FAQ 

(Frequently Asked Questions) 

"Why should I go to the Comedifest over other clown conferences & conventions?"  This is a great question.  We understand that you have choices for comedy & clown educational programs.   I know most of the folks that put on the conferences, and I know that we all work very hard to provide the best conferences possible; to make them enjoyable and educational.  I am always flattered when I get repeat participants.  It's always great to see them return -- it feels like a family reunion.  As a matter of fact, I encourage people to attend other conferences like Mooseburger Camp, Clown Camp, Clownfest, the COAI & the WCA conventions, Motionfest, Comedy Magic Workshop and many others.  I keep a resource table at the Comedifest with information about other conferences and events.  I guess if I had to pick one thing about the Comedifest that stands out for me, it is that I have an incredible support team.  I am very proud to say they are the greatest. With the Comedifest Staff, there is a level of commitment and passion for clowning.  It makes all the hard work we put into the Comedifest worth it.  I am also very fortunate to have had the best instructors and entertainers in the business at the Comedifest.  We have been blessed with their knowledge of comedy and variety of art skills.  This coming Comedifest promises to keep that tradition of quality alive.  From the time you arrive at the Comedifest, until the time you leave the Comedifest, we are here for you.  You see, when you learn, we learn.  When you grow, we grow.  In other words, we are all in this together. There are a lot of quality conferences out there; for more information on other clown conferences and conventions check out COAI's "The Calliope", WCA "Clowning Around"  and the Funny Paper.

"Who were some of the other headliners & instructors that have been at the Comedifest?"  We have been very privileged to have some of the top physical comedians, clowns, jugglers and magicians in the country.  In the beginning of the Comedifest,  we had Bob (Magician) & Cathy  Gibbons (Clown) and Rhys Thomas (Juggler).  In the years following, we had Owen "OJ" Anderson (Physical Comedian), Bruce Johnson (Clown), Gene Cordova (Ventriloquist), Marcela "Mama Clown" Murad (Clown), Harry Allen (Magician), Joe Barney (Clown & Ringmaster), Tricia "Pricillia Mooseburger" Bothun (Clown), Steve Taylor (Magician & Ventriloquist), Karen Bell (Clown), Steve Kissell (Clown & Magician), Cheri Venturi (Clown), Samuel Patrick Smith (Comedy Magician).  In addition, as part of the Comedifest staff, we have had Albert Alter (Clown), Mike Bednarek (Clown), Mary Pat McCoy (Clown), Al & Beve Bryant (Clowns), Merrily Schultz (Clown), Cinda Tilgner (Clown), John Greene (Magician), Tyler Bechtel (Clown), Weiss & Patricia (Magic Duo), Bret "BJ" Christie (Clown), Terry Kuck (Clown), Karen Reinholt (Clown), Dawn Marie Pearson (Clown) and Angel Ocasio (Clown).  In a special one day Comedifest Intensive, we've had Larry Pisoni & Jeff Raz, formerly of the Pickle Family Circus.

"Do I have to bring my makeup and costume?" If you are performing during "Open Mic" or would like a personal critique from our staff, then by all means, please take the opportunity to get into character. If you want to wear your clown face, nose, shoes, hat or any other part of your costume, please do so, it'll add to the festivities. An idea when taking movement workshops (physical comedy, stage presence, character development, etc.) is to wear your clown shoes. This will help you learn how to move with your shoes on.

AN AUCTION!!! On Saturday, March 17, Comedifest 2007 is holding an auction to end all auctions.  How would you like to buy one of the top instructors?  Well, not actually buy the instructor -- but buy an hour of his/her time.  Think of it, one full hour of uninterrupted time to discuss any topic of comedy and/or clowning that you'd like help with.  Work on a skill, get a critique on your costume & makeup, soak up advice on a performance you're working on, or simply pick his/her brain for one full hour. At the auction, three very lucky people will have the opportunity to win the chance of a lifetime.  The one-on-one hour will be scheduled by you and your instructor. So, start saving your money now.  Do an extra couple of events or recycle those pop cans.   Whatever it takes to have enough money to make the highest bid and benefit from this incredible, unique opportunity to improve, enhance or fine-tune your comedy!

OPEN MIC 

Open Mic will consist of up to 15 acts and is scheduled for Friday evening, March 16.  The order of performances will be randomly selected that evening.  Each act will have 5 minutes to perform their skit (but there is no penalty for going over as this is not a competition).  We want everyone to have fun!  There will be staff members to help set up and tear down any props, if needed.  A sound system will also be available. If using cassette music, please have it cued. If you are using a CD that you have burned from a computer, make sure you burn it on to an audio file that will play on any CD player as oppose to an MP3 recording.

TO REGISTER FOR OPEN MIC "CLICK HERE"

The performance may consist of any type of comedy routine. Audience participation may be used and the routine may be single or group.  Please note that no pyrotechnics will be allowed.  A panel of coaches from the staff of the Comedifest will critique each performance.  The goal of this event is to provide an educational opportunity for performers and audience participants to learn what makes a comedy routine funny, how to make the most of your body movements and facial expressions, how to perform to and with your audience, and how to use props on stage.  Our focus is to keep the critique positive and constructive, rather than negative or destructive.  Each performer will receive both verbal and written comments in front of an audience of your peers. 

During the verbal critique, performers are not allowed to speak, unless a specific question is asked by the coaches.  At the end of the verbal critique, performers will be allowed one question or comment.  Anything further can wait until after Open Mic is finished.  This will keep the program moving and allow us to include more performances.

Each performer will have a choice of whether to have their act critiqued or not.  In other words, you can perform for the audience of peers purely for the joy and experience of performing.  Or you can choose to have the panel of coaches critique your act and offer you ideas and suggestions on how to improve and enhance your act. 

Please come prepared to present your show in full performer’s attire.  Treat this as a real show.  Keep an open mind, lower your defenses and have fun!

Sign up for our ComediNewz-letter

  Click Here! 

For more information

call (360) 260-8557

or Email

Click "Comedifest@aol.com" Here

Click on Angel to get to top of page