New clown classes set for April 12 in Whitewater

By Tom Ganser

Correspondent

About a dozen residents of The Glen in Whitewater got into the Mardi Gras mood March 2 thanks to a visit by four “Rookie Clowns” participating in the Whitewater First United Methodist Church’s “Clown Ministry” under the guidance of Elaine Frietsch whose extensive experience in clowning began in Chicago.

The clowns, three children and one adult, brought all the makings for a Mardi Gras party, including beads, masks, coins, noise makers, balloon animals and other goodies.  For a finale, the clowns joined with the residents in a sing-a-long of favorite songs.

Each clown also presented three residents with a hand-written care about themselves and clowning.

This was the first visit for these new clowns as participants in the Clown Ministry program promoting the value of up close and personal visits with those in care facilities, hospitals and private residences.

“Those that have been a part of Clown Ministry find that it’s a good way serve in costume as a different person,” FUMC Pastor Susan Bresser said.

“They get to be somebody else and they get to serve with humor, fun and enthusiasm.  It’s a different way of serving,” she added.

The FUMC Clown Ministry is planning another visit to Lake Geneva this spring.

Children and adults are encouraged to join clowning workshops led by experts that will open the door to a special kind of ministry.

The spring workshops will begin on April 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at FUMC and will continue every other Saturday until the Fourth of July Parade.

Learn the art of clowning

The 2014 spring clown workshop will kick off on Saturday, April 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St. in Whitewater.

New clowns will learn the art of clown makeup for both the white face clown and the Auguste face clown with all of the necessary supplies being provided. The workshop is a class for beginners and no clown experience is required. Clowns that took part in the 2013 fall classes are invited to attend the April 12 class to demonstrate the clown face they’ve created.

There is no fee for the class though students are encouraged to bring their own stand-up or hand held mirror, headband or cap and a small towel.

The following classes will be scheduled every other week until the end of June: makeup, props, balloon sculpture and juggling. Locations and times for future classes will be set during the first class session.

Classes are open to children 10 years old and older while adults of any age are welcome.

“This is a wonderful way to join a special group of others who love entertaining and visiting with children, adults and people in community gatherings, special homes and parades,” Frietsch said.

To register for the April 12 class or for more information about the Clown Ministry, call Elaine Frietsch at (262) 308-8752.