Children Learn True Meaning of Clowning Around
A group of 25 children studying for an “associate degree” in clownology learned the finer points of juggling, makeup and human pyramids Tuesday from professionals of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey circus.
The Los Angeles Children’s Museum hosted the first in a series of four seminars for the group of inner-city youths, ages 11 to 13. They belong to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Deputy Auxiliary Police Youth Program, which provides activities for young people.
The Junior Clown Workshop culminates in a chance for graduates to perform in front of an audience when the circus comes to the L.A. Sports Arena later this month.
Learning to be a clown and other activities sponsored by the police program help prevent kids from being lured by crime, gangs and drugs, said LAPD Officer Michelle Robles.
“Our focus is to keep these kids out of the bad element out there,” said Robles.
The children worked for two hours on Tuesday, learning how to transform themselves into clowns. Professional clowns taught them how to apply clown makeup, as well as how to juggle and make people laugh.
Finally, the youths put on their own performances, which were recorded on videotape in the museum’s studio.
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