All We Are Saying is Give Clowns a Chance
Clowns don't need make-up to make you smile (but sometimes a little bit doesn't hurt.) Clowning stems from within and anyone can learn.
Get in touch with your inner performer at Lillian H. Smith Branch. We invite kids ages 8-12 to participate in clowning games, drama exercises, silliness and improv. Let Professional Clown Allan Turner lead the way. See details here.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
2pm – 3:30pm
Allan Turner writes, directs, teaches, acts, improvises and is just a generally funny guy, with credentials (translation: professional funny man.) His clown alias is Mullet, the zombie clown. Your child's introduction to clowning is safe in his hands, which won't be holding cotton candy or a water gun.
A lot of kids find clowns scary. Maybe it's one bad experience, like a clown who wanted to eat a child's popcorn at the Exhibition. "Back off, clown! I am not giving any popcorn to you." Maybe you just don't feel like laughing. However, clowning is a dramatic art form. Kids can learn a lot from it – training a growing brain to react to situations with wit and humour is a wonderful thing.
The clown that made you cry at a birthday party may not be the same clown that can make you think or laugh. Some argue that laughter is the best medicine. Therapeutic clowns can barely be mentioned without a Patch Adams reference. Clowns Without Borders travels to conflict zones and refugee camps with the aim of providing psychological relief to sufferers, especially children. Isn't that an amazing mission?
Oh and by the way, Cirque du Soleil is hiring! We can't promise that anyone would pass this clown audition after completing our workshop, but Cirque qualifications include: "charisma and excellent stage presence," "emotional projection" and "a very original character." That's a tall order and a testament to the clowning profession.
If you and the kids are looking for something different to try this summer, why not give clowning a go? Don a red nose and PLAY! You've got nothing to lose and a new character to gain.
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