Clowning classes to start soon
The Caloosa Clown Alley, under the instruction of local resident Kent “KA-YO” Sheets, is now offering a six-week class in “the art of clowning.”
Classes will be held in the months of October or November, depending on registration.
Classes are from 7 to 9 p.m. and cost $95, which includes basic makeup and a workbook.
The Caloosa Clown Alley COAI#97 was founded Aug. 23, 1978, said Sheets.
“The alley is chartered with the Clowns of America International (COAI.org),” Sheets said. “They participate in a variety of public service and community events each year.”
In February of this year, when the last set of classes were held, numerous local residents participated and enjoyed the classes.
Sheets said he has been “clowning around” for the last 14 years.
“I started when a friend asked me to attend a week-long clown school sponsored by the Florida Fire Department in Ocala,” he said. There he said he learned various clown skills. “That includes make-up, costume, magic, balloons, skits and more.
“Fire departments across the state of Florida use clowning to promote fire safety to children,” he continued.
“Clowning brings great joy to everybody,” he said. “One of the biggest thrills is the Edison Festival of Lights Parade, which is held in February, in which the Alley participates in each year.”
The Caloosa Clown Alley was formed to promote the art of clowning, to share it and spread it.
“We have a business meeting and a learning activity each month,” Sheets noted.
During National Clown Week (Aug. 1-7) each year, members of the Alley participate in a variety of performances all over Lee County.
Classes are held at Lee Memorial Hospital.
“Instruction includes clown make-up, balloon sculptures, magic, face painting, parades, skit performance and additional performance classes,” he said.
Students also pick a clown name.
He explained how he came up with the name “KA-YO.”
“‘KA’ comes from my first two initials and the ‘O,’ because a lot of clowns end with an ‘O’ like Bozo, Yo-Yo, Kazoo and others,” he said.
Other members of the Alley help with the clown classes, too, including Jack “Wishful” Wilda.
“He has been helping for the last 10 years,” Sheets said.
Wilda has custom-made clown shoes that weigh at least five pounds apiece, specially made by a shoe manufacturer that works with Ringling Brothers Circus.
Each member gives an entertaining performance for his or her graduation.
Many of the class members are experienced volunteers in the community.
For more information and registration, contact Sheets at 995-8881 or e-mail to SheetsKent@aol.com.