Clown Project

Hey.

Today I’m afraid, I have to dedicate my writing efforts to the children.

This isn’t a bad thing. I like writing for the children. The children are very nice people, and they deserve good writing. However, it also means I can’t write much on my blog today.

Shucks.

Anyway, I figured I’d take this opportunity to re-discuss a project that is very close to my heart.

I call it “The Clown Project”.

Let me begin by revealing to you my inspiration. In New York City, there is a very special improv troupe. This group is comprised of, literally, hundreds of performers who volunteer their talents and efforts to a truly great cause.

This company does not (usually) perform in a theatre. They choose the various public spaces, businesses, and streets that make up the Big Apple.

They don’t do what they do because they want to be rich or famous. They improvise for the pure joy of creating an experience for the average passerby.

They give the gift of a story to their onlookers, most of whom, no doubt, will not forget what they’ve seen, and will regale the events to their friends and families.

They are called Improv Everywhere. If you’d like to learn more about them, here is their website:

http://www.improveverywhere.com/home.php

These guys are fucking awesome. Toronto could really use something like this.

I like Toronto. I really do. But, let’s face it…this city has a gigantic stick up its ass. Sometimes, I get a little sick and tired of everyone in Toronto being hung up on their own shit. We do all live together, don’t we? How about a little human contact, every once in a while? How about, instead of everyone in this city not rocking the boat, we ALL rock it?

Just a little?

How about we stop being boring? Even if it’s just for a little while?

That’s why I thought up “The Clown Project”. It works like this:



REQUIREMENTS:

1) Up to 50 Willing Participants

2) Lots of Clown Make up, Wigs, and Costumes (I think the participants will have to provide these for themselves)

3) A few people to help me organize the event, and who have cell phones

4) A big block store, in a central location, where lots of people hang out and browse. A book store would be ideal…

5) A designated location that is close to, but not in sight of, the above store, where the participants can gather and get ready.



WHAT HAPPENS

1) The Participants gather at the designated location. Here they will be able to change into their clown costumes, and apply their makeup.

2) Once they are dressed and ready, the Clowns will be divided into several smaller, more manageable groups. A small orientation session will be held, re-iterating the goal of The Clown Project, the rules, and words of encouragement and thanks.

3) The Clowns will then be matched up with a Clown Wrangler, who will lead them to within striking distance of the store.

4) When the word is given, the Wrangler will send in the Clowns.

5) One by one, the Clowns will enter the store, and begin to browse.

6) IMPORTANT: At NO TIME will the Clowns act like clowns! They will not juggle, or caper around. They will not dance, throw pies at each other, or do tumbling routines. They will simply browse. They will not interact with their fellow Clowns as if they know them. They will act like an average, run-of-the-mill customer. If an onlooker or employee asks them what’s going on, they will respond as if it is completely random that so many clowns happen to be in the store. They will also be very careful not to get makeup on any of the merchandise.

7) At a designated time, each group’s Wrangler will be sent into the store. Once the members of the group spot the Wrangler, it is their signal to leave. The Clowns will then pay for any purchases they may be making, make their way to the door, and exit in an orderly, yet scattered, fashion.

8) The Clowns will return to the Designated Area, where they will get back into their civilian clothes.

9) We will all go out and get drunk, breathlessly recalling the looks on peoples faces, any interesting interactions we had, and telling and retelling our stories for years to come.


And that, in a nutshell, is “The Clown Project”.

Now that summer is here, I have every intention of doing it.

And I hope that I can enlist many friends and friends-to-be to help me.

It isn’t for money. It isn’t for prestige. It’s just a collective pull on that metaphorical stick, stuck in T.O’s ass.

If you would like to be a part of “The Clown Project”, then let me know. If you know of anyone that may be interested, please direct them to this blog entry. When I have all the details sorted out, I will get in touch with those who want to assist me.

Let’s give a few Torontonians an experience they’ll never forget.

Jim Out.