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The Camp has been canceled for 2012. Check back for information on 2013
TnT University

 

Jim Howle

Jim Howle is one of the most versatile clowns performing today. In addition to his performing skills, which are finely honed, he is also a famous artist and expert on clown make up. While attending the Ringling School of Art, he learned of the creation of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Clown College. He applied, was accepted, and was graduated from the original class in 1968. He then toured with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey for seven years as a tramp clown, working with some of the great circus clowns ever. He was selected as the Big Show's official artist and after leaving the show in 1974 became an instructor at Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Clown College. In 1993 he was inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame. You can find some of Jim’s paintings in the Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute and the Leningrad Gallery.

 

Performance Track

The goal of the track is to assemble a group of performers who want to experience the production of a stage show.

 In session one they will all sit down with notebooks and pen and get to be equal partners in planning and production. As cast members their goal is to put together the very best performance of their lift. During this 1st session, we discuss each ones potential, special talents or hidden ambitions. We discuss and determine what the basic format of the show might be. This is determined by the cast. The ideas and concepts are reviewed by all and refined and expanded as needed. Everyone has an equal voice and their ideas are tweaked and refined to perfection via discussion. This effort will promote a feeling of confidence, enthusiasm and cooperation. Cooperation will be the key to a great show and the joy that the class will derive from being a part of its success. The moral of a cast is very essential to a fun filled show that becomes a milestone in each ones memory.

 If there is time left in the session, we then begin to build the show from end to start, Distributing the roles according to each student’s wishes and abilities.

 In session two, we will continue to build the outline of the show, using the ideas put forth with further discussion and refinement. The cast learns from the input of all and appreciates and respects the results of collective thought. A wonderful and infectious energy that only mutual respect and pursuing common goals and produce. The skits and bits, intros, walk troughs, music, sound effects be will combined with timing and continuity to make a show that flows quickly and smoothly. Time to begin to rehearse. Rehearsals begin as each group of cast members group to themselves and build their combined ideas into a concert. There may be multiple times that each might appear in the show, so there will be a lot of activity. When the entire cast reassembles they will watch each skit or bit to help rehab it in any way that improves the routine. Everyone must be receptive to what is the majority decides. Then more rehearsals, more refinement.  Props must be made by the cast in preparation during the week on their own time. If possible, groups rehearse on their own time as well. Pride and respect for the end result compels.

 As the shows forms, the placement in the shows scheme will be determined and intros prepared. Voice, music, sounds, intro cards, whatever is determined to be appropriate and most entertaining.

 The cast assumes responsibility for placement and removal of props and for helping one and all in the timely flow of events.

 Stage presence and projection will be refined. The use of mikes and the dispersal among themselves of that equipment as needed is part of the experience. The cast will enjoy the easy, laidback atmosphere that confidence and reliance on each other promotes. The feeling of a happy family atmosphere is as much a goal as the show itself. The show is the final episode that brings an end to a week of personal satisfaction and leaves the student with a warm happy lifelong memories of that year at TnT.

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