This is a contest where performers share their worst and/or most hilarious performance experiences. In some cases the names have been changed to protect the innocent. Entry By Biz The Clown
Like many performers, i have my share of horror stories. Insufficient space, crazy expectations, deadbeats, children throwing rocks (just the once)–I’ve seen them all. My horror story will be one that was really my own fault.
I was on the last birthday party of a five show day. It was a hot summer day and I had been outside in the sun or in my AC free car since the morning. I arrived at my last gig, and it was a small family birthday party in the area behind a tall apartment building. The concrete yard was full up with tables and chairs so the only place to do my show was tucked away under the big wooden fire escape. I had about five feet square to stand in, two dozen kids were all sitting at my feet, and I was about ten minutes into my comedy juggling show. The wind shifted a bit and the smoke from the three big grills started wafting right at my face. I started to feel a little light headed. I grabbed a chair, and told the kids that the clown just needed to sit down for a minute…
I woke up in the hospital, totally dehydrated, an IV in my arm, still wearing my clown shoes and nose. The nurses, (who had taken good care of me) couldn’t help cracking up. I had to call for a ride, and slink back to the party to get my props. I had no memory of passing out, traumatizing the children, or getting loaded into an ambulance. Needless to say, those folks got a refund.
Moral of the story? Hydrate people!
Biz the Clown
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