Clown Camp

It’s been five years…and it’s off to clown camp I go again. I am aware of how odd it sounds…but alas…I just don’t care anymore. So this next August, away I go!

When I was a child I was fascinated with clowns. Every year for Halloween, that is what I wanted to be..but I was way to shy to ask my Mom if I could. I was afraid she would not let me and would make fun of me…so I never did…but I was always fascinated by them.

I’m sure it is odd that I have never been to an actual circus but it is very true…but I have performed in a “circus like” show in front of hundreds of people twice…and I was trained by real life professional clowns…twice.

This year, after five years…I’m back at it. The last two times I’ve gone I’ve played it pretty safe…ventured out…learned a lot…but as I have ventured into Red Nose Readers, been asked to clown at more and more school events…I knew I had to have more training..

I knew that I needed to be real with my teachers and let them know just the kind of clown character I am…and that my friends is hard to do…

I have always been a “clown” just ask my teachers or classmates….school was boring…I was always in trouble for talking…and I frustrated many teachers…but when my friends laughed…that’s all I ever needed…I truly…didn’t care how many demerits you gave me…I was perfectly fine with the laughing.

When I told one of my teachers the character that I had started to bring out and the great results I was getting…I was pretty sure that I would get met with…disapproving, that’s not professional nods…but I did not…

Instead, I was given the ok…to bring my beloved fat suit….

And I cannot tell you the joy I find in that. I’m always tempted to go the “cutesy” way…

And “cute” clowns are adorable….but to me it’s too “safe”…I don’t feel like a “clown” at all…I feel like someone who is doing a job…halfway…like I’m stuck in the middle…like I’m too much my old self. That is why I have to do this crazy character….because that’s when I truly feel like a real clown….

This year I have asked to be pushed outside my comfort zone…and so far all I know is that I will be in my fat suit for the big clown show and that’s all I know. But I have asked to be pushed…to the point of being uncomfortable…because it’s time….it’s time to finally let completely go…and just do it…

And lastly….here is a great in a fat suit…which gives me all kinds of good vibes….I’m an in NOOoOOOoO way comparing myself….just sharing one of the greats…here is a picture of Lou Jacobs in a fat suit that one of my teachers sent me….

I can’t love it enough!!!