Pete the Balloon Twister

I am at my best with the kids sitting at my feet. Having the kids an arm's length from me allows me to have the option of interacting with the braver kids on their level. For the child who is engaged but bordering on Mischievous this offers them a fun way of engaging with me, yet allowing the shy to stay in the background until they are comfortable with participating. My clown make up does not include clown nose or wig. I find that this helps kids who are afraid of clowns.

If you are hiring me to draw a crowd, it will be my balloon twisting that does it. My little magic show does not compete well with other more visual options. If you are looking for a small family friendly event, from a not in your face type of clown, then I'm your guy. My show has also worked well in preschools, elementary schools and children's library departments..

I was born in 1960. I have been performing as a local clown since I was 13 years of age. My training includes various workshops including Clown, Mime puppetry and Dance Ministry workshops, and workshops through Clowns of America. I am a member of the World Clown Association and have insurance through them. I have had much experience clowning at a local level, libraries, schools, nursery schools, camps and such. My approach, make up and clothes are geared towards easing any fear that the children might have of clowns. The biggest event that I was ever part of was twisting animal balloons for the Special Olympic World Games in New Haven CT in 1995. My best audience is one that is sitting on the floor in front of me and I am near enough to them to touch the front row. A small amount of water is squirted into the air and will be wiped up if needed. I usually begin the show with a hand puppet introduction, then some close up and mechanical magic where the children help me, a little juggling and plate spinning, a make believe flea circus then i usually make a balloon animal in front of them and hand out some pre made balloons, that usually takes up an hour.