross-contamination has now become a hygiene issue. For the health of our campers we can no longer offer it that way. The beginner kit will contain a simple palette and tools for creating the basics.  If you have your own face paint palettes and tools, please bring them along -- you needn't purchase the kit if you are bringing your own supplies.

Taught by: Cheri Venturi
Nowhere in the US can clowns get a better education in face painting than through this seven hours hands-on progressive workshop! Starting with learning to master the techniques necessary to make your artwork pop and wow a crowd, in this class students learn how to apply these techniques to create beautiful masterpieces. From simple and fast designs aimed at efficiently moving the line, the most popular designs of all time to how to paint designs that WOW, this class is a must for anyone looking to fine tune their skills and learn new ones.

Comedy Magic

Taught by: Fred Baisch
After decades of being both a serious stage magician and a magical clown, Fred is a wealth of entertainment knowledge. He'll teach you the ins and outs of Comedy Magic. Learn basics of hand manipulation, popular tricks, and how to incorporate them into your performance as a clown. He'll show you some of his best secrets, too. Don't just be a clown who does magic -- be a magical clown!

Comic Movement Intensive

Taught by: Karen Bell, Robin Eurich
Ever wanted to move like a cartoon? We will help you get in touch with your character's physicality and learn how to safely move your body like a clown should. This course is an "intensive", which means it is intended for students who have already taken Clowning 101. Exercises will be physical in nature, so wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear and be prepared to MOVE!

Hospital and Caring Clowning

Taught by: Karen DeSanto, Connie Kennedy
We believe clowns serve a deeper purpose than mere diversion. These two ladies bring experience of both working solo in playrooms and patient rooms, and working with a partner making rounds throughout the hospital and senior centers. Wherever you are on your journey in caring clowning, they can meet you there and offer insight for positively impacting your audience. Learn what to expect from this highly demanding and rewarding work. This course includes a visit with patients in a local care facility, with Karen and Connie supervising visits. It creates the perfect safe environment to get your feet wet in this special art of Clowning!

Material Development

Want to write a short gag? Need to develop an entire stage show? Are you in charge of long-term project and have to write all the skits? Greg and Neal's experience both under the big top and on stage will guide you in learning the nuts and bolts of successful comedy. In this course, you will learn what makes a skit work well, and how to create your own original material. Bring your thinking cap!

Prop Building 101

Taught by: Terry Ricketts
If you love to make your own props – this is your class.
If you enjoy making people laugh using only the things you have around the house – this is your class.
If you are cheap and want easy things to make – this is your class.
...seriously, we make clown props out of just about ANYTHING. And Kazoo Band instruments are a must!

On to the Afternoon Workshops!

There are many, many workshop offerings to choose from. Our staff is so talented it is tough trying to find room in the schedule for all the classes this bunch has to offer! The exact list of workshops offered may change prior to Moose Camp, but at least you'll get a pretty good idea of what each instructor's specialties are and how they can help you!

Blake Thomson:

Small Hospital, Big Heart - This Caring Clown workshop will help you find ways to bring smiles to care facilities which may operate on smaller budgets or don't have the ability to support its own clown humor therapy division.

Taking Care of your Clown Heart: How to Avoid Clown Burn-Out - Every sick patient or dying child you encounter breaks your heart just a little bit more. Caring Clowns needs a little extra special care themselves to prevent burn-out. Learn how to cope with the emotional stress.

Brad Stone:

Play to a Crowd - Have you ever been asked to “entertain” at a charity event and are not sure what to do? Bonehead shares some of the gags and props that help him engage the crowd. He also will discuss some of the pitfalls to avoid and how to approach the coulrophobic (fear of clowns) child, teenager, adult.

Brenda Marshall:

Children's Worship Next Sunday...now what? - So you need something easy to implement into your church program right away, right? Learn some simple presentations which incorporate kid-friendly ways to present the gospel message. You will see how to use your clowning skills in ministry.

Clown Ministry: from Balloons to Songs - Silly songs, balloons, and puppets! We will learn some fun songs to sing with kids (even if you can't sing!) and some balloon sculptures that help present the message. Also includes basic puppetry and how to use puppets in your clown ministry programs.

Fireside Chat: Missionary Clowning - Hear the stories and see the photos from missionary trips abroad. Clowns make the best ambassadors of hope and good will! Hear from Sandy, Brenda, and other staff and students who have taken on this rewarding work.

Balloon Jam - Brenda and Dan will host an open Balloon Jam to give you "balloonatics" unstructured time to do your stuff, plus offer help to beginners or show some advance tricks - bring your own balloons!

Cheri Venturi:

Music and Movement - Using music is a GREAT way to work on your comic movement. Wear comfy clothing and be prepared to groove. You might even get some idea of how to use music in your act!

Birthday Parties - Clowning is fun; business can be fun, too! Learn ideas for routines, themes, and performance tips to help make your business profitable. Let her show you the way to be a success doing something you love.

Christopher Hudert:

Library & School Shows - Every city or every town has a library! Clowning, storytelling, puppetry, and magic are qualities that you can use to work in your local library. Have you ever thought about doing library shows, but aren't sure where to start? Come and find out how you can expand your clientele in a more literary fashion!

Walk-Around Puppetry- Make 'em move, make 'em live! Learn how to add a puppet to your walk-around performance so that they are alive and real. We'll cover basic movements, manipulation do's and don'ts, and the most important aspect of all -- static life.

Juggling Lab - Come to work on your weak points and get help from staff, alumni, and fellow campers. Bring your own juggling stuff, or borrow from the staff.

Business is NOT a Four-Letter Word - There may be no business like show business, but the business of show business is another matter. You will learn the three basic parts: prepare, promote, and perform. Clowns can apply the same methodology to the business aspects as they do to the show itself. The trouble is that many performers are convinced that they are "right-brain" creative people and can¹t do the business stuff. Bull-ony! It¹s simple!

Connie Kennedy:

Caring Clowning - Nurse Stitches will teach the ins and outs of hospital clowning. From rules and regulations to hospital humor, you will get an inside look at this difficult yet rewarding type of entertainment. This class is a great way to find out if hospital clowning is for you!

Advanced Face Painting Techniques Demo - Here is your chance to learn the art of fun face painting from Connie Kennedy. This is more than cheek art, it is character transformation! From butterflies to tigers, bunnies and kittens and much more! Learn how to do it fabulous and fast and make money doing it!

Dan Langwell:

Balloon Jam - Dan will host an open Balloon Jam to give you "balloonatics" unstructured time to do your stuff, plus offer help to beginners or show some advance tricks - bring your own balloons!

How to Tie a Balloon - For beginners only! Dan and many of the staff will be providing hands-on help you need to create simple balloon creations. Not everyone needs Snoopy on a motorcycle! Learn the basics to get you started on this fun and lucrative hobby.

Performing in a Restaurant – This increasing market for table-to-table entertainment is a great way for clowns to grow their business. Learn the tricks of the trade and how to prepare for a gig.

Entertaining with Balloons - Dan will give you the extra help you need to create simple balloon creations while entertaining your audience. They’re already watching you twist, why not make a show out of it? Learn the stuff you need to "do" balloons for parties and festivals.

Fred Baisch:

Birthday Party Magic - Fred will show what it takes to put comedy magic into your birthday party routines. Perfect for those of you who use magic, ideal for clowns wondering what it is all about! Learn how to be a funny magical clown from one of the best in the business.

Walk-Arounds & Paradability - Don't let the parade pass you by. There is more to a parade performance than walking and waving! Fred will share with you a variety of fun ideas to make the most of your time on the parade route! From prop construction to performance, we’ll try to cover it all.

Fun Magic With Ropes and Sponges - Learn the ropes -- literally! Easy-to-learn magic with sponges and trick ropes. Handy pocket magic for strolling clowns.

Greg Desanto

Character Development – How do you develop a real clown character? Become a unique performer instead of a cookie cutter clown. The key to a great character is finding out how to exaggerate and pull from the personality traits you already possess.

Clown History and the Clown Hall of Fame – What a font of knowledge! Not only is Greg the director of the International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center, he is also loves circus and clown history.

Art of Working with Soap – Observe the master while he turns ordinary bar soap into the best clown cream pies you've ever seen! Greg will show you the ideal tools and supplies to use for whipping up the frothiest soap.

Karen Bell:

Performing with Props - Do you have a great prop that just doesn't get the reaction you are looking for? Learn from Prop Whiz Karen Bell how to get them most out of your props. You will learn a clown gag using props and discuss ways to get the most bang for your buck!

How to Use a Clown Hat in a Routine - Own a trick hat? There are great illusions that can be done with a simple felt hat to help bolster your routine. Karen will show you how to make your hat a clown partner. This class includes lots of student participation and belly laughs!

How to Rehearse! - This is an invaluable class to anyone cast in the All Star Clown Show. You'll learn the basics of team-work, timing, and handling critique. Team-taught with Robin Eurich, immediately following the All Star Clown Show casting.

Successful Meet & Greet – Use your eyes instead of your ego to engage the public…learn to read your audience the same way you learned how to read the road in Drivers Education! Your audience us telling you how they are reacting to you as a clown, your job is being able to successfully understand what they are saying to you through voice and body language. Team-taught with Robin Eurich.

Neal Skoy:

Theatrical/European Clown Techniques - These bare bones approaches to clown performance reveal the closeness between theater and circus in the European culture. We will strip away the bells and whistles and find ways to approach clowning from its most pure existence –mirroring the everyman. Thinking simple and playing with genuine effect will elevate the way you approach clowning for the rest of your life!

Performing with a Uke! - Bring your own ukulele. Learn to strum some old favorites and funny new tunes. Your Uke MUST be in tune before the class starts!

Karen Desanto

Character Development – How do you develop a real clown character? Become a unique performer instead of a cookie cutter clown. The key to a great character is finding out how to exaggerate and pull from the personality traits you already possess.

How To Teach a Jr. Joey Program – Karen and Greg run a clown-skills program for kids and teens, and they will share the secrets of their success. How do you present the Art of Clowning to the next generation? Karen will break it down for you and help you build a basic program.

Branding Your Clown - From costume, to business cards, to social media, everything people see can be a vehicle for marketing your unique clown character. Learn how to make a lasting impression and make them remember your name.

Girl Clown Evolution - You've come a long way, baby! From the olden days of the first traveling circuses to the modern stage shows of today, we'll explore how the female clown arrived on the scene and has evolved into today's many variations.

Educational Messages in Clowning - Your clown skills can be used for more than just laughs; clowning is the perfect vehicle for delivering an inspirational lesson. Whether you are teaching about fire safety, physical fitness, or bullying, you'll find a way for your clown character to educate your audience using humor.

Fireside Chat with Peggy Williams, with Q&A - As our 2013 Special Guest Star, Peggy is going to host a little evening entertainment. These “Fireside Chats” started as a tradition in the 1990s when Moose Camp was held at a rustic campground and we sat around an actual campfire. Well, the setting has changed, but the name has stuck. Every year, we invite our Special Guest Star to engage the campers in a cozy little “Story time”, where they share their experiences in clowning and life. This is a rare chance to really get to know our staff in a more personal way. What they choose to do is up to them – we’ve seen everything from puppet shows, to heart-warming tales to inspire you, to strings of jokes that made us laugh until we cried. Peggy will conclude her chat with a Question & Answer session.

Rex Nolen:

Strolling Magic - Have a gig with no stage? Load up your pockets and get ready for magic on the go! Learn some of the best magic tricks to perform while on the move. Perfect for fairs, picnics, restaurants, outdoors, or anywhere you need portable magic!

Physical Comedy for the Not-So-Physical – The name of this workshop says it all! No matter what your body type or athletic ability (or lack thereof), you can incorporate these bits of comic movement into your clowning.

Routines You Can Use - Learn routines for all types of performance venues. Rex keeps it simple and easy. It is more than learning how to do a trick, it is about creating a fun routine and patter to go with it. Rex shows you how!

Juggling Lab - Come to work out your weak points and get help from staff, alumni, and fellow campers. Bring your own juggling stuff, or borrow from the staff.

Robin Eurich:

Clown Dance – Get ready to shake a tail feather! He’ll show you how to be comfortable in your own skin while looking funny doing it. Be prepared to limber up and laugh out loud – this is great practice for the All Star Clown Show dancing!

How to Rehearse! - This is an invaluable class to anyone cast in the All Star Clown Show. You'll learn the basics of team-work, timing, and handling critique. Team-taught with Karen Bell, immediately following the All Star Clown Show casting.

Successful Meet & Greet – Use your eyes instead of your ego to engage the public…learn to read your audience the same way you learned how to read the road in Drivers Education! Your audience us telling you how they are reacting to you as a clown, your job is being able to successfully understand what they are saying to you through voice and body language. Team-taught with Karen Bell.

Sandy Kephart:

Airbrush Face Paint Demo - Ever thought about adding an airbrush system to your face-paint business? Here is your chance to see one in action! Sandy will have a Question & Answer session after the demo.

Fireside Chat: Missionary Clowning - Hear the stories and see the photos from missionary trips abroad. Clowns make the best ambassadors of hope and good will! Hear from Sandy, Brenda, and other staff and students who have taken on this rewarding work.

Sean Carlock:

Make-up Lab - Come to an environment where we can further develop your clown unique persona. A clown’s make-up is their own trademark. How do you bring your inner clown to the surface in an approachable manor? We will be conducting the labs per needs of the students – from application pointers, to consultation, to complete face overhaul.

Character Development - How do you develop an authentic clown character? Become a unique performer instead of a cookie cutter clown. Let's unlock the mystery with simple useful ideas that allow you to become the clown character you have always wanted to be!

Terry Ricketts:

Props in your Pockets: Make it and Take it - Here are some great ideas for walk-arounds, restaurant work, or when going from one bit to another. Build pocket-sized props that pack a big laugh! Regardless of your skill level this class would be great for all levels of clowning. Kit fee.

Manic Mania - Get ready for a wild ride! Terry is the king of make-it and take-it, cheap but easy, fun and frolic! You will love this class if you want to laugh, make your own stuff, and stay on a budget! Kit fee.

New & Improved Prop Lab - We have created the perfect prop workshop! This will be open every day, all day long so you can work at your own pace. We have the supplies, the ideas, and the expert staff to help you create wonderful props. The price is minimal; the experience is fabulous! This year our prop shop will be filled with Make It and Take it props. You will be able to purchase kits with all the needed supplies to make a number of great props, such as: Parade boards, Third-Arm Puppets, and Crazy Clown Kazoo Horns!

Kazoo Band Instruments - Okay, so you have a plain plastic kazoo. How are YOU going to make it unique and funny? The Prop shop has oodles of craft supplies to help you create the craziest kazoo horns!

Pool Noodle Props- You will be amazed to discover just how many awesome things can be made from a simple foam pool noodle. With a few tools and craft supplies (and an extra dose of creativity), you can make anything you need!

Cool Clown Props - Terry's years of experience will prove invaluable when he shows even the most seasoned pros new ideas for building Props for parades, stage shows, or simple walk-around fun. From design, to construction, to presentation – this class will provide tons of ideas and practical applications! Put on your thinking cap!

Tricia Manuel :

Comic Movement & Character Tips - Learn to move like a cartoon! This class is great for clowns of all ages and body types! You will learn how to present yourself like a pro and feel funny doing it. Tricia unlocks the mystery with simple, useful ideas that allow you to become the clown character you have always wanted to be!

Hey I'm a Clown! Now What??? -- A great class for all clowns! So you're a clown, now what? Pricilla's inspirational vision of clowning will help you take what you've learned and put it into practice at home! Useful information about clown clubs and organizations, getting started locally and keeping yourself busy without clown burnout! This wonderful, inspirational lecture speaks to the heart of the clown.

Media and Posing for Pictures - Learn the tricks to taking a great picture every time. From practicing poses to speaking with the media, you’ll walk out of this workshop looking and sounding like a pro!

Let’s Do Skits! - Need some ideas on easy-to-do skits to bring back to your alley? Tricia and other staff members will teach everyone some fun skits that also develop your comic movement skills. Scripts provided!

New & Improved Prop Lab - We have created the perfect prop workshop! This will be open every day, all day long so you can work at your own pace. We have the supplies, the ideas, and the expert staff to help you create wonderful props. The price is minimal; the experience is fabulous! This year our prop shop will be filled with Make It and Take it props. You will be able to purchase kits with all the needed supplies to make a number of great props, such as: Parade boards, Third-Arm Puppets, and Crazy Clown Kazoo Horns!

Terry Ricketts is the master of props, with his wacky and zany ideas, from using everyday objects to great parade props! His enthusiasm is sure to spark a few great ideas of your own. Terry will be keeping the creativity going in the "New & Improved Prop Lab", so be sure to check it out and ask him for help on your projects.

Juggling Labs & Balloon Jams - These take place every day at different times and locations. Bring your own balloons, pump, and juggling props. Laugh while you learn from the staff and from each other. Christopher, Dan, Brenda, and Rex will be there to lend a helping hand. Stop in to brush up on skills or start from scratch. Juggling Labs and Balloon Jams are great opportunities to share ideas and pass around tips!

Staff Show - Bring a camera, because this will be your only chance to see the staff in their costumes and makeup. They'll be performing pieces that will showcase their specialties, plus other crazy fun stuff to entertain you and display all different aspects of the Art of Clowning. It's a fun way to kick off Moose Camp!

Coffee Chat w/Staff - Every morning before breakfast, you are welcome to get up early and join us in the Blue Room for an informal chat about clowning. Each morning will feature a different team of staff members. You'll get inspired and learn a lot! Pour a cup of coffee and sit in for this "early bird" special!

Nighttime Chat w/Staff - Every night, we have a cozy little "Story time", where we invite one or two of our staff to share their experiences in clowning and life. Feel free to ask them any question. This is a rare chance to really get to know our staff in a more personal way. What they choose to do is up to them - we've seen everything from puppet shows, to heart-warming tales to inspire you, to strings of jokes that made us laugh until we cried. Sometimes these chats go late, so feel free to come in your PJs!

Good Morning Stretches w/Alumni - Rise and Shine! Nothing gets you in a good mood better than a joyful, pumping heart. Start the day off right and limber up! Moose Camp Alumni will put you through easy and fun stretches to help you get ready for the rest of the day. Low-impact enough for any age; no experience required. Wear comfy clothes and bring a water bottle.

An Evening with Pricilla Mooseburger - This is a special event that is relatively new to the schedule. When Master Clown Frosty Little was on staff, we would feature him putting on his makeup and costume, all the while regaling us with stories of what it was like in Clown Alley on the circus. Since his retirement, we've replaced his event with a similar one featuring Pricilla. She has some great stories to tell, some funny, some touching, all inspiring. Bring a camera!

Moose Camp Family Picnic - Since many clowns are asked to participate in or produce an outdoor event for a company picnic or family party, we thought we would give you tons of ideas by hosting our own! Come dressed for the outdoors and enjoy picnic-style food with lots of games and roving entertainment. No costumes necessary. Either sit back and watch the goings-on or jump in and join the festivities.

Patio Party - After your hard-working performance in All Star Clown Show on Saturday, you'll be hungry and hyper! Jump into comfy clothes (feel free to leave your clown makeup on) and join us on the Mooseland Patio. We'll be bringing in yummy party foods for you to munch on, and playing lots of fun dance music. It's the perfect way to unwind with dancing and late-night snacking!

Great American Pie Fight - Greg & Karen DeSanto are masters of the Pie Fight, and we couldn't pass up the chance to hold a good old-fashioned pie fight. We had such a good time with this event last year, that we wanted to make sure EVERYBODY got a piece of the action this time. So practice your aim and be prepared to get soapy. And hey, you might even learn something!

Late Night Movies - If you're still not tired by the time the Nighttime Chats with Staff are over, we'll be showing movies and videos in the Red Mezz. You'll see Cartoons, Comedy Magic, Circus footage, and Stage & TV Comedians. Come in your pajamas and bring a pillow!

Dealers Room - In the coffee room, you will find all the supplies you need to clown around! See this stuff up close and personal. The staff will be on hand to demonstrate their wares in a low-pressure, hands-on shopping experience. Ask questions and try things on - We want you to "try it before you buy it"! Stock up on needed supplies or make a wish list. Master Card, Visa, Discover Card, travelers' checks and personal checks may be accepted by most vendors - call them first to verify. The following businesses will be on hand with a variety of products for your clowning delight:

Pricilla Mooseburger Originals - costumes, wigs, accessories, noses, make-up, books

Twin Cities Magic - magic tricks, juggling props, comedy magic supplies, puppets

The Gag Bag - stickers, gags, pocket magic, props, comedy magic supplies

Spears Specialty Clown Shoes - ready-to-wear and custom-designs

DeSanto's Emporium - From dusty tomes on clown history to rare circus memorabilia, you'll find a little bit of everything to delight and enlighten.

...and there may be even more still signing up later!