Be Funny In The Skin YOU Are In!

As you probably know I write this newsletter a month in advance so I can give my trusty assistant Katie time to edit it, make it look great and get it to our web hosting company to be sent out to you. At first it was kind of weird to do it this way. I was so used to Katie kindly reminding me that the deadline was quickly approaching and we needed to get it done. I made a resolution to have it written by the 15 of each month and have stuck to it for the most part. It didn’t take long for it to become habit.

To be a successful clown we need to make a lot of things a habit. Start thinking like a clown before you put your make-up on! People are funny. If you just sit and watch them sometime you will see some great characters right before your very eyes. People-watching at an airport can be as entertaining as going to the movies!

Abe Lincoln said, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” I think that is great advice for a clown! What I love best about clowns is they come in all shapes and sizes. There is one for every occasion! Rowdy crazy ones, sweet shy ones, wise cracking, and simply silly, wacky, thoughtful, tall, short, round thin. You name it. What kind of clown are YOU? What kind of clown do you want to be? Of course we all want to be funny clowns. Not many of us want to be unfunny. But the trick comes in how we go about being funny. Some of us are naturally funny so it comes easy to us. But even a person who is naturally the life of the party has to work at it.

How do you work at being funny? First, you need to do a bit of self discovery. Take a really close look at yourself.

Think of some words that describe your style of movement, for example:

Energetic

Graceful

Stylized

Big

Describe your personality, in clown and out, for example:

Mischievous

Witty

Silly

Determined

Wacky

Describe your body shape:

Long

Lean

Angular

Get the picture? Well, that’s me. YOUR answers will be different!

These are the things I use to describe myself after 30 years of clowning around. What have you discovered about yourself? The best clown characters are reflections of who you really are. If you take your own personality and stretch it like silly putty, you will come up with a character that is believable. Clowning isn’t acting. It is self discovery on parade. Try to think of things you can do with your own body that would be funny. Don’t be afraid or ashamed of your body type. Embrace it and enjoy it! Don’t be afraid to be funny in the skin YOU are in!

But how do you prepare your brain to be funny? Think of the things that make you laugh. There are some things that make me laugh without fail. Certain Weird Al Yankovic songs crack me up because they are a little too honest; Veggie Tales songs because they are creative and silly. Carol Burnett makes me laugh. I love her expressions and physicality. She is not particularly beautiful and she doesn’t have a drop dead figure, but she does make people laugh. You have to watch her when she is on stage.

Most of you know I started my professional clown career with Ringling Bros. in the early 80’s. There was only one other girl clown to watch for guidance, and that was Tammy Parish. I watched her perform and was inspired with my own ideas. The goal of every clown should be to take a funny idea and make it your own. But without Tammy I would have had to start from scratch (thanks girlfriend)!

If you need some inspiration to be funny, then do your homework. Prime the pump with all kinds of things that make you laugh. Collect your favorite cartoons. Create your own “Laugh Library.” This can be anything that lifts your spirits and makes you smile, chuckle or squirt milk out your nose! It might take some work to do this but it is worth it. You will learn more about yourself and where you keep your funny bone. Things that make YOU laugh are indicators of what kind of character YOUR clown is. It will help you develop your funny side.

Sometimes being funny is making fun of yourself. That can be tough, but always works. I found early in my career with Ringling that it was funny to see a pretty clown fall down. What was the real humor was the unexpected. You see this doll clown image and then something completely opposite of what you expect happens.

You need to look at your clown image in the mirror and think, what would be the funniest thing that could happen to this character? I think seeing a big beefy guy clown pull out a tutu and try to be graceful is funny. I think a little petite clown trying to lift weights is funny. I think an old clown doing rap is hilarious. I think the more you develop the contrasts in your performance the more fun you can have entertaining.

But be forewarned…

“Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk”

Are you ready to really risk being funny? Are you ready to step away from all the preconceived notions of what is proper behavior and make people laugh? Make YOURSELF laugh? It is about being vulnerable. Most of us don’t want to go there. But it is really liberating when you do. Start thinking about what is funny. With a little effort you will see a lot more humor in life.

Plan it and risk it! It all comes down to discipline and organization. I don’t write my newsletter as the queen of all things organized, but as the lowly servant of a very busy schedule. Without organization important things wouldn’t be done and we couldn’t have fun! Don’t ever let any one tell you that pre-planning takes all the spontaneity out of your performance! Baloney. The better prepared you are the more time there is for the actual event to be fun! This point is proven over and over by all successful people, in all walks of life and types of business and pleasure. Plan to have fun! Plan to be funny. Plan to enjoy every minute of your performance.

Pricilla

Another Happy Customer!

Hi Trish,

I just wanted to let you know how much everyone admires the apron I bought from you for my face painting jobs. I think it is one of the best aprons anyone ever designed!

Hugs,

Marcela Murad

In addition to teaching Face Painting at Moose Camp and being known all over the country as “Mama Clown,” Marcela is also the president of the Face and Body Art International Convention. What a busy lady! We’re glad she had the spare time to snap that photo and send it to us! Thank you for the kind words, Marcela. We’ll see you soon at Moose Camp in July!

If you would like to have an apron like Marcela’s, please check out our page of Mooseburger Face Painting Supplies . There are four different styles of aprons to choose from, for $50 each. Call us to custom-pick your colors: 320-963-2677.

If you have a photo of yourself in clown wearing our costume, we’d love to feature you on our newsletter! Send it to info@mooseburger.com along with your name and a little bit about why you like our stuff.

Tip of the Month:

Spruce Up! Stay In Budget!

It’s easy with a FREE “Mooseburger Makeover”

Okay, so let’s say you don’t need an ENTIRE new costume…but you could use a bit of sprucing up, right? We have just the ticket! Send a picture of yourself in your costume to Pricilla@mooseburger.com and I will provide suggestions on things you can do to brighten up your look without breaking the bank.

It might be some trim or pockets you can add yourself. It might be an accessory you can make or buy. It might just be a helpful hint about your makeup. With the current economy, we could all use a little free advice on how to save money. Let my years of clowning and costume experience work for you!

Follow these guidelines for your FREE MOOSEBURGER MAKEOVER:

1. Have someone take a photo of you in your current clown costume and makeup.
2. Email it to Pricilla@mooseburger.com and use “Free Mooseburger Makeover” as the email Subject title.
3. Include your full name, phone number, and any other information you think might be helpful for me to know.

I will email you back with a list of minor, inexpensive changes you can make to put the pizzazz back in your appearance. After you read through the email, please give me a phone call if you want to discuss anything on the list. I’m here to help – but I can only do that if you let me! So let’s get the ball rolling – send me that picture already!!

There is no expiration date on this FREE offer and no limit. Use it as many times as you like! Heck, ask for a FREE “Mooseburger Makeover” every other month for the next few years, if you like!

MOOSE CAMP NEWS!

We are getting closer and closer to filling up early this year. Wow! At the time this newsletter was written, we had only 18 spots left open. If you are thinking about signing up, you had better get your registration in soon! Register online here: http://mooseburger.com/Register/

You are going to be SO EXCITED when you see all the amazing classes and fun events we have planned for you!! Have you seen the new schedule yet? Click to download the PDF file.

…And talk about excitement! We’re gathering together the country’s best instructors all under one roof for 50+ hours of intensive clown arts training (and that’s not counting the dozens of hours for the other fun stuff)! Not only do these clowns know their craft inside and out, they also know how to effectively teach, coach, and challenge you to be better clowns. Our instructors are generous geniuses! Warm and witty! Entertaining and intuitive! Comical and caring! Preposterous and professional! To sum it up, these folks are simply the BEST!

Our 2010 Moose Camp staff includes:

Fred Baisch

Karen Bell

Greg DeSanto

Karen DeSanto

Robin Eurich

Christopher Hudert

Connie Kennedy

Dan Langwell

Tricia Manuel

Brenda Marshall

Marcela Murad

Rex Nolen

Terry Ricketts

Neal Skoy

…and our “Special Guest Star” Steve Smith!

Plus we’ll have even more alumni and support staff joining us throughout the week. And, unlike other clown education events, our staff stays on-site just like the campers. They are available outside of class times, so that means you can keep learning all day long by visiting with them during meal times, social events, or free time. Just think of all the personal attention you’ll get! With all those instructors, the ratio of students to staff is never higher than 9 to 1, or something like that (hey, clowning is my strong point, not math). I know you’re going to love these funny folks just as much as I do!

SALES!

Pre-Summer Clearance!

Have you visited our “IN STOCK NOW” section lately? We’re adding new items all the time! Here’s a sampling…

Red Sport Coat – 20% OFF plus FREE Collar!

Was $281.00, is now only $225.00

Mooseburger Size 46 measures 53” across chest/belly. Will fit a chest/belly of 46" - 51" (this allows room for the inside pockets to be filled with stuff and still allow you to close the front of the coat).

Includes a FREE Regular, Lou Jacobs, or Mini Collar of your choice! ($28.00 value!)

DETAILS: Sturdy poly-cotton coat is machine washable. Red Coat; Turquoise Lining, Cuffs, Lapels, and Pockets; Golden Yellow Trim and Buttons. Triple-Charm Pockets inside and two outside, for a total of 8 pockets. Velcro Front Closure.

Only one in stock! Click here to order online.

Summer Raggedy Ann-style Dress -- 15% OFF!

Was $350.00, is now only $297.50

SIZING: A Mooseburger Large size Raggedy Ann Dress has a torso measurement of 54 inches. In order for this costume to fit properly, your bust, waist and hips should measure no more than 45 inches. The extra roominess is necessary for comfort and ease of clown movement.

DETAILS: Shirt has long straight sleeves with a puffed-up short sleeve at the top to add even more cuteness! Lite bloomers included. Features 4 pockets: 2 in apron, 2 in bloomers. This particular outfit has a little something extra, too: the front pockets have pink heart appliqués! Being unlined, this outfit is great for summer or hot climates. Made of pre-shrunk sturdy poly-cotton. Completely machine washable.

One-of-a-kind item! Click here to order online.

Deluxe Keystone Cop Coat -- 25% OFF!

Was $350.00, is now only $262.50

Mooseburger Size 44 measures 54” in chest and hips, 22” in neck, 18” arm inseam, and 46” length from beck to hem.

DETAILS: Sturdy poly-cotton coat with lining is machine washable. Golden Yellow embroidered star appliqués on the collar points. Braided trim on collar and cuffs. Roomy pleats in back for free movement and sitting. Wide Belt Loops for Naugahyde/Brass Belt. Durable Yellow buttons with secure button holes down front.

Top-of-the-line coat for a low, low price!! Only one in stock. Click here to order online.

There is even MORE listed online right now! Check out our “In Stock Now” section and “Clearance Section” for more great deals on your favorite clown costumes. The selection is changing all the time, so please book-mark those pages and check back often!

Monthly Sales for MAY!

--- Remember to use code “MAYFLOWER” to get the discount ---

Large and X-Large Purple and Lavender Striped T-shirts -- 20% OFF!

Was $53.00, is now only $42.50

Mooseburger Size Large measures 50” in the chest and 20” in the neck. Pre-shrunk knit is stretchy, cool, and comfy.

Only four left in stock! Click here to order online.

ProKnows Noses -- $15.00

SPECIAL PHONE-IN ONLY OFFER

We got a special bulk buy of some of Leon’s noses and nose tips. Limited amounts of styles and sizes. Here they are at a great price! Stock up; they won’t last long at 15.00 each! We also have some of the ProKnows solvent, latex glue, and Sticky Stuff for $7.00 each

Ask for: Bundled Shipping & Handling Pricing:

5 Noses and one solvent or adhesive = $7.50 S&H

8 Noses and one solvent or adhesive = $7.95 S&H

10 Nose Tips and one solvent or adhesive = $7.50 S&H

Take a look at the list below for styles and quantities in stock. This special offer is only available by phone. To order, call us at 320-963-6277 or toll free 800-973-6277 between 9am – 5pm Central Time, weekdays. Don’t wait!

Go online to order: www.mooseburger.com

Call in your order: 800-973-6277 (or 320-963-6277 for our international friends)

Fax your order: 320-963-6692

Terms and Conditions of Sales:

1. You have to type the word “MAYFLOWER” in the Discount Code box at the end of your online order, or write “MAYFLOWER” somewhere on your fax-in or mail-in order, or tell the word “MAYFLOWER” to the Mooseburger Salesperson on your phone-in order.
2. Supplies are limited. Please note: Just because the item is displayed online does not mean it is in stock – all products are displayed online regardless of immediate availability. We try to update it everyday, but the site is not always 100% up to date with current stock. If you have any concerns, then call us before you place your order: 800-973-6277 or 320-963-6277. Click here for our Sales Page.
3. Good on phone-in, mail-in, fax-in, or online orders. Order must be placed during the month of May. This offer is not retroactive.

Where in the World is Pricilla?

Join me at the great events listed below – stop by my booth and say “HI!” You can also keep track of my travel schedule online here. See you on the road!

May 14 - 16, 2010

Clown Town

Location: Newark, OH

Website: http://www.clowntown.org

June 8 – 13, 2010

Red Skelton Clown School

Location: Vincennes, IN

Website: http://redskeltonclownschool.com/

June 26, 2010

Zurah Funsters Workshop

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lunch included

This Workshop is for all clowns, whether you have been clowning for many years or are a new clown. This is a chance to sharpen your skills or learn new skills. We will be having three workshop sessions dealing with makeup, costume, clown performing, paradeability and parade props. These sessions are for the seasoned clowns as wells as our newer clowns.

July 27 – August 1, 2010

Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp

Location: Buffalo, MN

Website: http://www.mooseburger.com/camp/index.html

Invite Pricilla to Your Next Event!

I LOVE the Art of Clowning, and have devoted the last 2 decades of my life to it, with no end in sight. I love teaching and watching people learn and grow. There is nothing more exciting than watching students discover new things in themselves! More importantly, I have championed the cause of encouraging clowns to break out of themselves and dare to attempt to be great clowns. In a world where we are encouraged to fit in, I hope I inspire them to stand out and be the best clowns they can be!

Through the years I discovered I could reach more audiences through my students than I could through my own performance. After I finished my time with Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, I have devoted my life to Clown Arts Education, touring the country providing innovative classes and opportunities at conventions, festivals, and camps. And ever since then, teaching the Art of Clowning has become my vocation.

I have dedicated my life to this special craft and I feel it shows in my presentations. My lectures are all about hands-on learning that empowers clowns of all levels to get out there and do it! My lectures are never "Dealer's Shows". I share my resources gladly, and teach clowns how to "do it" themselves. I feel that my educational material and instructional style can reach the beginners as well as the advanced performers.

Take a look at the many and varied classes I can offer at your next event: http://mooseburger.com/tricia/index.html. If you are interested in having me teach at your next event, please send an email to Pricilla@mooseburger.com and be sure to include your contact information, dates, and location of your event.

If you are looking to create an educational workshop, you might be interested in hosting a “Moose Camp Caravan.” This is a 2 or 3 day event where we create the schedule and classes for you, and bring a small group of staff hand-picked for your event. If this sounds like something your club or alley is interested in, please send a request to info@mooseburger.com and you will get an email outlining all the information you need to plan a “Moose Camp Caravan!”

NEVER STOP LEARNING!