Workshops

2010 workshop

The Clowning for Beginners workshop held on Saturday 6 March was a fabulous success. We received a lot of
publicity prior to the event and as a result we had 21 people booked in for a full day at Kawana. There were
two very late cancellations and one "no show" which was a shame as we had a waiting list of 13 keen people
that we were unable to fit in. They are now on a waiting list for another workshop - yet to be organised.

After the welcome speech from President Kevin the business of Clowning was soon underway with full
participation by all attendees. Judy led us in a "Getting to Know You" exercise which loosened us all up and
helped shake off any inhibitions. This was then followed by a very informative talk given by Gus on The
History of Clowning and how the Coastal Caring Clowns Incorporated began.

A slide show was then presented by Gus showing the various types of clowns. It was then time for some
more fun this time from Viv who led us in an "expressions" exercise which proved to be hilarious. Ted then
distributed his "Daffynitions" competition in which teams had to come up with alternative definitions for
everyday words - most comical!

A welcome break for tea and coffee and then a talk on Nursing home and Hospital visits was given by Lois
with many questions from the attendees. Then came the turn of Irene and Michele who related their
individual clown experiences (most interesting). Ted mesmerised us all with his magic and taught everyone a
few clever tricks (no doubt forgotten by now!) and then more fun with balloon sculpting - I know some of the
attendees were amazed at what skills they had - or not!

At last LUNCH - what a welcome break and from feedback received the fare was good - well done Meals on
Wheels! I presented a slide show on clown costumes and make-up before Judy led the session on clown
make-up where all attendees had a great time first watching Judy and then putting make up on themselves!

Lots of laughter and photos were taken and a few good lessons learned. Ted brought along a bag full of wigs
and costumes and quite a few attendees managed to get dressed up and feel like a proper clown at the end
of a very full and informative day.

President Kevin gave a closing speech and then the attendees were all given a certificate and lots of photos
were taken. Feedback forms were given out and then the attendees started lining up to sign up for
membership!

You can see from the happy faces in the group photo on the front cover of this magazine that a great time
was had by all.

Here are just a few of the very positive comments received on the feedback forms:
"If you didn't feel happy when you arrived, you would when you leave."

"What a wonderful day, it was great meeting new and talented people."

"A very professional, fun, well organised workshop. Thanks so much."

"Yay!! Loved it! The best workshop ever! I want more of it. Hooray for the clowns! I'm sure you warmed a
lot of hearts."

As a result of this workshop we have at least 18 new members. 7 clown orientations have already been
carried out with a further 10 booked in before the end of March.

So I think you will all agree that it has been a very worthwhile experience and I would like to thank all
members of the Coastal Caring Clowns Incorporated who not only took part in the day but helped with the
organisation that helped this workshop run so smoothly.

Christine Rule, Vice President