Grand Finale

August 5, 2011

This morning began with a solemn tone. The students gathered phone numbers and contact information. We would have our Grand Finale, and this would be the end of Clown Academy. Yet, the lessons learned during this week would remain solidified and melded into the hearts of each student.

As we wiped the white based from our face, removed our fluorescent wigs, and juggled within the gym for the last time, we knew, with a permanent certainty, that we had all become clowns. We knew the power of a smile and a laugh, and we promised to always give joy to others. Clown Academy will be present in every clown for as long as there is laughter!

Sincerely,

An aspiring clown

New York, New York!

August 4, 2011

“Look it’s her hand,” exclaimed Joe. He was screaming with delight about discovering the Statue of Liberty. As we witnessed the New York skyline, we entered an unfamiliar congestion city. Not sure what to expect, our first destination was the Sacred Heart School on 91^st street. This majestic mansion awed the children with its marble spiraling staircase and its beautiful courtyard over looking the streets of New York. After our tour, we finished our meal in the mansion’s downstairs parlor. The students were antsy to hit the city’s streets.

We were dropped at the Plaza hotel, where Home Alone was filmed. We walked the streets and were astonished to see several street performers dressed as cartoon characters. This surreal experienced continued as we arrived at the famous FAO Schwartz. Some clowns danced on the piano while juggling scarves. Others packed pounds of candy into small plastic bags at the candy bar. However, FAO Schwartz was not the end. New York had much to unveil to our students.

We walked until we reached Rockefeller Center. We juggled. We Diablo-ed. We built our Human Pyramid. Best of all, we shopped at the NBC station store. After Rockefeller Center, we knew that our talents were being summoned to Time Square. Our clowns enjoyed their journey to the city, and we delighted with the pizza dinner and ice cream sandwiches that followed.

That night we were invited to dinner at the Redmond’s Princeton home. It has been truly amazing to witness the generosity that is embedded in the heart of our Sacred Heart families. The students have repeatedly mentioned how kind these families have been and are beginning to understand that through their charity, others have been moved to give in return. It takes one clown to get a crowd roaring with laughter. Just one clown can alleviate any aliment with a smile. Through these clowns’ efforts the community is moved to share their homes, provide meals, and welcome our Sacred Heart students with warmth and kindness.

Sincerely,

An aspiring clown

Nursing the Hearts of the Elderly

August 3, 2011

White clown faces, bright wigs, and mismatched rainbow attire prepared our clowns for a day of entertaining. Arriving at Morris Hall, we were greeted by smiles and applause. The students were encouraged by this warm welcome and infused this confidence into their performances. They each excelled in their individual skills; while, coming together to construct their human pyramid and juggling their scarves.  We visited two other nursing homes. Both of these homes belong to the Francis E. Parker Memorial. Our last venue featured high ceilings. Given this ceiling Blake, our stilts expert, was able to mount the larger stilts totaling to a height of seven feet.

After our ritual “family” dinner, we had a distinct and meaningful reflection. We discussed the “smaller things” that we have done to bring joy to others. The children noted how sharing skills with the elderly illuminated their semblance, and speaking to them was an experience that was beyond memorable. Many of the individuals living in these homes expressed their sincere gratitude for the efforts of our clowns. Although it was heart-breaking to witness the residents suffering from their aliments, we felt accomplished because we gave them the gift of laughter. In return, these residents have given our clowns a greater understanding of the importance of social justice.

Sincerely,

An aspiring clown

Martin House…Floating Stairs…Downtown Princeton

August 2, 2011

Tumble, rise, and build anew. The morning began with a human pyramid. The students piled up into a structure several times, until they could actually resemble a pyramid. The laughter of each student was heard at every tumble, but the students rose and began to build from scratch. From our pyramid followed the rough sketch of the circus act for Friday. Each student showcased his or her talents. Our circus will feature: juggling scarves, juggling balls, Devil Sticks, Poi, Diablos, Plate balancing, globe walking, Rola-Bola, stilts, unicycles, and clown skits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After our rehearsals, we headed to Martin House. Martin House is an organization that serves at-risk children with after-school programs, classes, and recreational activities. In route to Trenton, clowns could be seen from each side of the cars smiling and waving at citizens. When we reached Martin House the children were elated to see the “clown teachers.” We had four varying stations: slapstick, juggling, balancing, and make-up. For the following four hours, the clowns worked diligently to garner laughter and joy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It seems that a routine has been established at Clown Academy. Hard work is followed by a rewarding meal. After Martin House, we were invited to eat pizza, salad, and chicken tenders at Stuart Country Day School. Dr. Fagin gave us an illustrative tour of the grounds, the Eucharistic architecture, and the Cor Unum. Our clowns were even allowed to ring the forbidden bell. Our tour of Stuart ended with a beautiful picture in front of their glass painted Mater.

 

The fun did not end with the exciting tour of Stuart. We continued, with juggling balls and Diablos in hand, to downtown Princeton. We juggled near the fountain. We practiced our pyramid at the park, and scavenged the streets of Princeton looking for “Fro-Yo.” It was a wonderful day, and we expect to surpass this day with the next.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sincerely,

An aspiring clown

“ Whatsoever a man sows, that he shall also reap.”

August 1, 2011

The students have been sowing seeds of dedication, compassion, and perseverance. Throughout the day, they experienced the Trapeze and Rope devices. For most, this was an arduous task requiring concentration and strength. By mid-afternoon, we had several students twisting on the rope, reminiscent of Cirque. They competed in juggling competitions and raised the ante with under the leg tossing. A couple of students experimented with juggling while having another individual juggling on their shoulders. These tasks were challenging, yet they persisted.

Before heading to dinner, our clowns chose their attire for Tuesday’s performance. Many selected outlandish colored wigs with checkered rainbow-pattern pants. To quote one of our talented clowns, “were rocking the rainbow.” This day would end with a valuable lesson. What you do or sow, you shall reap.

That evening we were invited to eat at the home of a Sacred Heart family. We could never have imagined our night to be filled with such pleasant company and warm appreciation. This family opened their doors to our students. The children jumped, catapulted, and dived from every angle of their pool. The hoagies were truly heavenly, and the popcorn, ice-cream, and movie was just what these children needed. When it was parting time and the students had thanked the family for their kindness, they were meet with appreciation. The family expressed how thankful they were that the children have embarked upon the mission of reaching out to the community and taking responsibility for the needs of others. The impact of this project is beginning to create a notable change in our students and community.

Go to our Flickr account (www.flickr.com/photos/sacredheartclownacademy) and take a look at our videos and extra pictures.

Sincerely,

An aspiring clown

A Day in the Life of a Clown

July 31, 2011

“I can unicycle and banana peel fall.”

The day began with the ritual “rink” gathering. Around the rink the students were positioned to measure and attest for their skills in the field of juggling. They began with scarf juggling and later battled with the challenge of juggling balls. After our morning workshop, we went on to skills practice before leaving to St. Charles for Sunday mass.

During the liturgy, the homily drove home the idea of multiplying loaves of bread and quantities of fish. The priest emphasized the importance of giving even when you are not sure if it is enough. He stressed that every effort is significant in the eyes of God. This homily relates to these students because they are enduring physically strenuous task and their efforts to unicycle and banana peel fall are all a way of serving the people of God. They will be providing them with love, compassion, and joy through these next several days.

Our afternoon continued with Slapstick training. Students learned to fall backwards, fall forward, fall as though they have slipped on a banana peel, and clobber each other with chairs and mops. Their constant excitement enhanced their talented renditions of particular skits. Amongst their clowning training, they also participated in acrobatic training. They enjoyed the mini-trampoline, posing as though they were in “high school musical.” Their headstands required steady concentration, and only a brave few could create the Human Wheel.

 

Our evening commenced with a make-up workshop where the students learned about the three varied styles of clown make-up. They are constantly training and will be putting this training to use on Tuesday morning. Until then, they are working hard, playing to the extreme, reflecting on the importance of their efforts, and eating up a storm. We are all excited to see what is to come in the next days!

Sincerely,

An aspiring clown

Like What You See? For Additional Photos and Videos…

Go to our Flickr account and you will be able to view all pictures and videos. On this blog you will continue to find a detailed write-up of the day’s events. Check out our video of the Human Wheel. Remember you can also follow us on Facebook.

www.flickr.com/photos/sacredheartclownacademy

Enjoy,

An Aspiring Clown

Just Clowning Around

July 30, 2011

Meeting our fellow clowns has been a pleasure. From juggling in the airport to tight rope walking in the gym, one thing is certain. This group has enthusiasm, dedication, and talent. Those that were driving spent hours in the gym mastering the art of juggling. While our flyers were entertain all the children of the airport.

When our two groups united and the ham was served, a rumble of laughter exploded as we discussed Thomas’ conquest of the two-pound burger. Although we were enjoy our dinner, what lied was to tempting to resist. The children spent about an hour experiencing with every kind of devices available in the gym.

We ended the night with the Tomie Depaola story, Clown of God.  The children noted the importance of the Glory of God in all of our activities, and that “clowning around” is another way of spreading the Lord’s glory. Exhausted and excited for tomorrow’s workshopping, we retreat to our beds. Tune in tomorrow for our adventures.

Sincerely,

An aspiring clown

Behind the Scenes: Clown Academy

July 29, 2011

Today, Thomas and Maritza arrived in Newark Airport. Full of anticipation and curiosity, they confessed that their juggling skills lacked a bit of luster and that they had never been to Princeton. To their surprise, they would witness one of “the greatest shows on Earth” live and in color. The Princeton Academy’s Day camp riveted the newcomers with their skill and enthusiasm. They rode unicycles that were five feet high, gracefully posed on the trapeze, and garnered a roar of applause from their lively skits. Their performance encouraged Thomas to experiment with every piece of circus equipment.

Shortly after this performance, “network time” went into full motion. Globes, juggling pins, makeup, trapeze, trampolines, and costumes were accounted for and organized. Plans for the week were discussed and ideas emerged to enhance our students’ experience at Clown Academy. Imagine the hunger that ensued from these strenuous and worthy tasks. We decided to eat.

We arrived at Tiger Tale grill, a rather cozy Princeton eatery. While perusing the menu, a challenge summoned Thomas. The “2# er Burger Challenge” posed the contest of eating a two-pound burger within a 30 minute time period. Through Thomas’ courageous efforts, he was able to defeat the beast. His picture resides next to the few champions of this challenge.

 

Our first day together was legendary. We can only hope that the kids enjoy their first day half as much as we did. This week-long project is geared towards creating community through the joy of laughter. We look forward to the week’s upcoming events. We will keep posting pictures and anecdotes.

 

Sincerely,

An aspiring clown