Clown Chronicles: May ‘26
What Happened in April
The April 2026 meeting was called to order at 6:36pm by President Tricia Gregory on Monday, April 13th at the Georgia Farrow Recreation Center. We had 16 members in attendance and one new guest – Joel “Bean Poe” Harvey. Welcome Joel.
The March minutes were approved, and the Treasurer’s report was read. Cinde and Tricia presented a 2026 budget. It was noted that the alley has a projected deficit of $950, so we need to brainstorm about ways to bring money into the alley through donations, volunteer jobs, sponsorships, fundraisers, etc. We need to emphasize that we are a 501(c)(3) organization and sponsorships are tax deductible.
Volunteer events coming up are the Children’s Cancer Gala on Friday, April 17th at the Hilton Anatole and a book fair in Arlington on Saturday. We also have the River Legacy “Dark in the Park” event that is a fundraiser for the alley.
Thank you to the volunteers who worked the Easter Event at the Rec Center. This is how we pay for our meeting space. Thank you to Ace, Martha, Wanda, Sarah, Tony, Juliana, and Caleb.
The Performers Workshop was announced for Monday, May 11th from 6:00-8:30pm featuring Kelly Ballagh. In past years this has been a joint meeting with Cowtown Clowns, but they have decided not to participate this year. Clowns “R” Us was developed to strengthen and emphasize education, so we are going forward with the workshop on our own. It will be free for Clowns “R” Us members and $15 for other performers to join.
Cinde gave an update on plans for the TCA Convention. Everything is coming together nicely.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:09pm.
GLOW Performances
We had two GLOW performances:
- William Beaty did a “Teach a Trick” (jumping rubber bands).
- Willie “Deluxo” Thomas did a fun skit with a chicken puppet.
Program
The program was amazing. Bonita Riley explained how she holds puppet-making classes and instructions. She showed some of her creations and she provided supplies for all of us to make our own creative puppet from everyday objects. What a fun activity. Thank you Bonita!
Join Us for the Performers Workshop
Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6:00-8:30pm
Georgia Farrow Rec Center
530 Davis Dr, Irving, TX 75061
Free for Clowns “R” Us members | $15 for non-members
A Word from our Clown in Chief
May is a month filled with celebration, remembrance, and plenty of reasons to smile. The very first week alone gives us several special occasions to enjoy together!
May 1st is All Clowns Birthday!
May 4th – “May the 4th Be With You!”, celebrating the beloved Star Wars phrase, “May the Force be with you.”
May 5th – Cinco de Mayo (In 1892 Mexico gained victory over France, called Battle of Puebla). The holiday is mainly celebrated in the U.S. as a day of Mexican-American culture.
May 10th is Mother’s Day – don’t forget to let Mom know how much she is loved!
May 25th is Memorial Day – a time to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom in the United States of America.
We are also excited to welcome Kelly Ballagh to our upcoming alley meeting and Performers Workshop on Monday, May 11. During this annual group workshop, Kelly will share the story behind the creation of his clown character and offer ideas and inspiration for developing your own unique character.
As a circus clown, Kelly recently shared the meaning of May 1st for circus performers and clown alleys everywhere. Here is a portion of what he posted on Facebook this week:
“May 1st is a special day to the circus family. It was traditionally the day when circuses began their touring season during the golden age of the circus. New performers joining the show were called ‘First of Mays.’ As the tradition grew, May 1st became known as ‘All Clowns Birthday.’”
What a wonderful tradition and reminder of the joy, history, and fellowship shared within the clown community.
Happy First of May, Clowns R Us!
President Tricia “Jolly” / “Hanky” Gregory
Vice Prez Thoughts...
Howdy DFW Clowns “R” Us!
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything in our newsletter, and I have to say, I’m so happy seeing what our alley has accomplished so far! First of all, this entire newsletter! It takes a lot of time and dedication getting this out every month—I know, I have done it! And seeing it so clean and polished makes me so happy! A huge thank you to our editor, Cinde Sanders! And also to our President, Tricia; there is so much going on behind the scenes, and she has done great so far keeping us in line and that alone is not an easy task! The entire board and alley really has all gone above and beyond all expectations!
Soooo, I mainly just wanted to thank everyone for the hard work you are all putting in our alley. Helping with all the volunteer activities we do throughout the year; recruiting new blood; performing in GLOW; stepping up where needed; and some of you even teaching classes!!!! This is HUGE because it’s why we exist, to learn and grow from each other! That said, please shoot me an e-mail if you want to teach, or know of someone that could teach/lecture, etc. To WeeBoEntertainment@yahoo.com, and I will see what I can do to put them on our schedule. I already have a few programs locked in for the year, but I would love to hear if anyone has connections ideas, etc. Also, there are tons of very talented entertainers in DFW, Texas, and surrounding states. If there is something you really want to see, learn, etc. let me know!!! I will do my best to get them booked!
Thank you all so much for all the work you are doing! See you all at the upcoming workshop. And remember to bring your Clown Journal, and take all the notes you can! This will be a good one!
—Wee-Bo—
Thank You for Your Service!
Children’s Cancer Fund Gala
Cinde, Matty, Debbie, Tricia, Ace, Bonita, Ken
Everything I Learned About Performing, I Learned from Professional Wrestling
Professional Wrestling and clowning???
Professional Wrestling has a proven record of success in the entertainment industry. It makes millions of dollars each year. The best wrestling superstars use strategies that are guaranteed to work every time. We should be using them too.Catchphrases
The most popular wrestlers all have catchphrases we know and love. And love to repeat. Here are a few of the best: “What?”, “Yes!”, “If you smell what the Rock is cookin’!”, “Whatcha gunna do brother?”, “Oh, yeah!!!”, “Who’s next!” … These catchphrases are linked to the wrestlers that said them. The crowd loves to hear them, and cheer for them. These catchphrases have set these superstars apart and made them famous.
What sets you apart? Do you have any catchphrases you say? What are your magic words in your show? Are they UNIQUE? Do they set you apart? If not, what a great opportunity to come up with something FUN that does set you apart! The crazier the better!
Of course, your catchphrase doesn’t need to be just your magic words. I’m creating my own catchphrases during my show by saying, “Ohhh, man!” whenever I mess up. And, “That’s NOT funny! That’s NOT funny!” when the kids laugh at me messing up. But my best catchphrase is by far my magic words, “Yippee Skippy”. ALL the kids are yelling “Yippee Skippy” over and over by the end of the show. And after the show. While leaving all you hear is, “Yippee Skippy, Yippee Skippee”. It’s fantastic!!! They’ve clearly had a great time and it shows.
Do your puppets have their own catchphrases? Does a certain prop have its own funny name that can turn into something fun to say over, and over? I have a spring raccoon named Mr. Fluffy Butt. The kids LOVE him. They all laugh at his name. It’s great.
Use your catchphrases as a marketing tool. Put your catchphrases on your branding and signage. Set yourself apart. Get your audience to react with your catchphrases and you’ll have the most fun show they’ve seen in a long time. And that’s the bottom line, because Stone Cold said so!!!!
Let The Fun Begin!
TCA 2026 Convention
ToyBox...Outside of the Box FUN!
Hosted by Clowns “R” Us
August 12-16, 2026
(The full registration form and details may be found online here.)
Building YOUR Character Performers Workshop with Kelly Ballagh
A fun, hands-on workshop where we create unique characters, build improv skills, and learn to deliver memorable performances with confidence and spontaneity.
Monday, May 11th - 6-8:30pm
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 Davis Drive, Irving
Hosted by DFW Clowns “R” Us
Free for members, $15 for non-members
