Clown Chronicles: July ‘26
What Happened in June?
President Tricia Gregory called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. with 20 members in attendance. We were pleased to welcome several guests, including Faith (Matty’s niece) and her husband Evan, Kathy “Piccollo” Keaton from San Angelo, Sidney “Squid,” Hannah “Raggedy Han” (Sterling’s guest), and our evening speaker, Ely.
Treasurer Posie presented the financial report.
Old Business
Members reflected on May’s Performer’s Workshop led by Kelly Ballagh, who shared valuable insights on developing performance characters through changes in appearance, voice, and personality.
New Business
Members were reminded about the upcoming Texas Clown Association Convention, August 12–16, and that registration forms are now available. The next Alley meeting will be held on Monday, July 13, featuring Sterling Beard presenting a program on acting. Since the August meeting falls just before the convention, members planning to perform skits at TCA are encouraged to use that meeting as a rehearsal opportunity. Volunteers will also be needed to help stuff convention goodie bags.
Additional announcements included the decision not to participate in the July 4th parade due to scheduling conflicts. Margaret Clauder shared that she would be presenting a show at the Richardson Public Library on Saturday, June 13, with plans to present the same program again in September. Members also celebrated the news that the Texas Magic Academy’s Magic Camp is in the running for the Dallas Morning News “Best Summer Camp” award.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m. following a motion by Martha Warren and a second by William Beaty.
GLOW Performances
We had a good GLOW turnout this month:
John Rank presented on Clowning for Christ.
Martha Warren and Ed Gunsalus (with a cameo by Cinde Sanders) presented a skit on Marital and Life advice from Cookie and Gaffy.
Deluxo performed a puppet show that started with the Deluxo shuffle (of course).
Rudie debuted a Newscast puppet show.
Ely and Squid
Program: Ely and Squid from FLOP School
Members enjoyed an entertaining and interactive FLOP School of Clown workshop presented by Ely Sellers and Sidney “Squid.” Ely shared that after studying with Circus Freaks, he has performed a variety of solo and variety shows, while Squid has spent the past ten years as a professional circus clown and has been teaching with FLOP for the last year.
The presenters explained that clowning is all about telling a story with your body, connecting directly with the audience, and not being afraid to “break the fourth wall.” They also shared that the name FLOP comes from embracing failure as an important part of learning and growing as a performer.
The workshop was filled with fun, hands-on exercises. Members first participated in a “secret handshake” activity that became more elaborate and physical with each round, followed by a ball-passing exercise that emphasized teamwork and focus. The highlight of the evening was the hitchhiker improvisation game, where performers explored different emotions through physical storytelling. Squid and Ely demonstrated the exercise using sadness, while Maggie Clauder and Tony portrayed anger, William Beaty and Willie Thomas expressed joy, and Tricia Gregory and Martha Warren brought fear to life. The evening was filled with laughter while providing valuable lessons in expression, movement, and audience connection.
A Word from Our Clown in Chief
Our president, Tricia Gregory.
Can you believe we are already beginning the second week of July?! Days are flying by fast! I’m sure we all had a great time on July 4, Independence Day, and a Happy Birthday to the United States of America for 250 years!!
We have another big event coming our way — the Texas Clown Association Convention on August 12–16, 2026! Time is ticking, so we all need to remember, since our alley is hosting TCA this year, we each need to make sure we have paid our registration fee and book the hotel room for a couple of nights. It’s always best to have a room at the hotel during conventions — it saves time and rest!
Here’s a little preparation checklist for getting ready for TCA Convention 2026:
Define your Convention Goals
List the workshops, competitions, and classes you are interested in
Set a budget for registration, hotel lodging, meals, etc.
Registration and Schedule Planning
Review the convention agenda and mark must-attend workshops, performances, meetings, and competitions
Focus on what you would like to sign up for in competition
Costumes, Makeup, and Props
Final Packing Check List — props, balloons, face painting supplies, music, workshop materials, notebook, pens, schedule, snacks, water bottle, medications, personal comfort items, and more
Monday at our next Clowns “R” Us meeting, we are honored to have Ace share lots on performance! We will also all get together and work on a group skit! Looking forward to all the fun!!
Join Us for the July Alley Meeting
Monday, July 13, 2026, 6:30–8:30pm
Georgia Farrow Rec Center
530 Davis Dr, Irving, TX 75061
President Tricia “Jolly” / “Hanky” Gregory
Thank You for Your Service!
To pay our rent for our meeting space, members of DFW Clowns “R” Us help with events for area Irving Recreation Centers. On June 12th, Debbie, Cinde, and William made balloons for a summer festival at the Lively Point Youth Center in Irving.
Program for July!
Ace, performing in Something Rotten (2022). Photo credit: Alex Rain
Monday’s presentation on stage acting and acting techniques will be taught by Ace. Ace has acted in dozens of theatrical productions across the country and currently performs improv comedy in DFW with Alternative Comedy Theater and the Comedy Arena. Ace will be teaching about basic acting techniques that clowns can use in their performance and building out their clown.
Special Workshops – Spread the Word!
SPECIAL BALLOON ART WORKSHOP
Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 6:30–9:00pm
DFW Westin Airport Hotel
Ray Walsh
Free for TCA Convention registrants and $50 for walk-ins.
Ray shares creative designs, professional techniques, and practical tips to help you twist faster, work smarter, and amaze your audiences. A fun, hands-on workshop for intermediate to master balloon artists.
Special Face Paint Workshop
Wednesday, August 12th, 6:30–9:00pm
DFW Westin Airport Hotel
$50 registration fee
Featuring Amanda Clark
Take your face painting skills to the next level! Learn popular designs, advanced techniques, and speed-painting secrets to create amazing faces faster and with confidence. Bring your paints, brushes, and a practice board for this hands-on class!
Stars of the TCA Toybox 2026 Convention
HEADLINER – Danny Kollaja – “Lanky”
Lanky brings his signature energy, creativity, and playful spirit and is a proud TCA member who travels the world with inspiration and the joy of play to think boldly outside the box.
Brenda Marshall – “Flower” – Brenda will share How to Put a Show Together, filled with practical ideas to help you build engaging performances.
Derrel Allen – AI and Marketing – Derrel Allen will show us how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to simplify marketing, save time, and grow your entertainment business.
Nicole Hodges – Yo-Yo – The Toybox Classic! Grab a yo-yo (they are provided) and come play!
Brittany Allen – “Zoe” Wake Up Wiggles – Silly Songs & Even Sillier Dance Moves and also her special presentation on bringing joy through hospital clowning.
Bernadette Kelly – “Sparkles” – Learn practical techniques, brush control, blending, line work, and design tips for face painting.
Ray Walsh Balloon art – Roundabouts Class – Learn a versatile modular design using 5-inch round balloons.
The Lesters – “Blades and Shotzie” – Tips on running a clown school.
Matty Spraggins – “Magical Matty” – Learn how to transform your puppet from a prop into a true performance partner.
Tony Winiecki “Bluey Tails” – Circus Juggling – Learn the fundamentals of juggling.
Michelle Moerbe “Bubbles” – Bringing bubbles to your audience.
Alberto Lira Rotto – Spanish/English Lunch Workshop.
Margaret Clauder – “Maggie the Magical Clown” – Will share creative ideas and practical tips for building memorable holiday-themed and birthday party performances that you can easily add to your repertoire.
Bruce Chadwick — Using magic as a meaningful tool to communicate faith, engage audiences, and enhance ministry programs for churches, outreach events, and community gatherings.
Sunday Worship with Rudie and Matty — You are in for a wonderful meal, an uplifting worship service, and plenty of fun as Rudie and Matty lead us on a memorable adventure filled with faith, laughter, and inspiration.
Register for the TCA Convention
August 12–16, 2026 • Irving, TX
Westin DFW Airport Hotel
4545 W. John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, Texas 76541
Click here to book your group rate for Texas Clown Association August 2026 — ask for the Texas Clown Association Block
