Lessons from Sammy and Dan

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Nov 16, 2003

I recently had the opportunity to observe Dan Wolfe and Sammy Smith in action at a clown seminar held in Buffalo, New York.

A Christian comedian, gospel magician, and inspirational mime, Wolfe wowed the crowd with several routines. To learn more about his vision and techniques, check out his clown tips via his website: http://www.dwolfe.com.

Likewise, Smith, a seasoned performer and instructor, offers tips via his newsletter. It's available at his site, along with an array of videos, books, tricks, and props: http://www.spsmagic.com.

Here are just a few of the basics that Sammy uses while clowning for children:

**Accept that kids are often afraid of you, just because you're a clown. "But it's not us, it's the fathers," Sammy laments. "He got his kid ready for us the night before: 'You're going to see that magic clown tomorrow and he's going to make you DISAPPEAR!'"

TIP: If the kids act afraid, just start out with a simple "Hi!" It's a great opener, says Sammy, because every kid knows how to say "Hi" back.

**Teach the kids to play along. Sammy asks his young audiences to put on their magic caps and sit on their magic carpets. "It's kind of cold," he might say. "Everyone shiver." Voila: Audience participation.

**To encourage more participation, ask questions of individual children. But at the same time use body language to show them that you're not going to embarrass them.

TIP: "As you ask the question," says Sammy, "put the sole of your foot up and lean away from the child so he or she knows they're not going to be pulled on stage."

**Encourage applause often. Every time a child in the audience does what you want, answers a question, or helps out, encourage everyone else to clap for them. This will make everyone eager to participate.

TIP: Sometimes kids aren't trained to applaud; sometimes you have to teach them.

**Don't act like a know-it-all. "If you give yourself too much credit," Sammy cautions, "kids will try to take it from you. Rather, act like you don't know how a trick works."

**Don't rush your comedy. You have to keep things moving, but pacing is the one thing that makes or breaks your show. Your audience has to be able to see and comprehend what you're doing.

TIP: Play with delivering your lines. Saying "too get to the other side" is WAY better than "to get over to the opposite side of the road."

**Treat your helpers with respect. And always have something for them to do if you drag them up on stage. "They're up there to play," Sammy reminds us.

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