News
Middle school teacher brightening kids’ days through clown alter ego
Friday, November 4, 2011
By MARYALICE GILL
Staff Writer
Kristi Parker, of Amherst, leads a double life.
People in Bedford know her as the family and consumer science teacher at Ross A. Lurgio Middle School.
When she’s out of the classroom, though, Parker can be found parading around New Hampshire at parties, festivals, fairs, parades or grand openings as Krickey the clown.
Parker, a mother of four, says creativity is her calling. She also designs her own quilting patterns and teaches quilting classes.
But in 2007, Parker found clowning to be the perfect outlet for her taste for creative performance in front of an audience while allowing a flexible schedule to accommodate her teaching job, she said.
Today, Parker holds memberships at two professional clown organizations and a local alley (or club). She even drives a vehicle identifying her kooky alter ego, Krickey, on her license plate.
We asked Parker about the rewards and challenges of clowning around in her spare time.
Here’s part of the conversation.
Q: How much time would you say you put into clowning a week?
A: For a one-hour birthday party, it takes at least an hour to get into costume and makeup, about a half-hour to organize my props and load the car, and then after I get home it’s another half-hour or so to unload and clean the makeup off my face. So that is at least three hours of time, not including travel time back and forth to the party. Then there is all the prep time behind the scenes, learning new balloon sculptures, practicing magic tricks, sewing my own costumes, attending seminars and training, practicing face painting ideas, etc. And sometimes I’m clowning for many hours all weekend, like when I do the Deerfield Fair and Rockin’ Ribfest, so the times vary.
Q: What does your Krickey act include?
A: I dress up as Krickey the clown or Krickey the Christmas elf for parties, grand openings, festivals, parades and balloon bouquet deliveries. Sometimes when someone hires me as a face painter or a balloon artist, I simply wear a colorful hat and vest.
For birthday parties, I often start with a 20-minute show that includes clown magic, interactive songs and puppetry. Then I usually do face painting, glitter tattoos, and/or balloon animals for the guests.
Q: Do you ever run into people who are scared of clowns? How do you ease their fears?
A: I have encountered people of all ages who are afraid of clowns. I never approach anyone who is obviously afraid of me. One time at a birthday party, the child’s grandma warned me that one of her cousins was terrified of clowns. I thanked the lady for letting me know and made sure that I didn’t get too close to that child. The cousin sat in the back row of the group to watch my show. Afterward, the child came up to get a balloon animal and had a big grin on her face. When it was time for Krickey to leave, that little girl ran up to me, gave me a big hug and whispered, “I love you, clown!”
Q: Have you ever been shy? Did you have to get over any fears to be a clown?
A: Most people’s clown character tends to reflect their own personality. I am not shy, but I do find it easier to be more outgoing and silly when I’m dressed in full makeup and costume. Some clowns are bold buffoons, others are witty or sarcastic, but Krickey takes a friendly, gentle approach towards others.
Q: Do you have to be funny to be good?
A: No, you don’t have to be slapstick funny, although you do have to be willing to have fun. If you are outgoing and truly care about people, you can be a clown. I’ve never met a clown who is grumpy or self-centered. The folks that I have met at various clown conferences and get-togethers have all been genuinely friendly and lots of fun to hang out with. The clowns that work in hospitals are unique. It requires special training to work with patients, but it is very rewarding to brighten someone’s day.
Q: What was the funniest thing that ever happened during one of your shows?
A: Kids’ reactions are funny sometimes – they take things so literally. They often make me smile and laugh. … I did have an unusual request while face painting one day. A kid asked me to paint his face to look like a plate of spaghetti and meatballs.
Q: Why would you recommend clowning for other people?
A: Clowning is a way to connect and minister to others by helping them to forget their troubles and create fond memories. If you love to reach out to people and don’t mind being silly, I would encourage you to attend one of our Granite State Clown Alley meetings. We meet at the Nashua YMCA once a month. If you are interested, go to www.granitestateclowns.com for more information. … You can also find out more about clowning through the Web sites of two national organizations: Clowns of America International and the World Clown Association.
To find out more about Kristi or Krickey, visit www.krickeytheclown.com.
