Jokes and pranks are the stock-in-trade of clowns; that's why Clown Antics offers so many different types of pranks and gags. Take a look at the ear on a stick, the magic light bulb, and the delayed snake in a can. Kids and audiences alike love the gun with a pop-out 'bang' flag, as well as the nerd glasses and the 'running nose.' With such a variety to choose from, is it any wonder that so many clowns choose Clown Antics as their go-to gag shop?
By Russ Kennedy
Clowns using props and gags is always a crowd pleaser. If I had a quarter for every time someone asked to squeak my nose or wanted to know if my flower squirts water....
Tips
Always make sure your victims are having a good time and are OK with you messing with them. We are not out to make people unhappy.
If possible make yourself the brunt of the joke or gag.
Snake In A Can
Snake in a Can is an oldie but a goodie. Be creative and disguise your can, and they won't see the gag coming. In my act I have an audience member help me do tricks with my pet skunk, their job is to feed him his treats. I have a 30 foot spring snake that is packed into a plastic can labeled animal chow. They cup their hands as I get ready to pour out some animal chow then out flies 30' of spring loaded madness.
Squirting Camera
The Double Squirting camera is perfect of a walk around trick. You can either pose someone for a picture and squirt them or set the camera to squirt your victim as they take your picture. What fun!
Pet B
I'd like to by a vowel Pet! The little foam letters sold for sight gags are great. You can buy brown E's, black I's or a free B. The letter b can also be your pet bee. I bought a large letter B and use it in my stage show for a quick filler bit.
My New Best Friend Lunch Box
Another simple prop and a make at home kind is your best friend. Get a small mirror and a plastic lunch box, glue the mirror to the inside of the lunch box lid and you are ready to go. Walk up to a spectator and ask if they want to see your best friend; holding the lunch box in view. Now bring the lunch box to their eye level and open it, they see their reflection as you say; You must be my new best friend! awww.....
Plastic Bread
Last but not least. I found a round, plastic loaf of bread that I knew had to have a gag somewhere. I tell a few bad jokes and do a silly routine, then I pause, pull out this loaf of bread and lean on it. The line of course is: Don't stop me now folks, I'm on a roll! A groaner indeed, but it works.
