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The
Clown, The Servant By
Steve “Salty” Kissell Years ago I had the
opportunity to perform at a synagogue.
The children were wide-eyed and excited about a clown being amongst them.
As I guided them to their seats and began my pre-show warmup I noticed
one male child was without his yarmulke.
Without giving a second thought, I took my clown sailor hat off my head
and with my scissors cut the center out of it I and then placed it on his head
to act as a yarmulke. I then put what remained of the hat on top of my clown wig
and pulled out the hair. This
accomplished three things. One, it
gave him a really cool yarmulke.
Two, it gave me a unique and original look to my clown character.
And three, it impressed upon my them the real meaning of being a clown
servant. I have visited church
members in their homes while in hospice care.
I have visited children in pediatric wards that were under doctor orders
of DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) and
each interaction enforces my belief that we, as clowns, are true servants.
We are to be fools to bring laughter and joy to many.
There is no device that can measure the joy that we bring to the world.
Einstein tells us “not all good things can be measured” and I do believe
that. Whether you find yourself
on an airplane sitting beside or behind a screaming child or perhaps a
frightened first time flier, you have the gift to bring them joy with a funny
word, balloon animal or silly expression.
In these days of traveling apprehension I find in imperative to lighten
the day given the task of insuring our safe journey.
I often draw a puppet on an airsick bag to entertain my fellow travelers
or even something as simple as a pair of peepers on my hand can bring squeals of
laughter from children and smiles from flight attendants.
And often an extra bag of peanuts!
I remember fondly the day I
showed up dressed in character to greet the new pastor in his study shortly
before the Sunday service. His eyes
were wide with amazement and he quickly embraced the idea and asked the church
organist to play circus music when it was time for me to do the Children’s
Moment. As I write this article and
reread it, the feelings that I had at each of those situations comes back to me
and I hope on your journey as a serving clown that you have those good memories
as well. Here are some ideas of
serving other for you. On the way back from a
birthday party, or other type of work, stop by a nursing home just for fun.
Be sure to check in at the front desk before visiting.
Visit someone in hospice care that you do not know.
You will bring immeasurable joy to them, to the family and to the
caretakers. Make some calls and
find out if there is a Clown Care unit in your area or how you can be involved
in creating one. Contact your
church and find out if you can present/perform at a marriage encounter or Emmaus
Walk. Inquire at the local
elementary or nursery school to see if you can do a mini-lesson for the children
about your job as a clown. Perhaps
even as far as ‘career day’.
How about this for a wild idea - what about setting up a special clown day for a
local Scout troop? Bring in makeup,
costumes, or have the kids bring costumes from home.
Bring juggling equipment, other props and maybe write a show.
What fun that would be! And
to top if off there would be no charge.
That would be a real clown servant - spending time with adolescents with
no financial reward. You might also
consider volunteering, as a clown,
at a local shelter or soup kitchen.
These are just a few ideas and I’m sure you can think up several more that will work with your character and schedule. Godspeed on your journey as a Clown Servant.
Continuing Educational Opportunities
www.CircusMagic.com www.KidAbra.com www.BalloonAndMagicMania.com www.WorldClownAssociation.com www.ClownJubilee.com www.Comedifest.com www.KentuckyClownDerby.com www.ClownVegas.com Steve Kissell 1227 Manchester Ave. Norfolk, VA 23508-1122 757-423-3867 KissellTalks@cs.com
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