"Whoever you are, there is some younger person who thinks you are perfect. There is some work that will never be done if you don't do it. There is someone who would miss you if you were gone. There is a place that you alone can fill." -- Jacob Braude

There are many people from my childhood that I still remember because of the influence they had upon me. One of them was Helen Cure. She was my high school American Literature teacher. We started the year reading short stories. She talked about how the authors created images using words and how what they said could influence your opinions. I had always enjoyed reading stories, but she awakened in me an understanding of the power of the written word. Each unit of the curriculum included extra credit writing assignments. I wrote a short story attempting to create a specific image that would turn out to be false. She critiqued it, and suggested that I rewrite it following her comments. I turned in my revised copy, which she critiqued. She offered to critique my next version if I was willing to rewrite it again. I eventually wrote five versions and she critiqued each one in detail. I learned that the process of producing writing doesn't end with the first draft. A piece of writing can be polished and improved. Mrs. Cure uncovered and nurtured my writing talent. I am probably a writer today only because of her influence. I went back to visit her a couple of times while I was in college, but she retired before I started writing my magazine articles so I was never able to tell her what I accomplished because of her influence.

In addition to her influence upon me as a writer, she is also an influence upon me as an instructor. I remember her enthusiasm for her topic which was contagious. I remember that she made classes fun. I especially remember her philosophy that education is not limited to the official class period. I learned the importance of individual attention. That is why I try to always be available to answer questions outside of class, and am willing to give one-on-one help at my dealer table.

Because of her and others who influenced me, I understand that without knowing it you can have an important impact upon a young person's life. I consider that an important obligation. When I am at a performance or a variety arts conference I make an extra effort to speak to the younger participants and encourage them. They probably won't remember that I said anything. However, if I keep quiet there won't be anything for them to possibly remember. I try to create as many potential memories as possible. Then the odds are that something I say sometime will perhaps be a lasting influence.

When I was a youngster, the people who influenced me the most were probably middle aged. As a young adult, I was influenced by others who were a little older than me. Don "Dee Gee" Gonsalves was one of those influences when I became involved in clown organizations. He had more experience than I did, both in life and as a performer. He is a true gentleman who continued his education, constantly strove to improve his performances as a clown, and tried to encourage others with less experience. In 1987 he was named the World Clown Association Clown of the Year.

Now that I have reached an age where I sometimes qualify for senior discounts, I am trying to remind myself that some people may see me as an "elder statesman." There are adults who might appreciate my encouragement.

A Chinese proverb says, "A room common to many is never swept." That means that nobody does it because they assume somebody else will. I believe that too often people don't receive encouragement because others assume they must receive plenty of encouragement. The reality is that they get too little. It is safer to assume that if you don't provide a little encouragement they won't receive any at all.

What opportunities do you have to encourage youth involved in variety arts? What opportunities do you have to encourage adults? What position are you in that you alone can fill?

At the Show Me Clowns For Jesus conference, I will be doing a preconference intensive class.  The description of this class is, "During this two-hour intensive class you will learn some of Bruce's strongest magic methods to use in earning the right to be heard and then teaching important spiritual lessons. Bruce will demonstrate the easy to use process he follows for making customized silk scarves. Much of this class will be hands on so you will learn by doing."

In addition to teaching the preconference intensive class,  I will be teaching three classes during the conference. 

My third class will be a Gospel version of my Trick Cartoons class.  This class remains my most popular class.   The class description is, "If you can print the letters of the alphabet and numbers you have all the skill you need to do the cartoons taught during this hands on class. Trick cartoons are a versatile medium for connecting with people, teaching lessons, and leaving a reminder that will be kept and cherished for years. They are perfect for teaching gospel lessons in intimate settings or on stage. They are also an inexpensive sanitary latex free give away for caring clowns."

In addition to teaching formal classes during the conference, I will have a dealers table where I am always happy to answer your questions and provide one-on-one help with anything I have demonstrated in the class room or have available for sale. 

Show Me Clowns For Jesus Conference