THE OHIO COLLEGE
of
CLOWNING ARTS

MISSION STATEMENT

THE OHIO COLLEGE OF CLOWNING ARTS prepares students, 16 years of age and older, to become entry level professional clowns who will work in an environment other than the circus.

The curriculum of the college is non traditional. While we respect the arts of balloon sculpture and face painting we understand that these skills are only tangentially related to clowning. The ancient and honorable art of the clown is centered on the physical, comedic acting ability of the clown.

Thus the course of instruction, 30 weeks in length, is designed to develop and improve the professional performing abilities of graduates. As a result of participating in the college’s course of studies graduates will not only develop a distinctive and physical actor’s presence but they will also enhance the understanding of the art of the clown by the general public.

Graduates are prepared to be professional entertainers who can work on stage and at fairs, festivals, store openings, ho-downs, trade shows, conventions, as well as hospital and nursing home visitation. In addition to stage work students also are assisted to perform at birthday parties, church events and other situations and occasions where fun is essential and smiles are a must.

The Ohio College Of Clowning Arts, founded in 1989, is currently contracturally associated with the Hudson, Ohio Board of Education and The Funny Stop Comedy Club, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. The college, one of a handful of its kind in the United States, is unique in the State of Ohio.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS – THE OHIO COLLEGE OF CLOWNING ARTS

CLOWN CHARACTERIZATION - For students 16 and over. No prior experience necessary. Discover the way of the clown. You will create a clown character with a unique life history; learn how he/she moves, thinks, walks, talks. Learn the secrets of professional white-face make-up application under the tutelage of Headmaster and professional clown, storyteller, actor and twenty-three years a professional clown, Robert F. "Rufus D. Dufus" Kreidler. Plan to purchase book and contents of a make-up case.
Seven weeks.

PHYSICAL CLOWNING - Pre-requisites CLOWN CHARACTERIZATION or its equivalent. For students 16 years of age and older. Learn how to walk into walls, trip, fall, hit and be hit and yet survive. Students will explore how to use their bodies effectively in their clowning. You will also learn professional Auguste make-up application, how to juggle as well as other physical skills essential to clowning. Plan to purchase juggling "silks". Class under the supervision of Michael “Flapjack” Salvino and the Headmaster.
Seven weeks.

PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM AND COSTUMING - No pre-requisites but required for clowns pursuing graduation from the Ohio Clown College. For students 16 years of age and older. You will design your own costume as you explore various fabrics, patterns, colors and learn sources for your costume. You will also create and hone for performance your own physical comedy routine suitable for your graduation performance. Class under the supervision of the Headmaster, Robert F. Kreidler and staff.
Seven weeks.

ENSEMBLE CLOWNING - Pre-requisites - Clown Characterization, Physical Clowning and Performance Practicum. You will take all the skills learned during the year and hone them for public performance. You will be assigned classic clown routines, rehearse them with other clowns pursuing graduation. You will then perform the assigned material in a public graduation ceremony from The Ohio College of Clowning Arts under the direction of the Headmaster, Robert F. Kreidler and staff. Nine weeks.

BALLOONS AND MAGIC FOR THE CLOWN – This seminar, a pre-requisite for graduation and open to regular students and others, is conducted outside of the regular class time, usually on a Saturday during November. Under the direction of Michael Salvino and the Headmaster, participants will learn the secrets of balloon sculpting and close up magic as it pertains to a performing clown. Participants will leave the seminar with the ability to use balloons and magic to entertain small and large audiences. Saturday in November. Seven hours.

THE BUSINESS OF CLOWNING and MARKETING YOUR CLOWN – These on line courses are pre-requisites for graduation and are conducted outside of the regular class time. Students are expected to complete both courses by March 31 of the year. Under the direction of the Headmaster, Robert F. Kreidler and staff, students will learn how to set-up their clown business, determine a fee structure, how to secure bookings, the optimal ways to advertize, discuss proven methods for selling and other issues essential for creating and running a profitable clown business. On-line in March .

For more information contact the Headmaster:
Robert F. Kreidler,
The Ohio College of Clowning Arts,
206 Hollywood Avenue, Suite 100B,
Akron, OH 44313,

Toll Free: 800.497.3236

Email: rkreidler@OhioCollegeClowningArts.com