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I haven’t seen him in more than thirty-five years, and yet I still remember him like it was yesterday. He was the speaker at summer camp, talking to a bunch of restless teenagers and holding their undivided attention.
There were no magic tricks or clown skits. Yet, we happily stopped riding horses, paddling canoes, and dunking each other in the old swimming hole. How did Rich Cannon do it? How did he command our undivided attention and make himself memorable?
How about you? When you perform, do you leave a lasting memory with your audience? And why should you care? At least two reasons stand out about why you should strive to create a positive and memorable performance experience for your audience.
The first reason is a practical one. If you are “just another clown,” then any performer will do. When parents want entertainment at their child’s party, they’ll look for the least expensive person or someone their children haven’t seen before.
Stay Ahead of the Competition
The first reason is a practical one. If you are “just another clown,” then any performer will do. When parents want entertainment at their child’s party, they’ll look for the least expensive person or someone their children haven’t seen before. However, if you are memorable, then children will ask for you by name. The thought of having any other entertainer at their party is inconceivable. These youngsters will nag their parents until they will go to almost any lengths to find you and book you for the event. As a result, you’ll find your bookings increasing at a phenomenal rate.
Of course, the kind of memory you leave is important. Creating a long-lasting bad memory is entirely possible too. A negative review of your performance can hurt your career and the career of other performers. Parents won’t want to hire you, but even worse, they may not want to take a chance on another entertainer because they assume that they will all come across in the same manner.
Create a Lasting Imprssion
The second reason is the lasting impression of our art and craft you leave with members of the audience. Let’s face it. Many children never see a clown other than on television or at the circus. Your performance may be the only time Mary or Johnny has the chance to interact in a personal way with a live performer. You may determine how these individuals view performers for the rest of their lives.
The Most Important Question to Ask
So exactly how do you create a positive, long-lasting memory, the type of memory that will have children and their parents demanding your services now, and thinking fondly of the memory of you and of clowns overall many years from now?
Click here to read part 2: How to Become a More Memorable Performer.
Click here to read part 3: 2 Things That Will Help Your Audience Remember You .
About LouPage
Lou started his career working his way through college as a magician and clown. Somewhere along the way he managed to become a school principal! Along with Steve Kissell, Lou co-founded the Circus Magic Convention. Lou is the webmaster at CircusMagic.com, a site dedicated to helping clowns, magicians, face painters, and other family entertainers improve their performing skills.
Contact Lou at: lou@circusmagic.com or Visit Lou's Website
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
might want to have someone proof read before publishing….
Create a Lasting Imprssion
They type of memory that
Need a proof reader? I could help…..
Hi Sissy! Good catch, thanks. Should be correct now.