Official Website of the Midwest Clown Association
Frequently Asked Questions
Well you have already taken the first step by asking us! There are several worthwhile organizations that hold Annual Clown Conventions or Roundups. The Midwest Clown Association (MCA) hosts an Annual Roundup usually the last week of September but more generally the first week of October of each year. The Clowns of America International (COAI hosts a convention in April of each year. The World Clown Association (WCA) also hosts a Clown Convention in the Spring of each year. Certain regional Alleys also host weekend educational festivals and conferences.
Now that I've told you when let me get back to your main question. Most websites of the above listed Associations and Organizations have an Officer contact page or information regarding the location, registration and itinerary of education and competition.Check out the MCA Roundup Registration
This is an excellent question! The answer is NO! Beginning clowns or (First of Mays) as they are called are anxious to get into the heart of the clowning. They pack up their talents and costumes and enthusiastically drive to a convention ready to clown. We discourage this because sometimes it can hinder the educational process and make you less receptive to new ideas. It may also intimidate you. There are many types of clowns. Birthday Clowns, Hospital Clowns, Parade Clowns, Magic Clowns Street Clowns, Circus Clowns etc. Their costumes and makeup vary from detailed and elaborate to plain and simple. Costume and Makeup enhance the character appearance but the performance and entertainment come from within the heart and talent of the clown.
Attendees participating in competitions do dress in costume and are critiqued and judged on appearance and talent.
Most clown convention attendees wear casual clothes, (mostly Blue Jeans during the conference) with the exception of Theme parties and Banquets Theme parties usually invoke your time and creativity to conjure up an outfit that relates to the theme. Banquets vary between Sunday church clothes to prom attire.
A resounding YES! The MCA has a Junior Joey program where we welcome children under the age of 16 to participate in a closely monitored program that is developed to allow them an opportunity to hone their talents, grow with confidence, and empowers them to determine if they want to be involved in clowning. The Junior Joey program promotes teamwork and still provides individual attention.
Anyone can attend a convention or Roundup. However, in the World Clown Association and in Clowns of America International, you have to be a member of the sponsoring organization to compete. In the Midwest Clown Association their are only 2 requirements. One you must reside in any one of the 7 states (Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, or Wisconsin) and Two, you must pay a full registration.
This is a new program initiated by the current Chief Joey, John Jay-Jay Joseph. It is a chance to meet the officers of the MCA (Midwest Clown Association) and to ask questions about the choice of educational classes that could most benefit you. It is our hope to also provide some mentors that could help and assist you with answers to questions as they arise. The association tries to provide new joeys or First Timers with a ribbon so other joeys can identify and possibly assist you with questions and answers.
Conventions and Roundups encourage education and camaraderie. Many a mother has told her child there is always someone better, younger, more agile etc. Clowning is about your heart! Why do you want to become a clown? What do you want to do with your clowning? What goal have you set for yourself? Where do you want to excel? What are you physically capable of?
Our clowns come from all walks of life. Some are physically handicapped, some are elderly, some are young, some are hearing impaired, etc. Every person that has the will to be a clown, is a contributing and willing participant of the human race. They have an invaluable service to offer others. They are here to give you a smile, or erase the pain for even a fleeting moment. Confidence is lost only if you are not receptive to more information and you don't challenge yesterdays limit. Every clown had to start at the beginning!