Staff Writer
The joy of simple laughter. That’s what County Clownz brings to those around them.
CLOWN FACE — Tanya Lawrence, organizer of County Clownz, applies makeup to a child during the Southern Aroostook Trade Show in Houlton.
Organizer Tanya Lawrence started County Clownz with a class in 2008
“I had previously become involved in clowning while living in New York,” she said. “I was asked by a friend, who is a clown, to help with a program for inner-city kids. Not something I ever throught I would do. But, after the first performance and experiencing the way it touches people, I was hooked.”
Lawrence went on to perform professionally for several years.
“I crossed paths with a woman who turned out to be national clown of the year 1999,” said Lawrence. “She mentored me and provided many opportunities such as doing shows with her troupe and hospital clowning.”
So when Lawrence and her husband, Rev. Sterling Lawrence, returned to Maine in 2008, she found an interest among some people in the area.
“We began to pursue setting up locally,” she added.
The group came together when Lawrence learned a couple of ladies in the area had dabbled in clowning. She was willing to share her experience and tricks of the trade with them thus the County Clownz.
“We decided to kick it up a notch and do it a bit more on a professional level,” Lawrence said. “I taught a class which ended with a full production. People saw this and began inviting us to their events.”
Volunteers with County Clownz are — Lawrence, Oakfield; Alberta McDonald, Merrill; Holly Markie, Smyrna; Crista Nelson, Ludlow; Betty McGary, Ludlow; Shirley Drew, Oakfield; Janet Moore, Oakfield; Lynda Williams, Oakfield; Katie Noyes, Smyrna; Paula Lilley of Smyrna and Guat Beckwith, Houlton — who entertain, uplift and bring lots of smiles to faces.
Volunteers are people who have a “sense of humor and a heart for people,” Lawrence said.
Before an event, it takes about two hours for volunteers to complete their full clown makeup and costume. Lawrence comes up with her designs for face painting at conventions, greeting cards or books.
“Art is everywhere,” she said. “I usually adapt [the designs] to the shape of a child’s face.”
The effort is worth the effect as County Clownz has been encouraged by the reception they receive.
“The response has been quite positive,” she said. “We add a certain ‘flavor’ to an event that people seem to enjoy.”
The volunteers have helped at Make-A-Wish functions, school activities, nursing homes, birthday parties, parades, churches and clown education classes. Recently, County Clownz was a hit at the Southern Aroostook Trade Show.
“The invitations keep coming,” said Lawrence, “so from that, we are led to believe that people like what we are doing.”
County Clownz offers a variety of presentations to fit the occasion.
“We try to tailor the presentation to that particular audience,” Lawrence said.
Though the County Clownz would love to just come and entertain, they had to eventually charge to help defray expenses since they use entertainer-grade balloons, face paints and other materials.
“Recognizing the economic situation in northern Maine, we try to keep the [pricing] very reasonable,” Lawrence said. “Pricing depends on various [factors] such as time needed to get to and from an event, the length of the event, type of event and amount of supplies and number of clowns needed.”
The County Clownz are for hire either as a group or individually. Their mission statement is to use the art of clowning, to uplift and encourage people of all ages. That is what they do.
“In a world that can be negative and often quite overwhelming, we want to have a positive influence and leave the folks we touch better off because we were there,” said Lawerence. “Our motto is ‘Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about dancing in the rain.”
To find out more about County Clownz bookings call Lawrence at 757-7776. The group will also be offering a Clowning 101 class through Southern Aroostook Adult Education in the fall.
“We accept anyone willing to learn and those [interested] also must pass background checks,” Lawrence said.
CLOWNING AROUND — Volunteers for County Clownz are, from left, front, Crista Nelson and Tanya Lawrence; middle, Lynda Williams, Shirley Drew and Janet Moore; back, Alberta McDonald and Holly Markie.
