Clown Chronicles: March 2025
The February 2025 meeting was held on Monday, February 10th, at the Georgia Farrow Rec Center in Irving and was called to order by Tricia Gregory at 6:45 pm.
Although the 2024 awards were announced in January, medals and certificates were presented at this meeting. William Beaty received a clown trophy to keep for winning the Al Armstrong Award (2023), Willie Thomas III was awarded a certificate for Most Improved Joey, and Tricia Gregory received a certificate for the Board of Directors Award.
The Treasurer’s Report was approved. As of February 10, 2025, the main account balance stands at $5,428.76.
In New Business, World Clown Association Convention (March 3-7, Renaissance Hotel, Dallas) DFW CRU has been asked to present a Lecture ("Tex/Mex") led by Cinde Sanders and Susan Keys – March 5th, 1:00 PM. Rudy Rosales, Toty, and Andy will also participate. We are also volunteering our services for auction assistance and we are honored to host Hospitality Suite: Wednesday night at 9:30 PM.
Anyone interested in helping with the lecture, hospitality suite, or auction is encouraged to participate.
After a 10-minute break, at 7:20 PM, Matthew Spraggins presented a lecture on “How to Put a Theme Show Together.” Willie and Rudy did an Open Mic skit and the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM.
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Spotlight: Matthew Spraggins Masterclass on Putting Together a Show
What makes a great show truly unforgettable? Matty Spraggins knows the answer! In a recent lecture, he shared incredible insights on crafting and engaging, and themed performance. Here are some key takeaways from his expertise:
The theme is King!: For his pirate show, Matty doesn't just do tricks, he takes kids through a full Pirate Captain Exam! Every trick serves the storyline and even the show's poster sets the theme.
Music Matters: Matty keeps his background music wordless, so it enhances rather than competes with his performance. His exit music is definitive, letting the audience know the show is over.. .no awkward lingering!
You're an Entertainer First!: Whether you juggle, do magic, or clown, Matty reminds us that the real goal is to entertain. Tricks and skills are just tools, laughter and engagement are the real magic! Milk Every Moment: A quiet audience is a bored audience! That's why Matty finds ways to stretch simple bits into full routines. Example? Struggling to hang a banner correctly, upside-down, sideways, falling down...lt's a 3 a-minute comedy goldmine!
Running Gags: Keep Kids Hooked. Not everything needs to fit the theme! A rubber chicken that randomly appears. A 'Word of the Day" buzzer? Silly, unrelated subplots add extra layers of fun!
Get Creative with Tech: Matt sources professional voiceovers from Fiverr, edits them in Audacity, and layers sound effects (like seagulls and crashing waves) to build atmosphere. Small details like these make a huge difference!
Final Thought: Be Playful, Be Engaging! Tie every bit into your theme, keep the audience involved, and always entertain first! Whether you're performing for kids, families, or corporate crowds, these tips can take your show from good to unforgettable!
Want to learn more? Next time you see Matty, ask him about his pirate test, banner routine, or that mysterious rubber chicken!
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Word from our Clown-in-Chief: The Meaning of Makeup — the Magic Behind a Clown’s Face
A clown's makeup is more than just paint. It reflects their unique personality, a nod to tradition, and a doorway to laughter. Designing a signature clown face isn't about hiding behind a mask; it's a personal journey that unfolds layer by layer, much like the art of clowning itself.
“The beauty of clowning is that it brings out who you are as a funny person. You might not have a clear idea at first, but as you experiment, your inner clown starts speaking to you. ”
But inspiration is not just internal. Clowning is rich with tradition. From classic archetypes like the mischievous trickster to the lovable fool, these timeless characters have entertained for centuries. Learning about them can help you discover elements of your own clown's personality. I suggest you vigorously read and study the vast history of the Art of Clowning. The more you explore clown history, the more you see yourself in these stock characters...the lover, the greedy, the sly, the needy, the outrageous. They have always been there, and they're not going anywhere. By embracing them, you'll uncover new layers of your own clown identity.
As you evolve, so will your clown. Your makeup, props, routines, and personality will naturally develop over time. And here's the trick, great clowning isn't about wishing for a different face; it's about using the one staring back at you in the mirror. Your features, quirks, and expressions are what make your clown truly one-of-a-kind.
— Cinde “Boopsie” Sanders, DFW CRU President 2025
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DUES ARE DUE!
Having the opportunity to be a part of a group of like-minded people with similar interests and aspirations is the best feeling in the world. As humans we all want to belong. We need Interaction and creative outlets and other people to learn from and to teach. This is why organizations like the DFW Clowns "R" Us are formed. We grow and share and find our own way through others.
When we gather, there are often costs involved. Renting meeting rooms, insurance, office supplies and props, putting on conventions and paying professionals for education. How do we pay for these things that make our volunteer organization run? The answer is membership dues. These are the payments members make to an organization on a regular basis to keep their organization going. In exchange, they receive access to exclusive benefits and resources and most of all a family of unbelievably wonderful and talented clowns and performers to share with and love. All of this to say Dues are Due within the first quarter of the year.
TO PAY YOUR DUES:
Bring a check or Cash to the Treasurer Debbie "Posie" Davis at an alley meeting
Pay with Zelle to dfwclownsrus@gmail.com.
Dues are $15 for a single member or $25 for a family.
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Program for the March 10th Meeting:
We're beyond thrilled to welcome the amazing Ray Walsh to our March Clowns "R" Us meeting! Ray made his way to Texas from Florida in 2010, and now he dazzles crowds at hundreds of gigs each year with his incredible balloon artistry. His passion? Creating fully balloon-based sculptures, where each piece is unique and always different from the last. When he's not twisting up masterpieces, you can find Ray in the kitchen cooking and baking, shooting hoops on the basketball court, or hanging out with his lovely girlfriend and their one-eyed, blind pug named Wink!
Ray is an incredible teacher—whether you're just starting out or a seasoned twister looking to level up your skills. He has taught at conventions across the country and recently shared his expertise at All American Balloons. Now, he's bringing his talents straight to us! Get ready to learn fast, fun, and easy balloon designs, perfect for line twisting and birthday parties!
