Today we have the pleasure of meeting Clown #16 from my Watercolor Clown Series, Ron Maslanka AKA SAM THE CLOWN. Ron lives in Howell, New Jersey so if you’re looking for a clown for your events be sure to check him out.
I will have a follow-up post which will show the creation of his watercolor painting. Please take the time to check it out. Prints are available from “me” the artist or from many of the print on demand sites. Ron also benefits from any sale of one of his prints.
How long have you been a clown?
I’ve been a clown since the day I was born…just didn’t realize it till I got a summer job performing at Great Adventure in 1975!
Who inspired you to become a clown?
Steve Gerber’s Man-Thing comic book issues 5 & 6
Who do you give credit to in helping you advance your art in clowning?
So, so many….from the very beginning Karen “Prunes” & David Shore who helped me find my first face and costume, Mike Mochen and Penn Gilette who taught me to juggle and ride unicycle, to all the wonderful teachers at Clown College, including Lou Jacobs and Frost Little and Barry Lubin, and Dean of Clown College Bill Ballentine, and his son Toby, who I clowned with years later, my Ringling Boss Clown, Steve LaPorte and my Producing Clown, the amazing Mark Anthony, to my longtime clown partner Mark “Happy Jack” Clark and, of course my daughter, Little Samy herself, Emily Season, who continues to challenge me..
Where did you receive training & where did you get your first big break?
1st break- Great Adventure gig-training began there, then Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey-Circus Clown College, Blue Show, and every days since….
Are you still Clowning?
Since 1975, Yes!
Are you involved with any clown organizations?
I’m Ringling Alumni, but no formal associations other than my own production company Aardvark Entertainment and Emily Season’s Dragonfly Productions.
What kind of clown are you?
I’m an auguste.
Tell us about your particular clown image and how you decided on that look?
Sam is me…
Have you ever worked in a Circus and if so which ones?
Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus
What kind of functions are you hired for example: conventions, parties…
Promotional events mostly, some school shows and corporate and private functions.
Do you have bits that are standard in the clown world or do you create your own acts?
I LOVE the classic clown gags and I perform Dead and Alive and Washer Women and all those whenever I can, but most of my stuff is original.
Do you use props? If so do you make them yourself?
Yes, props… mostly made by me.
If you are in a parade do you ride anything? Bike, Unicycle, Clown car?
I’ve ridden parades on a unicycle and walked parades on stilts.
Is there video we can watch of you on the web acting as a clown for us to enjoy?
View Video of Sam the Clown on the Dragonfly Productions Web Page
The Magic Aardvark on Facebook
Do you have any clown wisdom to pass on to fellow younger clowns who are starting out in the business?
A Clown is a “collector of moments…”
If you can say one word that summed up all your years of clowning – what would it be?
…”Shaman”
What are you long term goals in clowning?
Long term: keep doing this as long as I still love it…Shorter term: next big project: Dinosaur Circus!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Ron Maslanka “SAM the Clown”
PO Box 274
Howell, NJ 07731
(732)-890-8890
Dragonfly Productions
http://www.dragonflyproductions.net
Party and Event Entertainment
Ron Maslanka
I hope you have enjoyed this post about another wonderful clown.
Until next time. Happy Clowning!
Thanks to Ron for all his help in creating this blog. I hope this was an accurate portrayal of this amazing clown.
Patty Sue O’Hair –Vicknair Clown Artist
psovart@gmail.com
Follow my clown art on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PS-OV-ART-Patty-Sue-OHair-Vicknair-Artist/120774855204
Please like this blog and share among your clown friends. All comments are welcome!
The next post will be the painting progression. Check it out!
The Art of Patty Sue O'Hair - Vicknair 
Comments on: "Introducing Ron Maslanka AKA Sam the clown" (2)
Oh Patty, Patty…you misquoted me. The one word that sums up my years of clowning is supposed to be “Shaman”, NOT “Shazam”!!! (though that’s a good one too, it’s just not mine)
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all fixed
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