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Graduation Ceremony for Class
Clowns The 2008 graduating class of the Ohio Clown
College performed for a sold-out audience at the Funny Stop Comedy Club located
in Cuyahoga Falls. The show,
titled ‘Comedy Capers’ was choreographed under the direction of Robert
Kreidler, founder and headmaster. Debuting individual unique characters, the
2008 graduates are: Alizarin Crimson “Allie” (Yulia Gray), C.J. Shortcake
Treefoil “Shortcake” (Carolyn Close), Frieda Beeme (Katrina Mullen), Gabriella
Umbrella Monticello Balderdash III “Gumball” (Suzane Houston), Howie B. DeWin
(Christine Shorter), and Maude D. Pendable (Darlene Kamp) Joining the ensemble this year were Rufus D.
Dufus (Robert Kreidler), and Flapjack (Mike Salvino), Sweets (Angie Salvino),
Blutoo (Vincent Salvino), Spumonie (Anthony Salvino), and Jamdealie D. Light
(Barbara Mascio), previous graduates of the school. Non-stop deliverance of one routine after
another kept children of all ages on the edge of their seats all the while
laughing and applauding, just the kind of reaction any comedic actor relishes. The audience was enthralled with the
show. Paula Z. from North Royalton
said, “Comedy Capers was great fun for kids and adults. My husband and I
enjoyed the classic skits, and our 11-year-old talked about one act after
another once the show concluded." "We also enjoyed the one-on-one
interaction with individual clowns as they visited with guests before the show.
We loved Howie B. DeWin's magic coloring book. Lots of skits, great interplay between performers, and terrific
costumes and makeup made for an overall "A" performance.” Pam G. from Warren who brought her sister,
daughter, great niece and great granddaughter to the show had this to say, …
“We laughed so hard I had to find the bathroom!” “Everyone was fantastic, we’re so glad we came!” Rufus D. Dufus (Robert Kreidler’s own clown
creation) made this observation, “My strongest visual image is a youngster,
maybe 3, at stage right with an uplifted face in rapt amazement at what he
saw. I turned and saw that same
look on the performers’ faces. I
turned back to the stage thinking, "This is why I do this." Celebrating 19 years as the only clown
school of its kind within a tri-state area, Kreidler also announced it was the
last show under the name ‘Ohio Clown College’. “We are close to settling a dispute with the parent company
of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus who have claimed, among others
things that the Ohio Clown College constituted unfair competition. Though we vigorously disagree we have
agreed to settle the dispute rather than litigate it.” Kreidler also explained that the College has
agreed to rename itself ‘The Ohio
College of Clowning Arts’ and Ringling has agreed to compensate it for the
change. “Unfortunately,” Kreidler
continued, “we have yet to agree on the amount of compensation.” The live performance showcased the
culmination of training received during a 30-week period featuring the students
as an ensemble. The annual
graduation show is the first experience many of the students have had on stage
in front of a paying audience. The training, which includes character
development, acting techniques, slapstick (learning how to fall, run in to
walls, and so on), and writing and performing routines, prepares the foundation
needed for students to succeed in the clowning business. But, just who are these clowns? “The class is always a diversified mix”,
states Kreidler. “We’ve taught
ministers, nurses, CEO’s, stay at home moms, grandmas and grandpas, teenagers,
construction workers, teachers, college students, elder care activity staff,
actors, comedians, and everything in between.” Robert went on to explain that no prior experience is
needed, only the desire to learn. “Giving birth to Howie is my greatest
accomplishment so far. I love her
and she does me proud “, offered Christine Shorter, retired from the Air Force,
one of this year’s graduates. Registration for the next class scheduled to
begin in September of 2008 is now underway. To learn more, call Robert Kreidler, headmaster at
330-835-9460 or visit Ohio Clown College at http://www.ohioclowncollege.com
The clown graduates are now prepared to
entertain for your private party, corporate event, fundraising event, hospital
and nursing home visits and more!
Visit Clowns Entertain Jest For You! (www.clownsentertain.com) to locate your favorite clown! ###
END ### Pictures are available – see http://www.clownsentertain.com/graduation.html
or contact the author of this article, Barbara Mascio at bmascio@xxxxxxxxxx
Jamdealie D. Light |