I’ve done numerous costumed characters, puppets, ventriloquist figures, mascots and clown characters during my performance career. Out of all my years of performing, “Simon De Clown” has been the most consistent character I’ve performed. He is simple, child-like, inquisitive, trusting, clumsy, naive and optimistic. He’s the “enduring survivor” who doesn’t give up, but figures out a way to solve every problem – often in a surprising way. That’s probably why adults enjoy him as much as children do.
Recently, I’ve toured a show called “Building A Circus with Simon De Clown.” I want audiences to see that clowns can be hilarious, entertaining and thought-provoking. People enjoy coming along on the journey with Simon – this comic cartoon character.
During the past month – at two different libraries – the librarian came to me after the “Build A Circus” show and stated, “How wonderful! When you see the children sliding closer to the front throughout the entirety of the show, you know they LOVE the clown!”
It’s true. Good clowning draws people closer. The children didn’t cower away in fear. They didn’t run away screaming. They nudged closer and closer to the front, drawn by the fun, the innocence, the happy experience of being with Simon De Clown.