It is a General Liability Performers Insurance. Coverage is $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate per event

What types of performance in covered by the insurance?

The insurance is for Clowns, Magicians, Jugglers, Balloon twisters, and face painter’s

Do you cover Santa’s?

Yes, we cover any costumed character as long as it is not a copyrighted character.

Can I name my business, or clown name on the policy?

The insurance is only able to list an individual.

Can I add someone else on my policy?

We are able to add a venue as an additionally insured. The form needed is here. There is a cost of $30 for this.

We are unable to add individuals on to your policy only venues.

Do you cover products I sell?

The insurance only covers performances, and not products.

So what is covered?

Anything that you would be considered legally liable for during your performance. (IE… During a magic show a chair gets broken and the venue wants you to replace it. (OR) A child has an allergic reaction to paints after a face painting…as long as you use FDA Compliant/Approved paints). The insurance would not cover you for damage that you intentionally do, damage to you, or your property, and any illegal activity

Can I purchase additional coverage over the  $2,000,000?

We  do not offer over additional coverage over what we offer already.

How soon can I get coverage?

Our normal turnaround time is 1-2 business days. The insurance company will then mail you a certificate.

What if I need it sooner?

On the additionally insurance request there is a spot to enter a fax number that the insurance company can fax a copy of the certificate to. For the primary insurance if you need it soon we are able to email, or fax to you. In order for us to do that please submit the application then give us a call the next business day in the afternoon and we will take care of it then.

What is the business hours of the office?

Our normal business hours are Monday – Friday from 10am – 6pm Central time. We are closed on all Federal Holidays.

A list of all Holidays are available here

It is saturday and I need my certificate for a job what do I do?

While the office is closed on Saturday if we are around we do monitor emails for such emergencies. We will email you your previously processed certificate if we are available. We are unable to process any insurance on Saturday so if it has not been processed we would be unable to help. Either way we will email you to let you know (if we are available).

Is the insurance, or membership prorated?

We are unable to prorate the insurance, or membership.

Can I just call you to get this started?

We are unable to process any insurance or membership over the phone. You can mail, fax, or email the membership/insurance form

Alley #24952

http://vancouverclowns.com/ ]]> http://worldclown.com/?feed=rss2&p=10178 0 http://worldclown.com/?p=10172 http://worldclown.com/?p=10172#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:25:27 +0000 Administrator http://worldclown.com/?p=10172

Edmonton Caring Clowns

Alley #88363

http://www.edmontoncaringclowns.ca/

info@edmontoncaringclowns.ca ]]> http://worldclown.com/?feed=rss2&p=10172 0 http://worldclown.com/?p=10120 http://worldclown.com/?p=10120#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:12:33 +0000 Administrator http://worldclown.com/?p=10120 Facepainting Ministry Ideas
With Randy Christensen

Many clowns perform facepainting at fairs, festivals and birthday celebrations. This skill area may also be used in ministry settings.

The one to one setting of a facepainter can be a nurturing caring situation. This personal interaction — when a child actually sits still for three minutes – provides a setting where the facepainter can speak gently affirming the child’s self worth and share positive messages.. The painter and the painted may develop a brief relationship which can carry a long term impact. This encouragement through words and actions may be seen as ministry in itself. We are not encouraging facepainters to sermonize or preach to their captive audience, but to use this short time to be encouraging and share some simple positive messages.

Simple cheek art may be used to talk about different stories or scriptural truths. Here are some examples:

Rainbow – tell the story of Noah’s ark,
Sun or stars – tell about God creating the heavens and the earth,
Bugs – tell about how God cares about even the smallest of creation,
Flowers – Jesus said that God created the flowers, and yet, they fade in a short time. God sees that and cares for the flowers, but God cares even more for each of us.
Heart – What types of things do you love? Who do you love? God made you special and loves you very much.
Cross – The cross was a horrible place but now people hold to it because it’s a place that represents God’s great love and victory through sacrifice.

Full face designs may provide the time to share a story about the character. Painting a face of a cat, or tiger, or lion? Tell the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. When painting super heroes, you have the opportunity to talk about courage, or sacrifice or that God is the greatest super power in the universe. Princess tiaras and crowns? Talk about Esther or tell your subject she is like a princess of the King.

Try some simple word plays. Remember the old “Concentration” game where different pictures represented words of the same sound? Here are some examples:

1. “It is well with my soul” – Draw a picture of a wishing well and the sole of a shoe.
2. “Don’t trust in riches, but love the Lord more than anything.” – This is the message that the rich young ruler heard. Draw this out with a dollar sign covered by a circle and salsh, then a heart, then a cross.
3. “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.” Draw a can of paint and a brush, then a crown with the word “God” on it, then a picture of a hand.
4. “My peace I leave with you.” – Paint a puzzle pice, a leaf, and the letter “U.”

The idea is to help children remember verses, phrases and concepts. When children are asked, “What did you do in church today?” they can simply look at their arm and recall the Bible verse or story. This method is also a way to share a verse or story with a friend. It often makes the friend want to come visit your church program also because it’s just plain “cool” to be painted! Janet “Jelly Bean” Tucker has a chapter on these types of comedy paintings in her book “Creating Clown Stuff for Ministry” (available from dealers and also directly from Janet).

You can be a loving and gentle representative to the people you meet while sharing positive messages. Facepainting may be the contact point that sparks that ministry.

By Randy Christensen

Most of my programs are done as a one man variety arts show.  I perform magical illusions, mime, ventriloquism, comedy mime, music and juggling regularly in my programs. I have also included chalk & cartoon drawings, puppetry, singing, paper folding, balloon sculpture, stiltwalking, unicycling, games, storytelling and more!

Variety is the spice of a performance. My friend, children’s specialist Jim Wideman, states “The only bad method is the one you use all the time.” I and Jim have worked full-time in church settings where we have the same children attend every week.  In order to grab and hold their attention, we need to change our methods. Puppets are wonderful.  But, if that’s all I do over and over and over, it will dilute their effectiveness with my audience.

Most professional performers have found that placing a variety method halfway through their show makes their program stronger.  A magician that specializes in manipulation will place a mind-reading effect in the middle of the show.  A singer will take time to talk, tell a joke, or tell a story between songs to change the pace.  A juggler will not just throw items in the air continuously, but include some other types of manipulation and balancing or joke-telling.

Leon “OZ” McBride has often shared that a performance should be like a rollercoaster.  You build tension, you zoom fast, you take a twist and a turn.  You also have a time on the rollercoaster when you have a flat slower trek right in the middle. It gives you a moment to catch your breath.  Then …..AHHHHHH!  You are on your way again!  The variety method presentation is that change of pace in the middle of the ride.

Adding in a variety arts method will make your performance stronger.  Find a magic trick that you like.  Practice and rehearse and slide that into your program.  Pull out that musical instrument you played in Junior High School and find a nostalgic song that you may perform in the middle of your show.  Tell a short story about an animal while you twist a balloon into the shape of the creature.

A clown may perform any method that a normal person out of make-up may perform.  But the unique look and character of the clown will influence how the method is presented, and also endear you even more to your audience.  The novel methods presented by a novel character will create enduring memories for your audience.

By Randy Christensen

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.” Proverbs 27:2 (The Holy Bible)

Most faith systems have proverbs that recount these same values.  Greatness grows through humility.  Strength comes through meekness.  Modesty is a sign of confidence.  Bragging is a sign of insecurity.  To be great, serve others.  Respect is not demanded, it is earned.  All of these sayings bring perspective to the concepts of honoring and humility.

There are some truly great clowns performing today.  In my personal experience of hosting or attending over forty major conferences and camps, I’d say that the truly great clowns are those who have humble attitudes.  They don’t have to talk about themselves because the quality of their performances and lectures speak for themselves.  They are confident in what they do, even if critics have a different viewpoint.

I think that sometimes people of faith do not understand the concept of humility nor the concept of honoring others.  Humility does not mean a lack of confidence.  Humility is simply an understanding that there will always be someone better than you are and someone else that is not as skilled as you are.  Humility accepts the fact that one always has room for growth.  Humility means that a person is teachable and committed to learning and improving.  Humility allows others to step forward and shine in performance, rather than demanding the spotlight be on oneself.  Humility understands that each one of us has a debt to those who have paved the way before us.

“Honor one another above yourselves.”  Romans 12:10 (The Holy Bible)

I am a pastor, and through the years I’ve unfortunately seen that there are some who feel it is their god-given mandate to try to keep others humble.  Truthfully, they are mistaken.  It is not our job to honor ourselves and humble others, but to honor others and humble ourselves.  This is the spirit of a servant. Honestly, it should be the spirit of each clown.  We come to serve, not arrogantly proclaim superiority.

So, with that in mind, I want to end this article by saying “thank you” to many who have faithfully and modestly served WCA.

Clown Honors:

How about giving some of these candy awards out?

“PayDay”  – For all your hard work

“Treasures”  –  We treasure your involvement

“Lifesaver” – You’re a lifesaver

“Starburst” – For being a star!

“Zero”  – Not a zero, but a hero

“Almond Joy” – Always joyful

“100 Grand” – You’re worth more than a 100 grand

“Pop Rocks” – because you rock!

In the book, “The Gospel According to Starbucks,” author Leonard Sweet shares the steps to having an epic experience. He talks about how the coffee giant, Starbucks, has become what it is today, and why. He compares the Starbucks philosophy to churches that are offering effective ministry. I found this book intriguing, insightful and applicable.

Author Sweet shares four key components to effectiveness in ministry approach. These four areas appeal to the internal desires of our current culture. These four areas are components that clowns should also focus upon.

The first letter in the word “EPIC” is “E.” This represents “experiential.” People do not just want to sit and listen to a lecture. They want an experience! What may you do in your clowning to create a fun, interactive experience for people?

Years ago, Susan Carpenter stated, “Clowns should not just give away things. Clowns give memories. Clowns give an experience.” And so we should!

The letter “P” stands for “participatory.” Clowns interact with their audience. This experience should be something that your audience is able to take part in. Are they able to help you make choices? How about choosing the balloon animal? …or waving the magic wand? …or picking the juggling prop? …or shouting out the scripture verse? Look for ways to involve your audience with your presentation.

The third letter in EPIC is “image rich.” Think of Starbucks. When you see the Starbucks logo, it makes one think of their coffee and their coffee shops. They portray a certain image and use that to help bring their customers back. Clowns have vibrant images too. Maybe there is a certain image you may use in your clowning. Mark Anthony was noted for the fly on his nose and the dog collar he wore. Lou Jacobs was recognized by his cone shaped headpiece and giant red ball nose. Lee Mullaly has a yellow bird which sits on his hat, no matter which costume he is wearing, no matter what kind of hat he has on. Gene Lee was known for the red and white striped pattern implemented in his clothing and props. Consider that Jesus himself used various images to help people understand spiritual truths.

Lastly, “C” stands for “connective.” Ministry clowns build connections; connections between people; connections with their audience; connections with God. We connect historical clowning with modern audiences. We connect positive humor with message, comedy with scriptural concepts. We connect fantasy with spiritual reality, cartoon-images with real-life solutions. Through the use of laughter we help onlookers connect with us, and also connect with each other.

Look at your clowning. Are you able to help people have an EPIC experience? Begin to think of your clown interactions as an “experience” for your audience. Make your time with them something they may participate in, not just watch. Use images that help illustrate truths. Consider the image you portray to your audience. Build connections. Look for ways to give an EPIC experience!

My clown journey began when I encountered kids in a children’s hospital.  I saw the expressions on their faces.  I heard the energy return to their voices.  I sensed the joy and hope increase in each room.  Previously, I did not want to be a clown.  I thought people would laugh at me!  (Which, I guess IS kind of the idea, eh?)  On that first clown experience, something happened.  I started to get past my own self-consciousness and realized that this made a difference in the lives of others.

I’ve found that one of the most important life values a person may have is “otherness:”  Not SELFishness, but OTHERness.  It’s not about self.  It’s about others.

Our U.S. president has sent out a call to U.S. citizens to become less self-serving, and more community service minded.

There are so many incredible opportunities for clowns to step into areas that serve the common good and the emotional health of communities.

Jesus himself quoted the Torah when he shared that the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” And the second is like it.  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

So, what can you do this week to help those around you?  How may you serve your community as a clown?  How may you help meet the emotional needs of those that are hurting?  Look ahead a couple months.  Is there something coming in your community in which you may participate and lift the hearts of others?  Start planning now to be involved.  Communicate with the community organizer and see if you can help fill a need.

I’m not asking whether or not you are donating your services.  I’m asking that we all have a focus that looks at the needs of others first.  Whether I’m paid for a clown job, or not paid, I need to stay centered on doing what will benefit others, not only think about what will benefit myself.  Others first!

“Can you hear me now?”. Cell phones keep parents connected with kids and keep kids connected with their friends. Cell phones usually give instant connections. Distance is no longer an inhibitor for people connecting.
Did you know? More than 150 million Americans (over ½ the population) have cell phones. The number of cell phone users is growing at 15% per year. In 2002, half of all teens (aged 12-17) had cell phones. A 2008 report states that 15% of 2-4 year olds use cell phones! People hope to instantly connect!

Our lives find fulfillment and satisfaction through the connections we make. We have an incredible tool to use in making connections. NO—not a cell phone. We are able to use this art of clowning.

How many times have you been in a store when you saw a small child. You smiled at the child and wanted to interact. But, you were not “in clown”. You smiled, or waved, or joked and the child scurried away because you were a stranger—someone people warn children about.

But if you had been wearing the clown nose you would have received a different response. The nose becomes a connecting point. It doesn’t just connect to your face. It connects you with your audience!
Laughter is another great connecting point. When people laugh together, relationships grow. Stress is released. Laughter connects the audience to the performer. It also connects audience members to each other.

Many ministry clowns want to do heart-touching clown dramas. Their goal is to bring a tear to the onlooker’s heart. I’d recommend starting with laughter first! Laughter opens the heart’s doors, and then the clown may reach in and touch the soul. But don’t start your presentation by trying to do heart-tugging stuff. Start with laughter. That’s the initial connecting point.

“Authenticity is the glue that connects the nose to the flesh.” People relate to the realness inside of you. Don’t just put on an act, but allow the exaggerated fun-house mirror image of you to flow out to your audience. The realness of you is what people will react to.

When using a prop, realize that it’s only a tool for connecting. A walk around prop gives you the excuse to start talking with people. The magic trick gives an agreed upon focal point which begins a shared experience. The magic is not in “the trick”, the real magic is in the experience of normal people connecting with a clown.
Balloon artistry is impressive. But more importantly, connect with your patrons! Be funny. Genuinely be interested in their thoughts—their lives. The balloon becomes an excuse to connect. The balloon is not the “end-all.” The balloon is the means to the end—which is shared relationship.

As a clown you are connected to history. Those who have come before have paved the road for us. You may learn much about good comedy, effective presentation techniques, creative ideas and more! Clown history provides an incredible foundation you may build upon.

Realize that you also are a part of making history. All you do either makes it easier, or makes it harder, for those who follow you. What mark are you making in history? Those audiences will have a better view of clowning, or a poorer view, based on their interaction with you.

As you clown you are connected to a wonderful family of friends. Through clowning I have met friends that are closer than “blood” relations. I’m thankful for this family of loving, caring, funny folks!

Lastly, we connect with people to connect them with the love of God. God is about establishing relationships too.

Focus on these connections and you will experience incredible connections in your clowning.

Several years ago when I was Clown Ministry Director for WCA, I received many letters – and now that I again have this office, I am beginning already to get inquiries, the main one being “How do I get started in Clown Ministry?”

Interestingly, I was a  clown (“secular”, if you prefer that kind of term versus “ministry”) doing birthday parties, company picnics, grand openings, etc.  and then I got a taste of clowning used in the ministry and began to create all kinds of ideas for using my clown in that way.  It was in 1979 or 1980 at a  Clown, Mime, Puppet, Dance Ministry Workshop in Oberlin, Ohio, and I saw Floyd Shaffer do a bit on feeding the hungry where his clown ate gobs of popcorn but offered it to a hungry person one kernel at a time.

I began reading the Bible through different eyes and began to see the Bible characters as real people.  I put together several skits contemporizing the parables of Jesus and several of us  did our first clown ministry during the Mother/Daughter Banquet season in April and May.

Since that time, Floyd Shaffer has published a number of books, I have written several books of clown ministry skits, and I’ve developed some ideas along the way that are very important.  Not everyone doing clown ministry has these same ideas but I have found them to work for me (and all I can share is what I do!)  First, I would suggest that anyone interested in using their clown character in a gospel clowning way should pray for the proper direction to go.  You might work with your own church in a Sunday School or Children’s Church program.  You might work for a community organization such as the Salvation Army.  You might work for a Vacation Bible School.  You might have a part in a worship service or even do the whole worship service as a special clown event.  You might get a group of clowns together to visit hospitals and nursing homes in your area.  All of these are valid areas of ministry but not all of these are for all clowns.  Pray about where you might fit into your church’s programs.

Second, as you prepare your gospel clowning programs, make sure that you are giving your best to the Lord.  Be the very best clown you can be.  Learn proper clown makeup, costuming, skills  and make sure that you are theologically sound in your scriptural  passages.  I once saw a tramp clown come forward and cook a hot dog on the altar candles – many , including me,  thought it was offensive and saw no lesson for either clowning or ministry.   I would recommend books by Randy Christensen and Ralph Dewey as well as my “Creating Clown Stuff” book because they give a Bible chapter and verse reference for the skit or idea.

Next, as you perform your ministry bit, whether it be animal balloons with a gospel message, a skit for a worship service, or a visit to a shut-in, make sure the message gets across.  I have seen many clowns who say they must be silent because clown ministry must be silent.  I don’t agree with this although I have done some silent clown bits.  I think it is important to get the message across – whatever it takes – and sometimes that can be silent, but sometimes it can be noisy.  Sometimes it must be very visual with lots of slapstick clowning.  Sometimes it can be a very gentle type of clowning.  Clowning for young children  may need to be explained with words to be sure the message is properly received.

Just as you have to be sure the “ministry” message gets across, you must also be sure the “clown” message gets across.  If what you do could as easily be done by simply telling a story, then do it as a storyteller .  If you are doing “clown” ministry, be sure to include some clowning such as funny or oversize props, clown actions such as slapstick movements, or  clown thinking that often misinterprets an idea.

Now, if the question “How do I get started?” means how do I become a good clown, how do I know what type of ministry to do, how do I plan programs, how do I prepare the “ministry” and the “clown” parts of a program, then we’ve answered it.

However, if the question means “How do I get booked in my church or other churches?”  then we need to look at opportunities for clown ministry.  Volunteer to help with a Sunday School program or VBS at your church.  Ask your Pastor if you can help with a children’s portion of a worship service.  Offer to entertain at the Mother/Daughter Banquet.  If you have properly prepared your program and can get it seen in your church at a fellowship dinner, the chances are good that you will be asked to consider doing the program at other churches also.  Decide if you want to do a program for free, or a “love offering”, or a particular price that meets your expenses.  Print informational flyers and send them to churches in your area when you have several programs to offer -but PLEASE make sure your programs are of the high quality necessary before you jump into this stage.

The question could also mean “How do I get a clown group started in my church?”  If you have any clown instruction classes in your area, get your group to take the class.  If not, consider bringing in a clown teacher to your church for a weekend to work with the group you have assembled.  If it is a youth group, consider visiting a hospital or nursing home on a regular basis and do a clown program for them.  Older teens might also clown for a VBS or Sunday School program.

As in all things, you have to start someplace!  Get a book, take a class, attend Clown Camp or a clown convention – then use what you know and build on it.  The following  have books on clown ministry that might help you – or visit your local library – or borrow old copies of “Clowning Around” from a friend and check out the clown ministry columns.  Write to any of the following for books and further information:

The Cross and the Clown magazine, P. O. Box 8, Madison, GA  30650 –  jrtheclown@aol.com

Randy Christensen, 5265 Lawler Beach Rd. NE, Willmar, MN  56201 – pastorclown@earthlink.net

Janet Tucker, 6334 New Hampshire, Hammond, In  46323 – jb@jellybean-clown.com

Check out the Fellowship of Christian Magicians Annual Conference in Marion, Indiana at www.fcm.org

Janet “Jelly Bean” Tucker