Here sit on my first day off. My body hurts all over and my energy is low but
good. I am allowing my self to move slowly into today. It's beautiful outside
about 85 degrees or so. The last week has been amazing. We have worked through
the opening parade, the finale and parts of the 'jump entrance'. In the
opening I am walking a trick pony named 'Champion'. I don't know what he
does for his act, but so far his favorite trick is to get the bit out of his
mouth (so I can't control him) and then he tries to drag me down the rings.
The first day we worked the opening with the animals one of the Mongolians
(there are two Mongolians behind me with ponies in the parade) wasn't paying
attention to his pony. The pony bolted pulling the Mongolian off his feet and
he got dragged for two rings before the animal crew could get control of the
pony. I heard the lead horse handler yell "Someone help him!" and then the
pony passed me with the Mongolian in tow. So far Camp and I are getting along,
sort of. He's very clever (and VERY strong). I have to watch him every second.
He has bitten me once and tried countless times. Yesterday I brought him an
apple and tried to make the peace. Suprisingly he behaved really well. I have
been warned about him by many of the cast. Champ has kicked out a dozen or so
floor lights ($12,000.00 each) in the course of his employment with the show.
As well as getting loose and running down Madison Avenue. He's fun. Working
with animals is interesting. We have to avoid walking in shit, be extremely
aware of what the animals are doing at all times and remain calm NO MATTER
WHAT. The first day we worked the parade with the animals, the Zebras got
spooked and took off running (that got them cut from the parade). That was kind
of scary, there are eight of them and they all bolted every which way, animal
crew yelling and running after them. It happened so fast. I didn't have any
time to react. I just stood there and tightened my grip on Champs rains. The
golden rule is "elephants have the right of way". At
e I am in ring one with champ and the Mongolians following dancers and some of
the flying trapeze performers. We circle the ring and them go to places facing
the audience. Then the elephants (all 11 of them) parade down the center of the
three rings. The timing is really tight and more than once I have had to cut
the circle short to avoid Champ and I being in the elephant's way. Oh, boy!
Last night the clowns had to present our work (after only four days or
rehearsal, which is really only three hours in the morning and three hours at
night). We had an hour and a half presentation and it was really well received.
We nailed it. I am very pleased. I presented a comic hand balance piece with my
trunk and the director and producers liked it. They are going to have me work
with one of the Russian hand balancers to tighten me up (GULP!). After our
presentation Bello Nock (for those who don't know Bello is the headlining
clown and a VERY skilled circus performer) came up to me and shook my hand. He
told me he really liked my character and my act (WOW!). He also said he would
like to give me advice from time to time. I am extremely flattered.
So far this is an amazing situation. I am learning so much and growing fast.
The director and choreographer really like me and are impressed with my focus
and work (as well as the rest of the cast). After our presentation they where
very complementary of the clowns and the work we have been doing in the
production rehearsals. They said we are one of the most talented alleys they
have had in a long time, imagine that... Over all, the entire cast is really
amazing. We are ahead of schedule and every day the director is very pleased
with how fast we are getting the show together.
Well, that's my report after week one. Stay tuned for more from Clown Alley!
Love to you all! ~n8.