Call 518-489-2680 for information
Celebrate by Participating
Come Join The FUN!
Make Me Laugh Clown!
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, August 2, Colonie Center, Center Court
Q. What is “Make Me Laugh Clown“?
A. Simply stated, “Make Me Laugh
Clown” is a clown challenge! Our Festival clowns can strut their stuff as balloon twisters, face painters and/or
walk around entertainers for skill development, recognition and even an award or two. It takes place in the Center Court
of Colonie Center, 11AM - 2 PM, on Saturday, August 2nd. Come join the fun!
Here are the details and the fine print!
Q. What is “Make Me Laugh Clown“?
A. “Make Me Laugh Clown” is a clown
challenge! A local clown we know was preparing for a parade appearance, when approached by a person in the gathering
crowd. “Make Me Laugh Clown!” was the demand that was heard. The clown was so taken aback by the challenge, the
clown was at a loss for what should be done to meet the challenge. This situation is the inspiration for “Make
Me Laugh Clown!”
Ultimately, a clown is an entertainer. Unlike other entertainers, the audience expectation of a clown
is that a clown is always “on” and can generate laughter on demand.
“Make Me Laugh Clown” is a clown/audience interaction challenge!
We'd like to see a clown be able strut their “stuff” to entertain an audience of any size.
We'd like to see clowns interact with their audience.
“Make Me Laugh Clown” is a clown challenge! One to have FUN with!! One to learn
from. One to celebrate the art of clowning with.
Q. Is this a competition?
A. No, not in truest sense of the word or clown competitions, as
we know them. However, it would be fun to see some of our balloon twisters, face painters and walk arounders pit their
skills and talents against each other to get bigger, broader and more robust smirks, smiles, giggles and laughs from their
audiences…I can make a better fish on a fishing pole than you can Fuddi-Duddy! Oh, yea? Here’s a 160,
a 260 and a heart balloon. Go for it!
Q. Is this a new training program?
A. Yes, in a manner of speaking. As the Capital
Region Clown Arts Festival has picked up steam, participants are asking for hands on training that includes audience interaction.
“Make Me Laugh Clown” is an attempt to make that happen by allowing a clown access to an audience in something
of a controlled environment. If the audience we find in the Mall on August 2nd cooperates with us, we should get some
interesting feedback giving “Make Me Laugh Clown” participants a unique skill honing opportunity.
Q. Where will it take place?
A. Colonie Center’s Center Court in front of Boscov’s
(Central Avenue & Wolf Road, Northway Exit 2 E, Albany)
Q. When will take place.
A. Saturday, August 2, from 11 AM to 2 PM
Q. Is this going to be a Clown Week Event?
A. Sure thing! Should be lots of fun, too!!
Q. How will it be set up?
A. Balloon Twisters will be up first. They will be given
the opportunity to twist their best stuff. Once twisted, they will not only present the balloon to a youngster of any
age (3 and above please) desiring one, they will also hand the youngster’s parent a score card. The parent will
be asked to fill it out with the youngster and deposit it in a collection container. Face Painters will follow suit.
Walk Arounders will finish out the program. It is our hope to have a special coach or two on hand to provide helpful
hints to participants, fostering on the spot skill enhancement and improvement.
Q. Will there be time limits?
A. Only the time limits that a clown who is twisting, painting
or strolling would find in a real world performance situation. We expect that each event will run for 45 minutes.
Q, Can a clown participate in all three events?
A. Sure
Q. Do we need to pre-register? Are there any entry fees?
A. No! No!! But,
it would be nice to know who and what to expect come the morning of August 2. There will be sign up sheets at the next
couple of clown functions in twon plus e-mail notices and blurbs in alley newsletters.
Q. Does one need to be in costume and make-up?
A. Appearance and approachability will be
an element of “critique”. So if you perform in costume and make-up, we'd love to have you in costume and
make-up for “Make Me Laugh Clown“, whatever that costume and make-up might be for you as you generate smiles by
twisting, painting and/or strolling.
Q. Will there be winners?
A. We will all come out of this challenge winners. The audience
will be able to vote for Best All Around Clown, Best Balloon Twister, Best Face Painter, Funniest Strolling Clown. These
are categories our coaches will consider and offer a ranking on, too.
Q. What are the rules?
A. The number one rule is to have FUN with your audience and make
sure that the audience is having FUN with you!
The second rule is to make sure that everything that is presented is in good taste.
There will be no bribing of the audience.
A youngster must be at least three (3) years or older to receive a balloon or any type of body art.
There will be no self promotion during the challenge.
Balloon Twisters will supply their own balloons & pumps.
Face Painters will supply their own paint & supplies. While we expect to have chairs and tables,
you should bring yours with you.
Walk Arounders will bring and use all their own gags and supplies.
Sharing of supplies between challenge participants is encouraged.
Smiles are very important.
All participants will comply with the program’s coaching staff.
Everyone will have the appropriate emphasis on FUN.
The “judges” will not be influenced in any way.
The decisions of the judges are final.
Winners need not be present to win.
Any prizes not claimed will be forfeited to the organizers.
All rules are subject to change.
Other rules will be made up as we go along.
