Clowns in the News

Nearly every day of the year you can find an uplifting news story of how a clown or group of clowns has found a way to bring joy and laughter to their community. This page will highlight stories from all over the world, sharing the stories of folks dedicated to the Art of Clowning. Here is the latest Clowns in the News story:

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Quick, Send in the Clowns

by Staff Writer • sunshinecoastdaily.com.au • February 2, 2010

Clowns in the News: Coastal Caring Clowns Glennys Water, Michelle Eastwood, Christine Rule, Vivienne Thresher, Lois Batman, Lasso Sue, Duncan Spackman, Ted Whyte, Heather Nueisching and Kevin Furnesss are on the lookout for more clowns. Photo by Greg Miller

CHRISTINE Rule might have a red nose, a silly name (Flutter-bye) and a lot of face paint, but she is very serious about being a clown.

The Coastal Caring Clowns vice president is one of many jokers who travel to hospitals, respite centres and retirement homes to perform tricks and jokes and provide a cheerful ear for people who are ill, have a disability or are simply lonely.

Now they are looking for new clowns to help bear the load and share some joy. And there will be a workshop held to teach them the trade.

“Some of us are clowning four or five times a month,” Ms Rule said.

The clowns have now launched a recruitment drive for more face-painted jesters to give out a few doses of fun that are not available by prescription.

“The biggest trait we’re looking for is empathy,” Ms Rule said.

“They do like some of the tricks, so we can sculpt balloon animals, but it’s something you learn when you become a clown.

“We find a lot of people are just happy to talk and tell us how they feel.

“And we never clown alone.”

Ms Rule, also known as Flutter-Bye, said she became a clown after she was semi-retired and wanted to volunteer somewhere on the Coast. “I saw Coastal Caring Clowns at the Australia Day parade in Buderim and I’ve since become very heavily involved,” she said.

The workshop, Clowning for Beginners, will be held on Saturday, March 6, at Kawana. It will run from 9am until 4pm.

Would-be clowns must be over 18 but there is no upper age limit.

For more information, contact Christine Rule on 0420 718 025.

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