Q: I'm concerned that some of the children at my birthday party will be afraid of clowns. Can anything be done for this?
A: This is also known as coulrophobia. There are some things that can be done. One is to keep the child at a distance from the clown. As he or she observes other children having fun and laughing with the clown, then they may become less afraid. You may also request that Frumpy come to the party in a "reduced" costume with little or no makeup and less "clowny" clothes. Frumpy also has a variety of costumes that she can use.
Q: Did you go to Clown School?
A: I was kicked out of Clown School (for too much clowning around, heh).
Just kidding.
Ringling Brothers closed its Clown School in 1997. There is only one true clown school in California and there are a number of clown schools/camps in other places that offer programs of short duration. I've been learning all about being a clown in every way possible without going to clown school. I am a member of Merri-Makers Alley 51 and have learned a lot from my fellow clowns, as well as Clowns of America. I am self-taught through a lot of reading and practice. I have also attended special seminars and workshops to get specific training. It is an ongoing training - I am always learning about new things in the world of clowning and the world of kids.
Q: What kind of a name is "Frumpy"?
A: According to webster, frumpy means "Dowdy; drab". Dowdy means "1 : not neat or becoming in appearance : shabby <a dowdy old hat> and 2a : lacking smartness or taste <a dowdy room> b : old-fashioned <a dowdy institution>".
So "frumpy" basically means "unfashionable". Usually this is apparent from my floppy hat or old-fashioned circus-like costume. Some people think frumpy means grumpy ...... No! I am both happy and frumpy.
A: This is also known as coulrophobia. There are some things that can be done. One is to keep the child at a distance from the clown. As he or she observes other children having fun and laughing with the clown, then they may become less afraid. You may also request that Frumpy come to the party in a "reduced" costume with little or no makeup and less "clowny" clothes. Frumpy also has a variety of costumes that she can use.
Q: Did you go to Clown School?
A: I was kicked out of Clown School (for too much clowning around, heh).
Just kidding.
Ringling Brothers closed its Clown School in 1997. There is only one true clown school in California and there are a number of clown schools/camps in other places that offer programs of short duration. I've been learning all about being a clown in every way possible without going to clown school. I am a member of Merri-Makers Alley 51 and have learned a lot from my fellow clowns, as well as Clowns of America. I am self-taught through a lot of reading and practice. I have also attended special seminars and workshops to get specific training. It is an ongoing training - I am always learning about new things in the world of clowning and the world of kids.
Q: What kind of a name is "Frumpy"?
A: According to webster, frumpy means "Dowdy; drab". Dowdy means "1 : not neat or becoming in appearance : shabby <a dowdy old hat> and 2a : lacking smartness or taste <a dowdy room> b : old-fashioned <a dowdy institution>".
So "frumpy" basically means "unfashionable". Usually this is apparent from my floppy hat or old-fashioned circus-like costume. Some people think frumpy means grumpy ...... No! I am both happy and frumpy.