Cowtown Clowns and DFW Clowns “R” Us joined together for the first time in several years to revive a tradition of a Joint Meeting inviting clowns and local performers together to share and learn. We invited Neal Skoy as our program to lead an imaginative and interactive workshop on physical comedy, emotional connection and the power of play in performance. The date was May 8, 2025.

*“Clowning starts from a neutral, open place and builds through discovery and imagination. The more we commit, the more the audience will come with us.” —* Neal Skoy

We had a meet and greet at 5:30 and the workshop began at 5:50pm. We had a beautiful spread of snacks and goodies and then we got down to business. We began with Warm-Up & Improvisational Games encouraging participants to pass along sound, movement, and facial expressions. This flowed into a physical exercise exploring characters as "tall, small, smart, dumb, young, old"; emphasizing that every choice contributes to storytelling.

He stressed the importance of entrances and exits and how they shape the audience’s perception. A memorable quote from Neal - “Give a clown a chair, and he’ll give you 30 minutes.” Participants tried the “Chair Exercise,” where the clown enters, notices the audience, sits, and exits—highlighting how subtle gestures create connection.

Neal shared that the audience can immediately tell whether a performer is genuinely connecting or just rushing through material. He emphasized relaxation, breath, and presence from the moment of arrival, even while setting up.

Another game, “Find the Game,” challenged participants to move freely and discover the shared goal as a team, reinforcing the idea that “the game is the show” and that laughter isn’t the only valid reaction. Then we moved to scene work.

The prompt was "Clean Your Room" Performer “Boots” led a hilarious routine involving scattered objects, newspapers, and an impromptu gift. With Neal’s feedback, the performance became more interactive and dynamic. Neal encouraged participants to consider how to evolve mundane moments into full-fledged stories through improvisation.

Next, we experimented with duo dynamics. A scene called “Boss & Clown” explored classic whiteface and Auguste clown roles. Charlotte Recoussine and Sterling Beard tested role reversals, callbacks, and storytelling through escalating conflict.

The group discussed comedic structure and Mel Brooks’ idea that comedy “bounces better off a harder surface.” Whether both characters are clowns or just one, conflict, frustration, and emotional truth make a scene shine.

Key Games & Insights

Hot & Cold: A silent game teaching how to interpret audience cues through applause.
Balloon Battle: Two clowns engaged in a silly but intense balloon fight. The takeaway: escalate slowly and truthfully for maximum effect.
Jailers & Escapees: A comedic stealth routine involving escaping prisoners and a sleeping jailer.
Elevator: A group stuck in a musical elevator showed how honesty in performance builds audience rapport.
Space Goo: A collaborative mime piece turning imaginary goo into evolving props reminding us that every object can become something magical with the right perspective.

Final Thoughts from Neal:

The beauty of a clown class or workshop is that it’s a safe place to fail. Out there in the real world, failure can be so painful you never forget it.
Clowns are playful and optimistic to a fault.
Mistakes can be powerful. They create unique, memorable moments for each audience.
Clowning is about embracing vulnerability and inviting others into our shared imagination.
The audience isn’t just watching, they are our partners in play.

The event wrapped up right at 8:30pm with a fun group photo.

June Program

We are Fortunate to Have Darren Collins in Town!

We are thrilled to welcome Darren Collins, a world-class performer and educator, during his time in town! Darren serves as the International Director of Project HAND UP, a U.S. based nonprofit that creates powerful health and safety education through video and live theatrical presentations, featuring puppets and magic in Kenya.

Blending puppetry, comedy, magic, and storytelling, Darren brings “edutainment” to life, captivating audiences while delivering meaningful messages. He has led workshops for educators in over 300 cities across the U.S. and in eight different countries.

In addition to his educational work, Darren is also a stand-up comedian and voice actor, performing regularly on television and live stages throughout Nairobi. His energy, creativity, and heart for service make every performance unforgettable!

Have You Paid Your DFW Clowns “R” Us Dues?

We know life gets busy, and it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. So here is a gentle reminder to check if you’ve taken care of your 2025 alley dues. Your contribution helps us continue bringing in fantastic workshops and top-notch educational opportunities for everyone.

Dues: $15 per individual or $25 per family

How to Pay:

Bring cash or check to Debbie Davis at the next meeting
Or send your payment via Zelle to: dfwclownsrus@gmail.com

Thank you for supporting the fun, growth, and magic of our clowning community!

Have you registered for the TCA Convention yet?

It’s September 11-14, 2025 in Fort Worth. You can register at the TCA website here.

A Word from our Clown-in-Chief

What Is Your WHY?

“Clowning reminds the world to breathe, to laugh, and to feel. And that’s Why I do it.” — Cinde Sanders

Finding the Heart of Why We Clown

Every red nose tells a story. Every time we pack our props and step into a room, whether it is a school, a hospital, a party, or a parade, we bring something deeper than laughs and tricks. We bring our WHY.

Why Are You a Clown?

It is a question worth revisiting often. Not just in quiet moments, but in the center ring of our work. Why do you put on the makeup, the costume, the courage? Maybe it is the sparkle in a child’s eye when they giggle at your silliness, maybe it is the way you make a frown turn upside down, maybe it is because laughter helped you heal once, and now you want to pass it on. Whatever your Why; it is the guide in everything you do as a clown.

Why Share It?

Being a clown isn’t just about being funny. It’s about being generous. We don’t just perform, we connect. Our tools are humor and heart; our goals are joy and belonging. When we share our love for clowning with families and communities, we offer permission to play and moments of magic that become lifelong memories.

The Building Blocks of WHY

Finding your WHY doesn’t happen overnight. It is built over time, and experience. Here are a few key building blocks to help you get there:

Curiosity - Ask yourself: What drew me to clowning in the first place? Was it a show you saw as a child? A mentor who inspired you? A moment when you realized you could bring joy just by being yourself?
Courage - Clowning takes bravery. You stand vulnerable, hoping to be understood and embraced. Your WHY will likely sit at the intersection of risk and reward.
Compassion - Real clowns lead with heart. We listen with our whole bodies. Your WHY likely grows from your desire to lift others up.
Commitment - The path of a clown isn’t always easy. It takes dedication to develop your character, your craft, and your connection with the audience.
Celebration - Clowning is a celebration of life’s beautiful absurdity. Your WHY might simply be to bring more joy.

Final Thought: Your WHY Evolves

Your WHY may not be the same today as it was when you began. And that’s okay. Like your clown character, your WHY is allowed to grow, deepen, and shift. What matters is that you ask the question and let the answer guide your journey. So…What is your WHY? And what are you going to do with it today?

— Cinde “Boopsie” Sanders

Joint Alley Clown Workshop Recap, May ‘25