Developing Another Performing Personality

The “Crazy Eight” Characters of Steve Kissell

Have you ever been invited to perform at a special event but the client may not want a juggler, clown or magician? They may be looking for a character performer instead of just a performer. This opportunity is a good chance for you to expand your client services and marketability. Some of my characters have arisen from need while others I have created and marketed. I have enjoyed creating these various characters and know they have brought many laughs to families and put a few more dollars in my bank account.

The purpose of this article is to challenge you to expand your horizons and to create additional characters. So when your phone rings and a client asks if you have a particular character you can reply that of course you do. Now go out and get it or create it!

Character 1 Some years ago the Opera Association of Norfolk, VA contacted me to create a character to fit in with the opera “Amal and the Night Visitor.” I, of course, told them that I had a magical genie and I would be glad to perform at their grand opening and do walk arounds before each performance. My job was to entertain the people waiting in line. My costume was a lavender puffy shirt, baggy silk wrap-around pants, a lamé vest I made myself , leather and brass sandals, and I completed the ensemble with a genie turban. I named the character “SonofAbbib” and began to collect my performing equipment. It consisted of rope tricks, ring and rope tricks, linking ring tricks, the magical rope in a vase trick and several gold lamé juggling beanbags. I made a black velvet carry bag for all the tricks and was ready to go. Creating this character was easy and equipping the character was fun and challenging.

Character 2 This is a clown by the name of “ScuseMe”. This character is a variation of my main character Salty. The costume and makeup are different and the name is different. I chose the name because when folks ask me the name of my character I’d reply “Scuse Me.” And, of course, they would repeat the question. I would reply “Scuse Me!” This character utilized that type of humor in word play. I would mispronounce words as if by accident and the audience would laugh. I might substitute ‘applesauce’ for ‘applause’. Or I might use “constipation’ for ‘concentration’. Scuse Me is a gentle character that uses self effacing humor.

Character 3 The MC Guy. This character is actually me with a coat and tie or white shirt, blue sequin vest and red sequin bowtie. The roll I play is a clean-cut articulate speaker who introduces the individual acts for a show and to fill in as the entertainers set up and prepare. I do like to cause a little bit of trouble with this character and I may tease the audience or entertainers just a bit because when the tables are turned they have the opportunity to poke fun at me. I am dedicated to delivering a clear and entertaining introduction for each presenter and well as providing the opening and closing announcements for the program.

Character 4 The Imaginary Man. I created this character out of a sense of need to rest my voice. On many occasions I found the house sound system inadequate and my voice was strained by the conclusion of the program. This can happen at fairs, festivals, grand openings or even libraries. So I would equip the sound person with the list of my performing tapes after being introduced I would perform a 60-90 minute silent show. I use music, pantomime, juggling, magic and puppetry. I also use large signs like they used to use in silent movie days to announce the next skit or vignette. This kind of character works great in situations where noise levels are high, such as a fair, or in nursing homes where hearing levels are low.

Character 5 The Magical Storyteller. This character was designed for libraries and wears colorful clothing and a fun hat. I utilize primarily storytelling, puppetry and magic. This character fits well into library themes as they change each year.

Character 6 Big Blue the Mascot. This character was performed for a local university that featured the Big Blue Lion as their mascot. I was attending school there at the time and joined the cheerleading squad to try out for the roll of their mascot. I soon discovered that the clown skits that we loved so well worked just as well while performing as the mascot. One word of caution - always have an escort to ensure the safety of those around the mascot as well as for the mascot’s costume.

Character 7 Bill The Pelican. I created this character to perform as sporting events and grand openings. I had a local costumer create it for me so that the head is very large with a huge peak that is capable of swallowing small children. The legs are orange or yellow hose with giant sneakers and I usually sport a blue jersey with the name “Bill the Pelican” on it. A great walk around and a nice visual at fairs and festivals.

Character 8 Salty the Sailor Clown. This is actually my first character since I was in the Navy when I created it. I wear the old type sailor costume complete with sailor hat. However one day I was doing a performance as a synagogue and all the boys were wearing their yarmulke except one little boy. He had left his yarmulke at home. Being the servant that I am, I removed my sailor hat and cut out the top rounded portion and set it on his head as a yarmulke. I placed the remaining hat on my head and putting my wig through the top. This gave it a whole new look and later I went back and put the letters of my name over the white band. This character is a August clown and a bit antagonistic with the audience but always kind to children on stage.

Closing thoughts: Be careful not to create too many characters since it gets very expensive with costumes, props and especially shoes. Most of the characters I created utilize a pair of standard black clown shoes. My favorites are Spears Speciality shoes found at 413-732-7184.

I would suggest that you purchase your costume needs from Kitty Kuhr at Sunshine at Company 800-257-3390 and Tony Jones at Costumes by Betty 800-472-5696.