Clowning Around
Peggy Barton went to a training session for Fall Festivals in 2003, and clowning became a part of her life. At the training she met Andy Anderson, who became her teacher at TCC Northeast Campus, friend and mentor. John Luce was a part of the class instruction also, and has been a significant advisor over the years. One of the points stressed at this training was to continue to train. This is very important! During my Basic Class Peggy, found her clown, Minnie Mustardseed and formed her costume and face. Small changes have been incorporated since, to produce the current clowns. Practice and continuing training at venues including Joey to the World (an outstanding gospel clown training), TNT training, and the annual state convention for TCA (Texas Clown Association) has developed Minnie and Lizzie into the clowns that have a wide variety of skills and enjoy having fun. Since January 2004, life has not been the same.
As Minnie Mustardseed or Lizzie, Peggy, works as Gospel Clown, Birthday party clown, in Cook Children’s Hospital rooms and at special events, nursing homes, parades, fairs, and many other venues both stage and one on one. Regular appearances to do full-face painting or balloon animals at Cici’s Pizza since about October 2004 have polished the early training skills. Staying involved with her local church functions and many events with Cowtown Clown Alley #135 clowns keeps her calendar full. Peggy’s clown personas entertain with illusions, puppets, skits, walk-arounds face paint and balloons. Serving as VP in 2008 & 2009, and then as President in 2010 of Cowtown Alley limited some of Peggy’s availability. She has also served on the Texas state board for TCA since 2008.
The class beginning in January, 2011 is the sixth clown class, taught in Granbury, TX. Preparing to equip new clowns is great. Soon we launch a new set of entertainers ready to captivate their public. For more information go to: www.funtimeclowns.com
