Handbook For The Magical Party Clown

Plot

Sminkey, Don: Handbook for the Magical Party Clown
©1983 Donald C. Sminkey, Clown Capers, MD
Softcover, perfect-bound, 8.5x11",145 pages

2nd Edition ©1987

Comments:

Contents (from book ToC, updated July 2021):

iii Preface

1 Chapter 1 Organizing Your Material: "I'll get to it tomorrow!!"
1 Show File
2 Routine File
4 Instruction Sheets
4 Periodical and Idea Index
5 "To-buy" List
5 Scrap Book"
6 Income, Expenses & Inventory

8 Chapter 2 Projecting Your Image: "Hey, look me over"
8 Wardrobe
9 Transportation
11 Advertising
12 Stationery and Business Card
13 Posters, Flyers, and Photos
13 Contracts and Thank-you Cards
14 Handouts
15 Press Kit
16 Balloons

32 Chapter 3 Logistics: "If it won't fit into my Dodge van, I won't take it"
32 Sound
37 Stage
38 Tables
43 Transporting the Show
44 Arriving on Time
45 Leaving the Show

46 Chapter 4 Before the Show Starts: ("When will they all get here?"
46 Stunts and Gags
49 Impromptu Magic
56 Games and Activities

61 Chapter 5 The Show: "I hope my underarm alarm doesn't go off"
61 General Format
81 Show Themes
82 Routine
83 Handouts During the Show

85 Chapter 6 After the Show: "That's the first time I swallowed the mouth coil!"
85 Balloon Sculpture
96 "Happy Birthday to You"
96 Good-byes
96 Arriving Home

99 Chapter 7 Prop Potpourri: "You put your finger through this loop and then..."
99 Flash Pot
100 Trick Books
101 Flower Production
102 Utility Vanish/Change/Production Box and Tube
104 Siren
104 Giant Wand
105 Electric Wand

115 Chapter 8 Holiday Shows: "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas"
115 Halloween
121 Christmas
127 Easter
128 Fourth of July

131 Concluding Remarks
133 Annotated Bibliography
143 Magic Dealers And Magazines


Here is tremendous amount of practical advice for the clown magician, beginner or professional alike. All aspects of the business are covered -- promotion materials, including flyers, handouts, contracts, publicity photographs, posters, show forms, press release, etc.; super magic and clown routines; logistics -- plans for tables, sound systems, backdrops; warm-up stunts, gags, games and activities; how to routine a show; plans for some super clown props; a special chapter on planning holiday shows; a great annotated bibliography for balloon workers, magicians and clowns.