Character Face - A Clown College Fantasy

Character Face takes us to the Venice, Florida Arena, where for thirty years Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus held their winter quarters and also ran their Clown College. Abandoned today, former Ringling Clown Nancy Osborn Berman visits and once again the arena becomes a place of wonder and magic, if only for a brief moment.

This film is dedicated to all Clowns, Circus Performers and Circus Fans who still hold onto the dream that is the circus.

Written, Directed and Edited by Nic Beery, (Clown College 1982)
Starring Nancy Osborn Berman, (Clown College 1982), Chuck "Chuck-O" Sidlow, (Clown College 1977) and Jonathan "Mitch" Freddes, (Clown College 1974)

[steve]

All my life Clowns, have brought a smile to this boys face, we’re 71 and still smiling when I see a clown, I have to believe that clowns are the very underrated actors who keep the world turning and little boys and old men smiling, my God bless each and every one of you

[boepowell]

For those who do not know I graduated in 1986 from this school. I did not know that this video was made I found it by accident looking for ways to refill my printer cheaper. It brought back memories and tears to me. Thank you Nic Beery for sharing these memories.

[giogiolover]

Did anyone else get chills? This video makes me honestly have chills lol..
To think of the history of that building and how now..it's just an empty "trunk" of memories.

[NeurotiK]

This actually brought two silent tears from childhood, watching this video. I met a clown when I was 8, can't remember his name and he wasn't even in clown, he was a trucker who helped my mom with a flat tire in either Georgia or Alabama. Ever since I met him, I knew there was a clown college and that I would attend. Then, when I grew up and was finally able to go, they're all closed down or too far away. :( Le sigh. I love this so much. So much. <3

[shugemery]

Sean Emery here..CC'79...Ringling Red 80-82. This brought back so many memories. Seeing the first place I saw my wife Meg. She got emotional looking at his. Our lives changed forever there.

[maxminutiae]

My grandparents recorded a TV special back in 1987 of The 20th Anniversary of RBBB Clown College, hosted by Dick Van Dyke. I was only 3 when it aired, but I watched that video more times than I can count, my family can vouch for that. I lost the tape years ago and my sister found a DVD of it online and gave it to me for Christmas. I always wondered what became of all those clowns. Even though I never set foot in that building, I still miss it. I spend a fair part of my childhood longing to go there.

[reneastle]

It'll be great to see the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey's Clown College revived for future generations of circus clowns.

[big.cofficial]

I know a clown by the name of Dynamite the Clown. I got to talk to him a little bit about what it was like to be a clown. In his uniform and out and he said, its the best feeling to see a little kids eyea lite up with excitement and he went to clown college. The only way to professionally be a clown is going to the college. Watching this made some tears come to my eyes. Beautifully done. For anyone that has been from this school as a clown and sees this comment, what was it like for you? I would love to know.

[heavenatsbeha]

wow...i feel sad about that building, that it is abandoned...the RBBBC and RCC still goes on right!? but like in a different place/building!? awww....my heart feels heavy when i watch this. (--_--) i love Clowns and the Circus and Carnivals!

[learningtoyoutube]

WOW This video was professionally produced. Simply AMAZING. THANK YOU!

[Wheelstar]

Such a shame that there’s no longer a clown college there should b I feel for those that lost their jobs

[OreoShakeBoy]

I'm 13 and I'm a funny guy who loves clowns but I don't see them so often. But I felt the magic there

[antonioarias]

I’m learning a lot watching these videos. I just saw the original “how to be a clown?” And now I see this video, it feels like I would have a time journey. 40 years in 3 hours 😱

[kelitarobertson]

I wish they were still making Magic there ! it is what the world needs!! it is what is missing !!!

[dougputhoff]

I love the pink nose and the little hat on Nancy.

[joeyrudzinski]

Thanks Nic, that was great. '90 grad.
Such cool memories

[monicachaney]

Awesome video! Thanks guys. Hey Nancy!

[CarolynTainter]

Such a tragedy that RBBB Circus is no more ! :(

[goodhorsegonzo]

Bits near the beginning of her looking in through the hole in the wall reminded me of watching easy rider for the first time. The cinematography throughout this short was fantastic though.

[mmmclown]

Absolutely wonderful!! Thank you Nic for taking the time to make this wonderful video!!