From an early age Bob has been a natural laugh maker. So what made him want to be a performer?
When I turned nine years old, my uncle gave me a magic kit for my birthday. It was something that came very easy for me to do, not so much the skill of magic, but to make the tricks entertaining to my friends and family. I always was a ham at school so this just helped me further my reputation as a Class Clown! But clowns scare me!
I had a deep fear of clowns. I could not watch a McDonalds commerical or hear a school band kick in knowing that the red nose boogie man was about to appear! But like magic, it was all gone once I started hanging out in magic shops and talking with magicians who clowned on the side. Then my passion for circus and clown came to the surface. I started reading everything I could get my hands on about both subjects.
My friend's little brother wanted a clown at his birthday party, so his mom hired me at the age of ten to do his birthday party. The make up was good for a First of May clown and the skills were developing. I did about 15 minutes of magic from my kit, juggled two balls and did about 4 animal balloons . The clown was a hit, and I have never looked back.
I practiced and studied, but still wanted to work in a circus. Sure birthday parties and parades with our local Clowns of America troupe was fun, but I craved the sawdust. Then I heard about Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey's Clown College. I applied two or three times and went to just as many auditions when they passed through St. Louis, Missouri, my hometown. Then it happened! In the summer of 1988 , I was returning from performing in a children's play at a local community college when I received my letter of acceptance into the college. Man the confetti flew!
I went through Clown College in Venice, Florida for ten and a half weeks, and was given a contract for the Greatest Show on Earth's Gold Unit, which was touring in Japan in 1989. After my return back to the states I performed in many smaller circuses and fairs. I also traveled as a stand up comedian and puppeteer, and have played many venues and colleges around the country. Last year I was the resident clown at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo,WI. The home of the Ringling Brothers.
Today, I'm a Father of three. A little older but still performing. My wife and I started Chicken Scratch Productions in 2001. It is an entertainment company for all your specail events. We book a few local acts out if we just are too busy to handle all the calls.This year we are offering themed weddings.
All in all, performing for me no matter the venue , stage or circus ring, puppet theatre or hospital visit as Santa Claus, it truely is my passion!