ROSE FESTIVAL OFFERS SILLY, PROGRAM FOR ‘EVERYDAY PEOPLE’ TO JOIN CHARACTER CLOWN CORPS

PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregonians who long to share their whimsical inner clown can enroll in the 2nd annual Rose Festival's Character Clown Corps. Named one of the Best Educational Programs in the World for festivals and events by the International Festival Events Association, the Clown Corps was one of the favorite new Rose Festival features in 2008. Participants will train and perform with a European-style clown professional, receive a makeup kit and costume as well as develop their very own clown character. Graduates will get to participate in many events during the festival.

Character Clown Corps workshop dates are April 24-26 at the World Trade Center Portland. Participants who complete the three-day workshop will become members of an artistic clown troupe performing in front of a live audience of more than 400,000 at the KeyBank Grand Floral Parade.

Twenty participants ages 14 and up will be selected through an audition process, which consist of a short comedy bit (juggling, magic, joke, song, etc) and an interview. Applications are due Friday, March 6, and selection to the Character Clown Corps will be finalized April 1. Specifics regarding mandatory dates and the workshop schedule are also available at the website.

World-renowned physical comedian and professional clown Angel Ocasio, a graduate of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, will lead the Character Clown Corps workshop.

Aspiring clowns can sign up for the Character Clown Corps by downloading an application form www.rosefestival.org or email Angel at [email protected].