Steel City Clown Brigade

The Steel City Clown Brigade is a ministry involved in evangelism and humor therapy. The Brigade was founded at the Steel Valley Corps of The Salvation Army in Homestead, Pennsylvania. The Brigade trains clowns in traditional clownly skills.

History

2006

• The Steel City Clown Brigade was founded in 2006 in Homestead Pennsylvania. It was founded by Steven Gailey, James McNaire, Robert Aarasin and Raymond Park. This group began learning clown skills under the instruction of Steven Gailey. They concentrated on balloon sculpture and juggling.
• The Brigade added the position of Chief Clown as its only officer.

2007

• The Brigade did its first Stage show in January at the Steel Valley Corps. The show was based on the Golden Rule (Mathew 7:12).
• In May of this year the Brigade accepted its first member under the age 18. It was required that the member come with their parent or guardian at the time.
• In the Fall the Brigade appointed a Music Director and Chaplain. This marked the creation of the Brigade Council.

2008

• The Brigade did its first Open Air (Outdoor Evangelism) at Frick Park in Homestead.

2009

• June 21 - the Corps Officer order the Brigade to disband.
• June 23 - the Brigade Council voted not to disband.
• July 30 - the Brigade choose 2nd Baptist Church in Homestead as new home church.

2010

• In January the Brigade Council investigated incorporating as a Church.

2011

• The Brigade began humor therapy at the Children's Institute.

Evangelical Tradition

The Brigade was founded in the evangelical tradition of The Salvation Army. For this reason the Brigade's focus is spreading the word of God. This is accomplished through Christ centered stage shows and assisting other churches with their functions.

The White Shield

The White Shield is the main logo of The Steel City Clown Brigade. The white stands for purity and red for the Blood of Christ. The wheel represents the scriptures as the navigator of our lives. The anchor represent Christ as the anchor of our lives. "Illusi et Divinues" is Latin for "To be ridiculed is divine".

Brigade Council

This is the Governing Board of the Steel City Clown Brigade. The Brigade Council I currently made up of the Chief Clown, Senior Sergeant, Music Director, Pastor and Sergeants.

When the Brigade became and independent ministry in 2009 the Brigade Council became the defacto Board of Directors

Chief Clown

The Chief Clown is elected from the Master and Sr. Standard Clown in the Brigade. The Chief Clown is responsible for the education of clowns and appointment of some Sergeants. The Chief Clown is also responsible for the Day to Day operation of the Brigade.

Pastor

The Pastor is responsible for administering the religious proficiencies in the Brigade. They also preach of Brigade meetings. The current Chief Clown is Steven Ramsey Gailey.

Senior Sergeant

This is the senior most Sergeant of the Brigade. This person is second in command of the Brigade. The current Senior Sergeant is Walt Kisielnicki.

Music Director

This person is responsible for administering all the music proficiencies. They direct the music during the show and teach at practices.

Multi Sergeants

This is a Sergeant in charge of more than one proficiency or a complex proficiency (a proficiency with more than two levels). There are currently two Sergeants who serve on the Brigade Council.

Clown Ranks

Cadet

This is a probationary rank for people with no previous experience. All Cadets must have a sponsoring member of the Brigade Council. A cadet must also be seven years of age.

Uniform:      Kelly green shirt with the Brigade Logo on the upper left front.

Responsibilities: To prove that they are responsible enough to be a member of the Brigade. Must learn basic protocol, procedures and the rank system of the Brigade. They must also develop an acceptable clown persona.

Apprentice Clown

Must attend Practice for four weeks, an aptitude for clowning, complete a face and persona, must perform in one show, must have half the requirements for "Pickled herring".

Uniform:      Yellow shirt with the Brigade Logo on the upper left front.

Responsibilities: To earn basic clowning skills and complete "Pickled Herring". Must set a good example for other clowns and show they are good steward of their equipment.

Junior Clown

Must complete 3 proficiencies including "Pickled Herring", ten performing hours, fifty practice hours, be good stewards of their equipment, complete a board of review, and have a good attitude.

Uniform:      Royal blue shirt with a Brigade Logo on the upper left front

Responsibilities: To learn clowning skills and decide on an area of specialization. Must set a good example for other clown and be good stewards of their equipment. They must also assist in training Apprentice Clown and Cadets.

Standard Clown

Must complete 4 additional prof., including 1 production prof., complete 20 addition performing hours, complete 50 additional practice hours, be a good steward of their equipment and complete a board of review.

Uniform:      True red shirt with the Brigade Logo on the upper left front.

Responsibilities: To learn clowning skills and to teach other clowns. Must set a good example for other clowns and be good stewards of their equipment. Must assist in the daily operation of the Brigade. They must also assist in the training of Junior Clowns, Apprentice Clowns and Cadets.

Master Clown

Must complete 13 additional Prof., including 2 production prof., complete 75 additional performing hours, must complete 300 additional practice hours, must be a good steward of their equipment and complete a board of review.

Uniform:      Royal purple shirt with the Brigade Logo on the upper left front.

Responsibilities: To learn clowning skills and teach other clowns. Must set a good example for others and be good stewards of their equipment. Must assist in the daily operation of the Brigade. They must also assist in the training of Standard Clown, Junior Clown, Apprentice Clowns and Cadet.

Circus Tradition

The Brigade uses the circus crafts to entertain and evangelise. This incluces juggling, balloon sculpture, pantomime, music, ledgermaine and other skills.

See also

• The Clown's Prayer

References

• Kisielnicki, Walt. "Clown". Clown. sawiki.net. Retrieved 2013-09-30. 
• Steel City Clown Brigade Blog
• Facebook Page