The Clown Chronicles: July 2025
Don’t miss our meeting next month when Dal Sanders presents!
The July meeting was called to order at 6:37 by Susan Keys on Monday, July 14th at Georgia Farrow Recreation Center. There were 14 clowns in attendance. We had three visitors.
Wanda Jennings – New to the area from Boise, Idaho. She’s been clowning since 2009 and moved to DFW in May. Welcome!
Dennis – Bonita’s husband
John Rank From Denton. A clown since 2001, returning after a 10-year break. Also visited last month.
Willie had some amazing news. He has been invited to join Clowns on a Mission for an 8-day trip to Guatemala in February. Cost is $1100 for food and lodging. He was recruited by Susan “Tinker” Butler.
The minutes from June were approved as well as the Treasurer’s Report. This month it is reported that we have $4,000+ in the main account including two new memberships last month. Payments were made for June alley entertainment and parade expenses.
Old Business:
TCA Convention: Hosted by Cowtown Clowns on September 11–14 in Fort Worth. No judged competitions this year; Paradability is “People’s Choice” only. The Headliner will be Chagy. Please send in your registration TODAY! There will be an additional pay CPR Certification Class offered on Sunday after the convention.
Thank you to Posey and Miss Cookie who represented the alley at an Irving community event to help pay for our trade for meeting space.
New Business:
In Memoriam: Lollibelles (Jackie Garner) – A beloved clown who recently passed away. She used to be a member of Mid Cities Clown Alley before moving to North Carolina and then South Texas. Memorial service is scheduled for July 26 near Huntsville. She will be missed.
Dark in the Park – October 11 (10am–7pm)A family event with balloon twisting. We earn 80% of balloon proceeds, paid per ticket. Shuttles available. Last year we made $800. Volunteers needed! Contact Weebo for details.
Parade Group Proposal: Sterling suggested forming a parade team to boost visibility and recruitment.
QR codes on the July 4 parade float brought a spike in website traffic.
Dallas Holiday Parade discussed. Contact for clown coordination: Cassie Collins.
Convention Paradability Theme Idea: Convention theme is “Bees”. Susan suggests: "Free-Bees". Susan asked Weebo to brainstorm paradability plans
Meeting Adjourned at 7:03 PM.
Deluxo & Weebo perform “Criminal Interview”
GLOW Time (Give Laughter Onstage Weekly):
• Bonita Riley – Performed “Everyday Housewife,” complete with a retro TV prop from Temu
• Deluxo & Weebo – Hilarious “Criminal Interview” skit
Program: Walkaround Props & Ideas - Presented by Susan “Dubble Bubble” Keys and Ed “Buckle” Fitzgerald
Walkarounds are essential for clowns. They are spontaneous, fun, and don’t have to be expensive.
Prop ideas & gags:
Instruments: Pocket kazoo (decorated), ukulele.
Bubbles: "Touch/catch a bubble" that land and sit.
Trix Box Gag: Looper trick (thumb switch, color removal).
Glove Balloon Animals: Shark, udder, octopus.
Corks Trick: Appear one from two.
Card Trick: 6-card oddball force.
Squeaker in Gloves: Hidden squeaks, shoes sound effect
Spider Box: Jump scare.
Spring Water Gag: Half water bottle + Slinky.
Literal Letters Gag: Blue J, black I, red C, etc.
Monster in a Box: Finger puppet creature.
Turkey Sandwich Gag: Hidden mirror shows turkey face.
Foam Camera Prop: Funny “instant” photos.
Duck Puppet ("Quackers"): Tells themed knock-knock jokes.
Coin Joke: Penny, Nick, Johnny = 30 cents.
Tiny Gags:
Mini Coke or cookeware for “a little coke” / “a little pot”
Snapping crocodile toy (crocodile dentistry) for kids to play in line
Small balloon dog made with beads
A Word from our Clown in Chief
Building Your Clown Backstory: Why It Matters
Every great clown has a great story. Not just funny jokes or silly props, but a real backstory. Who they are, where they came from, and why they do what they do.
At first glance, one might think you are here to make balloon animals or juggle some balls…but it’s more than that. When your clown has a backstory, even the simplest gag becomes richer, deeper, and more connected to your audience. Here’s why your backstory matters, and how you can create one that fits as well as your nose.
Why Does a Backstory Matter? It gives your character consistency. When you know your clown’s personality, it becomes easier to respond to any situation in character. Are you mischievous? Shy? Wildly enthusiastic? Your backstory anchors your reactions. It helps you connect emotionally.
Kids and adults alike connect more deeply when they sense your clown is a “real” character with a purpose and not just a costume. Whether you are an overconfident diva tripping over your own feet or an alien learning Earth customs, your story invites them to join your world. It makes your performance memorable. A unique persona sets you apart. Audiences might forget your name, but they won’t forget that clown trying to figure out how to climb a ladder.
Building your Backstory – Ask yourself:
What is my clown’s name and why?
Where am I from? A circus? A farm? Outer space?
What do I love doing (or always mess up)?
Do I have a special mission (spreading kindness, misplacing my pet chicken, taking charge)?
What makes ME happy? What makes ME sad? What makes ME laugh?
What is my relationship with other clowns and the world around me?
You don’t need to overthink. Just a few ideas will breathe life into your character and performance.
Your Story = Their Joy
When you perform with intention and character, your audience sees more than just a wig or costume, they see a story. And stories are sticky. They linger in the mind. They spark imagination. They turn a moment of laughter into a memory.
So ask yourself… Who is your clown, really? Then share it with the world one laugh at a time.
