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What do we teach at
Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp?
Maybe a better question would be "What don't we teach?"
Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp?
If you're willing to learn it, we're willing to teach it!
We offer our curriculum much in the same way as a university does: one major and many electives. Your major is the COURSE and your electives are the AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS.
COURSES: You will meet with the same instructor each morning from 9 - 11 am and study one of the nine topics below. You can choose only one Morning COURSE for the entire week.
WORKSHOPS : After lunch, you can choose from many different Afternoon Workshops each day! Each Workshop lasts an hour and 15 minutes each, and will cover every aspect of clowning, children's entertainment, and performing. Sometimes the staff will be teaching portions of their course in a shorter Workshop format. We recommend you try all our staff. If you like them, then perhaps next year you will want to take a course from another staff on another subject!
Don't know which COURSE to choose? Relax, we offer a presentation and Q&A session with all the course instructors on the first day of camp so you can decide once you get to camp. You can change during the week if you really find yourself in the wrong Course. But 99% of the time people land right where they want to be!
If you register early, you will receive a free PEP (Personal Education Plan), which will help you get the most out of your time at Moose Camp. Every registered camper receives their PEP with a phone call from Tricia Manuel (aka "Pricilla Mooseburger"). For more information about your PEP, go to the "What Makes Us Different" section.
Here are the 6 COURSES:
Birthday Parties and Other Shows
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Rex Nolen has worked everything from living rooms to circus arenas. Put your shows together using practical business tips, comedy magic, routining, child management skills, adapting your character, and much more. This course will teach you routines you can really use. Rex’s tried-and-true methods and wide range of experience make your business bloom! Learn and laugh your way to success! Be prepared to go home with a ton of useful material. |
Clowning 101
Learn the funny art of clowning from two of the best clowns/educators in the business. Tricia Manuel (Pricilla Mooseburger) and Mark Renfro will gently introduce you to make-up, costuming, character development and much needed performance skills. Their holistic approach will seamlessly interweave the skills that will start you on the road toward being a great clown. Their extensive clowning backgrounds, sharing and caring style will teach you volumes in a short time!Comedy Magic
Face Painting
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No where in the US can Clowns get a better education in Face Painting than through this course! Marcela Murad will give you 7 hours of hands on instruction. We provide the Paradise Paints! You will learn how to paint, entertain, set up your business and more important tricks of the trade from the best in the business. |
Hospital and Caring Clowning
Click here to read an article about Brenda's hospital group.
Performance Skills and SGag Writing
On to the Afternoon Workshops! There are many, many workshop offerings to choose from. Our staff is so talented it is tough trying to find room in the schedule for all the classes this bunch has to offer! The exact list of workshops offered may change prior to Moose Camp, but at least you’ll get a pretty good idea of what each instructor's specialties are and how they can help you! Fred Baisch:
Publicity and Brochures - Learn how to put together promotional material that will get you noticed. Fred will work on a computer in the classroom to show you what works, and what does not. A real brochure will be created for a clown club plus other materials you can adapt for your own use.
Routine-ing Magic - O.K. you have this great magic prop…but how do you make it funny? Fred will show you how. His years of experience will make being funny with magic look easy. Remember, it's just that simple once you know the secret! Fred is the king of comedy magic!
Birthday Party Magic -Fred will show what it takes to put comedy magic into your birthday party routines. Perfect for those of you who use magic, ideal for clowns wondering what it is all about! Learn how to be a funny magical clown from one of the best in the business.
Makin' Magic! - Professional magician and clown Fred Baisch will teach you how to make your own magic props! A terrific opportunity for all you clown magicians or those thinking about adding a little magic to their act.
Karen Bell:
Birthday Party Biz - Just starting out in the party biz? This class is for you. Learn from all the mistakes Karen has made in her thousands of Birthday Parties. We will discuss the business issues of the birthday party: phone etiquette, booking procedures and fees. This class is all about making the birthday party a very special day for the birthday child and the parents.
How to Use a Clown Hat -Ever end up someplace with nothing to do? Use your hat! There are great tricks and illusions that can be done with a simple felt hat. Let her show you how to make your hat a clown partner! This class includes lots of student participation and belly laughs!
Music in Your Act - Learn how to use music effectively in your routines. From background music to playing a simple instrument, music can create a mood and rhythm to help your performance.
Nursing Home Clowning - Karen's work with Laughter Unlimited provides a wellspring of practical knowledge for clowning for seniors. You will find this kind of performance rewarding and inspiring. Not as regulation-laden as hospital clowning, learn the inside tips that will open the door for a great performance opportunity. Perfect for Beginners!
Performing with Musical Instruments - Whether you play a musical instrument or not, you can still write a musical gag! We will look at many of the "comic Bits that are used in the musical gag, obvious blow-offs, and classic clown instruments. This class can also help you see the structure of a gag and how to write a gag.
Performing with Props - Do you have a great prop that just doesn't get the reaction you are looking for? Learn from Prop Whiz Karen Bell how to get them most out of your props. You will learn a clown gag using props and discuss ways to get the most bang for your buck!
Greg & Karen DeSanto:
Gag Writing - Clowning is very much like a live action cartoon. What we do is tell a story with a beginning, middle and end. Those three elements are at the heart of all clown routines. Whether called gags, routines, entrees or skits, they are the framework that you will hang your comic bits of business onto. Greg & Karen will take you through the process of creating a story that relates to your clown character, builds the comedy and finishes with the "blow-off."
Make-up Lab - Traditional Clown - These professional clowns will show you the application skills needed to create a classic clown face. Once you learn how to work with greasepaint make-up you will be able to do all kinds of different faces.
Gag Writing - Clowning is very much like a live action cartoon. What we do is tell a story with a beginning, middle and end. Those three elements are at the heart of all clown routines. Whether called gags, routines, entrees or skits, they are the framework that you will hang your comic bits of business onto. Greg & Karen will take you through the process of creating a story that relates to your clown character, builds the comedy and finishes with the "blow-off."
Teamwork - One of the strongest elements of clowning is teamwork. To be able to work in a partnership to produce comedy material allows us to develop our clown characters, sharpen comic timing, and share focus. From Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello, Lucy & Ricky to modern performers, the comedy team is an important part of clowns and their history.
Christopher Hudert:
Puppetry Workshop Part 1 - Make 'em move, make 'em live! How to work puppets, from simple to complex, to add them to your performance so that they are alive and real. We'll cover entrances, exits, basic movements, manipulation do's and don'ts, and the most important aspect of all -- static life.
Puppetry Workshop Part 2 - Creating Character, Conflict, and Comedy with a puppet partner. We'll take the next step to work with a puppet to create a character that you can work with, build some creative conflict between you and the character (a key to comedy), and find some of the fun and funny possibilities that a puppet brings to a clown performance.
Physical Comedy and Bit's O Business - Physical Comedy doesn't just mean falling down or getting beat up. Learn how to move and use your body within your physical limitations for the best comic results. Walks, takes, pacing, postures, gestures, timing, shifts, reactions, levels, and so on, can all add to your performance without injury. We'll examine facial, body, and vocal expressiveness, pacing, energy, and physical levels, and how movement makes our actions speak louder than our words.
ABCs of Skit and Gag Writing - Christopher will share his simple technique of Skits and Gags. Years of experience with RBBB circus taught him the ropes of writing routines under pressure while still having fun. Writing your own material is a rewarding and wonderful skill!
Connie Kennedy:
Successful Techniques of Beginner Make-up: Mark Renfro and Sweet Connie will assist you in learning the tips you need to create an individual clown face. Perfect for those who are new to make-up or want to brush up on basic skills.
Hospital Clowning -Nurse Stitches will teach the ins and outs of hospital clowning. From rules and regulations to hospital humor, you will get an inside look at this difficult yet rewarding type of entertainment. This class is a great way to find out if hospital clowning is for you!
Face Paint Lab Full Faces - Here is your chance to learn the art of fun face painting from Connie Kennedy. This is more than cheek art, it is character transformation! From butterflies to tigers, bunnies and kittens and much more! Learn how to do it fabulous and fast and make money doing it! Small lab fee required, paints provided.
ABC's of Clown Clubs - You might want to start your own club. Avoid the sad pitfalls of working with large groups of people! Moose Camp Alumni will share insights to keep a club up and running, avoid politic pitfalls and keep the fun in your funny business.
Dan Langwell:
Novice Balloons - Dan will give you the extra help you need to create simple balloon creations to please everyone. Not everyone needs Snoopy on a motorcycle! Learn the stuff you need to "do" balloons for parties and festivals.
Make-and-Take Juggling Balls - Dan and other staff members will show beginners an easy way to make juggling balls, which they can take with them and practice
Balloon Jam - Dan will host an open Balloon Jam to give you "balloonatics" unstructured time to do your stuff, plus offer help to beginners or show some advance tricks - bring your own balloons!
Skits! - Need some ideas on easy-to-do skits to bring back to your alley? Dan and other staff members will act out a few skits and then break them down step-by-step so you can learn them yourself for future use.
Tricia Manuel :
Clown Ministry: An Introduction - Brenda Marshall - What is clown ministry and who can do it? When is it appropriate? Where are the opportunities for ministry? Why use clowning? How do we incorporate clowning skills into ministry? Lots of answers!
Clown Ministry: Balloons to Songs-Brenda Marshall - Learn fun songs to sing with kids (even if you can't sing!) and some balloon sculptures that help present the message. Also includes basic puppetry and how to use puppets in your clown ministry programs.
Parades and Props-Don't let the parade pass you by. There is more to a parade performance than walking and waving! Brenda will share with you a variety of fun ideas to make the most of your time on the parade route!
Brenda Marshall:
Parades and Props -Don't let the parade pass you by. There is more to a parade performance than walking and waving! Brenda will share with you a variety of fun ideas to make the most of your time on the parade route!
You Character, You! Clown Character Development -Developing a clown character is probably the most difficult, most overlooked, and yet the most important part of being a clown. Get some tips, ideas, and exercises for finding the clown in YOU!
Clown Ministry, An Introduction - What is clown ministry? Who can do it? When is it appropriate? Where are the opportunities for ministry? Why use clowning? How do we incorporate clowning skills into ministry? Any questions? This class will answer them all!
Marcela Murad:
Make-up Lab - Lite and Easy Auguste Faces - Some performance styles call for a lighter look. Learn how to use less make-up and still look like a clown. Perfect for caring clowns and those looking for a more theatrical look.
Storytelling For Clowns - Learn from one of the best story tellers in the business. Mama Clown uses storytelling to keep children of all ages mesmerized during her performances.
Business of Birthday Parties - Marcela is one of the most successful birthday party clowns in the country. Learn her tips and techniques to help make your business profitable. Clowning is fun; business can be fun, too! Let her show you the way to be a success in something you love.
Face Painting Lab - This lab is set up to allow you access to the paints. Try them out and get some hands on experience. It is a perfect way for you to find out if you like face painting, gain some new skills, and learn some pointers from this world famous face painter! Small lab fee required.
Rex Nolen:
Birthday Parties, You Can Do It! - He knows the ins and outs of party entertaining, so let him help you asses your skills and put them into a show YOU can do! This class is full of practical knowledge that will get you started in doing parties for fun and profit.
Routines You Can Use -Learn routines for all types of performance venues. Rex keeps it simple and easy. It is more than learning how to do a trick, it is about creating a fun routine and patter to go with it. Rex shows you how!
Games and Activities for Company/Family Picnics- It is not always about the magic show. Learn fun games and activities that entertain all ages. Outdoor entertainment is fun and easy once you learn the games that work for clowns. Come ready to PLAY!
Creating and Booking a Christmas Show - Take advantage of the Holidays to give your show a new look! Rex will give you the tips you need to transform your existing material into specialty routines for many different occasions. These are the ideas that will keep them booking you again and again!
Simple Clown Skits - Looking for some skits for that alley show? Something everyone can do? Here are some simple but funny skits. We will use some students to go through a skit to show all steps necessary to put something together in a professional manner.
Gags, Skits and More - Here are some great ideas for walk arounds, restaurant work or when going from one bit to another. When you have little around you or using minimal pocket magic will be shown. Basic performance points will be discussed. Regardless of your skill level this class would be great for all levels of clowning.
Routine-ing your Shows - Class shows routines and how you can change them around to fit different themes. The use of hand bells will be demonstrated with members of the class. Need ides for holiday parties? We'll show you some. Novice to Intermediate Balloons and Balloon Hats - Here are some basics with balloon figures. Hats are always a favorite and here are some quick and easy ones that are sure to be eye catching. Bring your balloons and pumps this is hands on learning.
Mary Ann Porter:
Live Birthday Party "Maribella the Fairy" - Mary Ann will perform her magical Fairy party for a group of lucky little girls. See a live performance in action. Mary Ann uses all the traditional clown skills as a fairy to create a magical party!
Follow Up to Birthday Party - Mary Ann Porter: Now that you have seen the show, learn how to do it yourself! Character parties are all the rage. They are fun to do and keep your schedule full. Mary Ann will cover what it takes to create many different types of characters for all occasions.
Entertaining Characters! - Mary Ann takes you into "a world of make believe that you can't believe" with MariBella The Fairy Godmother, Mrs. Easter Bunnie, Hopefull the Clown and more! Learn how to use your clown skills with different characters to expand your performance opportunities and stay true to your clown character.
ABC's of Storytelling- Need help telling stories to capture an audience of bouncy kids? In this class, students will learn the beginning elements of the storytelling techniques used by the professionals. These basic skills will provide the knowledge needed to do storytelling in libraries and schools. The student will also learn how to incorporate puppets and props for the storyteller in you.
Mark Renfro:
The Gentle Art of Doing Nothing -Forsake those face paints, burst those balloon bubbles, make those magic tricks disappear. Find out what you audience really wants during this lecture about "up close and personal" clowning.
Successful Techniques of Beginner Make-up: Mark Renfro and Sweet Connie will assist you in learning the tips you need to create an individual clown face. Perfect for those who are new to make-up or want to brush up on basic skills.
Avoiding Make-up Design Disasters - Learn the art of make-up design, disasters and fundamentals. Mark will present the tips you need to design a face that really works for YOU.
What's Black and White and Fun All Over? - Mark says gags, stunts and tricks are hidden between the lines in the only clown prop that gets delivered to your door - your hometown newspaper. Let's have fun with the Funnies!
Trust the Moment - Join in improvisational games and exercises designed to banish the dreaded "brain freeze" monster. With Mark you will learn techniques to help you think on your feet, free up your creative self, develop material, and more.
Parade Prop Possibilities - Sure, you can just walk and wave - but why bother? Go for the laughs! We'll take a look at the wacky world of walk-around props you can use to add fun to your next parade or strolling gig.
Paper Plate Hats - Mark at his creative best helps you create fun hats from paper plates that you can use in your performance! Who says props have to be expensive. With a little imagination and paper you will create fun new props to take with you!
Terry Ricketts:
Parade Planning - Learn how to plan an event like a pro! You will be surprised once you become a clown what you will be asked to put together. Terry's years of experience will be valuable to even a beginning clown.
Manic Mania Part 1: Props with Everyday Objects - Get ready for a wild ride! Terry is the king of make-it and take-it, cheap but easy, fun and frolic! You will love this class if you want to laugh, make your own stuff, and stay on a budget!
Manic Mania part 2: Props with Everyday Objects - OK we started with one hour and have expanded to two! There is just too much information to squeeze into one hour of fun with props. You do not have to attend both hours.
New & Improved Prop Lab - We have created the perfect prop workshop! This will be open every day, all day long so you can work at your own pace. We have the supplies, the ideas, and the expert staff to help you create wonderful props. The price is minimal; the experience is fabulous! This year our prop shop will be filled with Make It and Take it props. You will be able to purchase kits with all the needed supplies to make a number of great props, such as: Parade boards, Third-Arm Puppets, and Crazy Clown Kazoo Horns!
ON-GOING WORKSHOP:
New & Improved Prop Lab - We have created the perfect prop workshop! This will be open every day, all day long so you can work at your own pace. We have the supplies, the ideas, and the expert staff to help you create wonderful props. The price is minimal; the experience is fabulous! This year our prop shop will be filled with Make It and Take it props. You will be able to purchase kits with all the needed supplies to make a number of great props, such as: Parade boards, Third-Arm Puppets, and Crazy Clown Kazoo Horns!
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Terry Ricketts is the master of props, with his wacky and zany ideas, from using everyday objects to great parade props! His enthusiasm is sure to spark a few great ideas of your own. Terry will be keeping the creativity going in the "New & Improved Prop Lab", so be sure to check it out and ask him for help on your projects. |