Special Events for
Mooseburger's Great Clown Adventure!
 dates and times subject to change


Below is a SAMPLE of the exciting and unique events we have offered.

We are cooking up even more fun stuff for 2009!

Check back soon!

With 4 days filled with fun competitions, top-notch classes, and practical workshops, you might wonder, "How did they manage to squeeze more events into the schedule?" Well, it wasn't easy, but we did it. And we did it all for you! There is so much to do at Mooseburger's Great Clown Adventure, you could be "clowning around" from dawn 'til dusk! But, we don't want to tire you out - therefore we formatted our schedule so you can choose to be as busy or as relaxed as you want to be. Pretty smart, huh? Now, onto the special events!

Hands-On Labs
Mooseburger Clown Arts Education knows how to do it right. Not only do we provide the best educators in the Clown Arts we proved the best learning experiences for you. We will be having four hands on labs for your educational enrichment! So I think you might want to come with an empty suitcase to bring home your treasures! We won't even start on what you might find in the dealer's room!!! Mark Renfro nationally known make-up artist will offer his Make-up Design and Technique Lab. Make-up and mirrors are provided!

Paula Biggio will be teaching a Fabulous Hands-On Face Painting Lab. Paradise Paints will be provided to make it easy to learn along with Paula's common sense instruction -- you can't loose! Pricilla Mooseburger has brought her Kazoo Band Class and Lab to Vegas! By popular demand this make-it-and-take-it class and lab will send you on your musical way even if you can only hum! There will also be a surprise performance featuring your kazoo creations.

Terry Ricketts is bringing his brand of Manic Mania to GCA! In this class you will learn to make incredible props out of every day objects, and take them home with you! Not just one or two, but dozens and dozens. This fast paced class is not for the weak of heart! Get ready for one wild ride!

Dealers Room
Open Monday, February 19th - Wednesday, February 21st

You won't want to pass up a walk through our tempting Dealers Room. There will be table after table of clowning supplies, costumes, props, stickers, balloons, makeup, puppets, magic tricks, face paints, books, and all sorts of fun stuff! As of December 2006, this is the list of vendors we have so far (there may be more added as we get nearer to the convention):
  • Balloons and Clowns (Dave Hill) - Balloons, Pumps, Stickers, Novelties, Books, DVDs
  • Daytona Magic (Harry Allen) - Magic Tricks and Magician Supplies of all shapes, sizes, and sorts!
  • Ed Chee, CBA - Balloons, Supplies, etc.
  • Jim Howle Makeup - Makeup, Clown Noses, Advice
  • Laflin Magic (Duane and Mary Laflin) - Magic tricks, silks, educational resources, illusions, etc.
  • Laugh it up Clown Stuff (Paula Biggio & Richard Gottschlich) - Face Painting supplies, performance tools, puppets, stickers, etc.
  • Miles Baker, Clown Artist - Paintings, Greetings Cards, Prints, Mouse Mats, Cutting Boards
  • Planet Mirth (Earl Chaney) - Magic and magicians' supplies
  • Pricilla Mooseburger Originals - Costumes, Noses, Makeup, Wigs, Accessories, Books
  • Puppets Puppets Puppets - Puppets blanks for customization
  • Rocky Five - Badges, Name Tags, Pins, Awards, Customizable clown items
  • Spears Specialty Shoe Co. (John Spear) - Ready-made and custom clown shoes
"Red Nose Review" Staff Show
 Monday, February 19th - 7:00pm
Our stellar instructional staff will get a chance to step out from behind the teacher's podium and step onto the stage. You get a sneak peek at some of their specialties while they entertain you with jokes, skits, magic, juggling, and all sorts of performances. You don't want to be late, because seating is limited. Remember to bring a camera, since this will be one of the few times during the convention when all the staff will be in costume and makeup at the same time!

The King and Presto
 Tuesday, February 20th - 7:00pm
What do you get when you combine Elvis Presley and a professional comedy magic show? Why, it's "The King and Presto", of course! We are delighted to have Duane and Mary Laflin perform their one-of-a-kind show, with all the goofiness and magic that Vegas is known for. It features comedy, the music of Elvis, audience participation, and lots of funny business. If you're lucky, they may even stick around to give a lecture on how they put together a show!


Life Casting
 Wednesday, February 21st - Time To Be Announced
 
Since 1989, Ruth Chaddock has settled into a career as a Life Cast artist. She has been recording and celebrating Ringling Bros. clowning year after year by painstakingly crafting and then perfectly replicating, the fully made-up face of a clown. It takes about eight hours to complete a Life Cast. It's a piece of art that is co-created by the artist and the performing artist, becoming a three-dimensional historical record. Watch as Ruth creates a Life Cast of Tricia Manuel (aka "Pricilla Mooseburger") right here at the convention!

Big Time Finals
 Wednesday, February 21st - 5:00pm
 
After all the single and group skit competitions are complete, the judges will announce the top ten skits, which will move up to the final round, or The Big Time Finals. You will be performing on the Main Stage on the Midway of the 2nd level of the casino, which is viewable to the entire casino floor. Whew! You will do your act again, and a group of celebrity judges will pick the winners based on their performance and the audience reaction. It will be simple, easy and fair. For those of you lucky enough to be in the big show, plan on a professional show. Stagehands will set your props, so keep them practical. The stage has a band, so music will be provided. Plan to be funny and work that audience! It should be quite a thrill. The top ten acts receive a medal, and well as top awards being given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Seating for watching the Big Time Finals is open to the public, so you better get up there fast if you want to get a seat before the public does!

An Evening with Joe Barney & Leo Desilets
 Wednesday, February 21st - 8:00pm
We are pleased to present an Evening of conversation, stories, and performance from two men who have given so much to the world of hospital clowning. They have worked together as part of the Big Apple Circus Clown Care (SM) program at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Of course, their careers have consisted of more than just hospitals and cancer wards.
Each gentleman has a wealth of skill, talent, and experience to share. And you might just find out some things you never knew! For example, did you know that Joe (aka "Doc Geezer") comes from a show business family, with both his grandfathers working in Vaudeville? And did you know that Leo (aka Dr. Chester Drawers") was honored in 2005 with the first Clown of the Year award from the Annual Professional Development Conference of the Big Apple Circus Clown CareTM program? With combined total of 56 years, these two clowns are well-versed in all aspects of clowning, and could probably tell you story or two about everything from elephants to parades to competitions. Whew! Be sure to join us for this intimate and unique presentation.

For a touching story that the New York Times published about Joe and Leo, click here:

Afternoon in the AdventureDome
Thursday, February 22nd - 12:00pm
We will kick off the day with our parade through the AdventureDome. Paradability competition will be held along with our Birthday bash party, and lots of meet-and-greet opportunities. Everyone is welcome!
The AdventureDome is the 5-acre elevated theme park inside the Circus Circus Hotel. They are letting everyone with a Great Clown Adventure badge come in free to enjoy themselves. This is a wonderful photo opportunity and performance event for all. You may decide to entertain the kiddies in line with some juggling or pocket magic, or you could go on the rides, or even take in one of the free shows put on the Circus Circus Clown Alley. Go to the AdventureDome website for more information.

Gala Awards Banquet & Tribute
Thursday, February 22nd - 6:00pm Cocktail Hour, 7:00pm Dinner & Presentation
The Guests! The Stories! The Food! This year we are proud to honor two of Ringling's leading ladies: Peggy Williams and Ruth Chaddock, and home-town hero: Paula Biggio. This black-tie affair will feature friends and colleagues sharing memories and toasting the women of clowning, all while enjoying a scrumptious supper. Competition Awards will be announced during the banquet, as well. Grab your favorite tux or gown and join us for this fun and elegant one of a kind tribute. Our industries notables will be coming from around the globe to tribute these special women. You don't want to miss this event.

Clown Roundtable Chat with our Ladies of Laughter:
Paula Biggio, Ruth Chaddock, Peggy Williams
 Date & Time To Be Announced
Each of out Ladies of Laughter will get their turn in the spotlight to talk about their careers in a lifetime of laughter. The beautiful part of these ladies lives is not only their dedication to the Art of Clowning, but their dedication to education. Thanks to these three women, our craft has been enriched with school programs, artistic preservation, clown education advancement and so much more. You will not want to miss one of these gatherings! It will be an intimate roundtable setting with lots of laughs and hearty discussion.

Defending the Cave Man
Free Tickets!
Kevin Burke, Ringling Grad '86, has made a fabulous offer. According to availability, he is offering free comp tickets for his show "Defending the Caveman" at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Casino for the 10:30pm show! Look for more information and ticket requests at the registration table. See more at www.defendingthecaveman.com. Kevin has also agreed to participate in our Staff show! (Of course with a big Vegas Star like Kevin, this will also be according to his availability!)