The 2008 graduating class of The Ohio College of Clowning Arts (formerly known as OCC) performed for a sold-out audience at the Funny Stop Comedy Club located in Cuyahoga Falls. The show, titled ‘Comedy Capers’ was choreographed under the direction of Robert Kreidler, founder and headmaster.
Debuting individual unique characters, the 2008 graduates are: Alizarin Crimson “Allie” (Yulia Gray), C.J. Shortcake Treefoil “Shortcake” (Carolyn Close), Frieda Beeme (Katrina Mullen), Gabriella Umbrella Monticello Balderdash III “Gumball” (Suzane Houston), Howie B. DeWin (Christine Shorter), and Maude D. Pendable (Darlene Kamp). Pictured Shortcake, Allie, Gumball, Frieda, Maude, Howie
Non-stop deliverance of one routine after another kept children of all ages on the edge of their seats all the while laughing and applauding, just the kind of reaction any comedic actor relishes.
The audience was enthralled with the show. Paula Z. from North Royalton said, “Comedy Capers was great fun for kids and adults. My husband and I enjoyed the classic skits, and our 11-year-old talked about one act after another once the show concluded."
"We also enjoyed the one-on-one interaction with individual clowns as they visited with guests before the show. We loved Howie B. DeWin's magic coloring book. Lots of skits, great interplay between performers, and terrific costumes and makeup made for an overall "A" performance.”
Pam G. from Warren who brought her sister, daughter, great niece and great granddaughter to the show had this to say, … “We laughed so hard I had to find the bathroom!” “Everyone was fantastic, we’re so glad we came!”
Rufus D. Dufus (Robert Kreidler’s own clown creation) made this observation, “My strongest visual image is a youngster, maybe 3, at stage right with an uplifted face in rapt amazement at what he saw. I turned and saw that same look on the performers’ faces. I turned back to the stage thinking, "This is why I do this."
Celebrating 19 years as the only clown school of its kind within a tri-state area, Kreidler also announced it was the last show under the name ‘Ohio Clown College’. “We are close to settling a dispute with the parent company of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus who have claimed, among others things that the Ohio Clown College constituted unfair competition. Though we vigorously disagree we have agreed to settle the dispute rather than litigate it.”
Kreidler also explained that the College has agreed to rename itself ‘The Ohio College of Clowning Arts’ and Ringling has agreed to compensate it for the change. “Unfortunately,” Kreidler continued, “we have yet to agree on the amount of compensation.”
The live performance showcased the culmination of training received during a 30-week period featuring the students as an ensemble. The annual graduation show is the first experience many of the students have had on stage in front of a paying audience.
The training, which includes character development, acting techniques, slapstick (learning how to fall, run in to walls, and so on), and writing and performing routines, prepares the foundation needed for students to succeed in the clowning business. But, just who are these clowns?
“The class is always a diversified mix”, states Kreidler. “We’ve taught ministers, nurses, CEO’s, stay at home moms, grandmas and grandpas, teenagers, construction workers, teachers, college students, elder care activity staff, actors, comedians, and everything in between.” Robert went on to explain that no prior experience is needed, only the desire to learn.
“Giving birth to Howie is my greatest accomplishment so far. I love her and she does me proud “, offered Christine Shorter, retired from the Air Force, one of this year’s graduates.
Registration for the next class scheduled to begin in September of 2008 is now underway. To learn more, call Robert Kreidler, headmaster at 330-835-9460 or visit The Ohio College of Clowning Arts
The clown graduates are now prepared to entertain for your private party, corporate event, fundraising event, hospital and nursing home visits and more! Visit Clowns Entertain Jest For You! to locate your favorite clown!
Debuting individual unique characters, the 2008 graduates are: Alizarin Crimson “Allie” (Yulia Gray), C.J. Shortcake Treefoil “Shortcake” (Carolyn Close), Frieda Beeme (Katrina Mullen), Gabriella Umbrella Monticello Balderdash III “Gumball” (Suzane Houston), Howie B. DeWin (Christine Shorter), and Maude D. Pendable (Darlene Kamp).
The audience was enthralled with the show. Paula Z. from North Royalton said, “Comedy Capers was great fun for kids and adults. My husband and I enjoyed the classic skits, and our 11-year-old talked about one act after another once the show concluded."
Celebrating 19 years as the only clown school of its kind within a tri-state area, Kreidler also announced it was the last show under the name ‘Ohio Clown College’. “We are close to settling a dispute with the parent company of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus who have claimed, among others things that the Ohio Clown College constituted unfair competition. Though we vigorously disagree we have agreed to settle the dispute rather than litigate it.”
“Giving birth to Howie is my greatest accomplishment so far. I love her and she does me proud “, offered Christine Shorter, retired from the Air Force, one of this year’s graduates.
