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Joy Pleasers invite potential clowns to workshop on March 4 at The Heritage

“Clowning around” with some balloons are members of the Joy Pleasers Clown Ministry (from left) Jelly Bean (Linda Carroll), TidBit (Midge Decker), Ba Lue (Mark Bickel), Princess Piggy (Marianne Christman), Mama Mia (Christina Christman) and Lollipop (Ann Ericsson). The group will begin its next clown class with an information meeting on March 4.
“Clowning around” with some balloons are members of the Joy Pleasers Clown Ministry (from left) Jelly Bean (Linda Carroll), TidBit (Midge Decker), Ba Lue (Mark Bickel), Princess Piggy (Marianne Christman), Mama Mia (Christina Christman) and Lollipop (Ann Ericsson). The group will begin its next clown class with an information meeting on March 4. Photo provided.

The Joy Pleasers Clown Ministry will hold an informational meeting and workshop on Saturday, March 4, at 9 a.m. at The Heritage of Huntington.

The Joy Pleasers Clown Ministry has been a presence in Huntington County since 1988 and for the next couple months will be giving members of the public an opportunity to join the group.

The event, open to males and females over the age of 16 years, will include a question and answer session as well as class time.

During the hands-on classes, the participants — or “joeys,” as new clowns are called — will learn about and apply the makeup for the main clown characters: Whiteface, Auguste and Bag Lady/Hobo. They will also learn clown character traits and movement, practice skits and master the basics of balloon sculpting.

Sessions will also include information on walk-around and visitation etiquette. Guidance will be given as wigs and noses are chosen and costumes are put together.

There is no charge for the classes, which are taught by members of the group, but there will be a fee for the supplies used during the classes. Makeup, brushes, balloons and a balloon pump will be supplied. A few additional miscellaneous items will need to be purchased and participants are responsible for their own wig, nose and costume.

The classes will culminate in a graduation ceremony on April 27, when the class members will be commissioned as clowns and bestowed with their chosen clown name. A skit will precede the ceremony and the public is welcome to attend both.

The Joy Pleasers Clown Ministry is a non-denominational group with members representing several area churches.

Clown ministry is a way to entertain and help people forget their problems through laughter and can be used in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, churches, private organizations and working with children. Members may also be seen in many area parades.

Meetings are held at The Heritage of Huntington on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

For information or to sign up for classes, contact Linda Carroll at 224-0284 or Johanna Lange at 356-7919.