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J.T. “ Bubba “ Sikes

A dynamic clown, author, instructor and motivational speaker, J.T. Sikes is recognized as one of the premier Ministry Clowns in the country. He has the extraordinary knack of communicating with you the moment you first meet. Traveling from coast to coast, Bubba has performed and lectured in churches, hospitals, nursing homes, clown alleys and at National and Regional Conventions. He has served on staff at Advanced Studies, Circus Magic, Clownfest and ClownTown. He is an award winning clown in Makeup, Single Skit, Group Skit, Gospel Skit and Parades. Bubba's motto: "Normal is Boring... It's O.K. to color outside the lines . . . Be bold, Be different . . . Have FUN in what you do!" He always reminds his audience that "God has a sense of humor. If you don't believe this, just look at yourself in the mirror when you first wake up in the morning."

CLASSES

"The SOUND OF MUSIC"....USING MUSIC EFFECTIVELY IN PROGRAMS. In this class we will show the proper use of music. We will cover copyright laws and where to obtain the music you want and need for your show. How to use your volume control to get your audience to respond. This class will also discuss Sound Systems.... What you need and how to find it. This will be a rockin' class.

"WHAT A NICE LOOKING PACKAGE"....Marketing your clown. Sooner or later, you will be asked to do a Church Program as a clown. This can be delightful or frightful. We will show you how to plan the show, give tips on give-aways and talk about balloons. You also need to know what questions to ask before you commit yourself. This class deals with the marketing & business administration part of clowning. If you are going to be successful , you must approach this in a professional manner. Gospel Clowns need to market themselves so people know they are available to serve.

"STRETCHING BOUNDRIES"....IMPROVE WITH IMPROVISATION!. If you are going to be a good clown, you will definitely need to have "Improv" training. You need to be able to instantly respond to situations around you in a funny, clownish manner. This is a hands on workshop with plenty of involvement. You will laugh at each other and at yourself. If you have clown shoes, wear them to class. You will get a good workout.

"Stupid Stuff for Funny People"....Clean COMEDY Entertaining.......... In this class we will show you how to use your character to present " common items" in a funny way. How to put stories into your presentation, making it a funny experience for your audience. Bubba will use items he has found at Dollar Tree, Wal*Mart, flea markets and even old clown items he hasn’t used in years. Christian Clowns need to remember, before you can be an effective clown for Christ, you must be an effective clown. Clown need to be and are expected to be funny. This class will get you to think funny and recognize the funny potential in every item you pick up. Come to this class ready to laugh.

This will be taught as part of the Basic Clown Track

"HELP I'M CLOWNING & I CAN'T CUT-UP!" ....CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT You can have the best looking Make-up and the Greatest Costume, but, if you haven't developed your character you won't be an effective clown. You will be shown HOW to discover that character already inside of you. How to use Facial Expressions to enhance your character. Clown style body movements. How to use the three zones of your body for better communication. This class is PURE FUN! You will leave this class excited!

This will be taught as part of the Hospital Ministry Track

"THE HEALING POWER OF LAUGHTER" ....HOSPITAL CLOWNING. There is a huge need for clowns in the hospitals. The problem is getting the hospital to give you the opportunity. You will learn How to get started & who to contact. What questions you need to ask what to do and how to do it. Things you can say and things not to say to patients. We cover restricted areas, waiting room clowning and proper give-aways. THIS IS A MUST CLASS IF YOU PLAN TO VISIT HOSPITALS. You will laugh until you cry, as Bubba shares actual stories of the visits he has made and the mistakes he made during those visits.

This will be taught as part of the Church Ministry Track

"Seeing the Word of God”…Gospel Illusions.... Some churches prefer the term "Illusion" or "Object Lesion" because that is EXACTLY what it is. You will learn HOW to use GOD'S Word with any store bought trick. HOW to put BIBLE STORIES into your magic routine. HOW to make your magic tricks using items found around the house. Don't rule this out. It CAN BE A POWERFUL TOOL FOR THE LORD! Let's make it..."Funny & Spirit Filled”.

"USING ALL OF THE TOOLS FOR THE KINGDOM"....CLOWN MINISTRY. In this class you will be shown how to use Balloons, Puppets, Music, Singing, Object Lessons, Face Painting, Magic, Skits, and Story Telling for Christ. We will also discuss places you can use these tools IN and OUT of the church. As we open up your toolbox, we will explain the two most important tools you MUST have to be a successful Clown for Christ.

"YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT LORD?".... SOLO CLOWNING for CHRIST.... We show you that one (1) clown can serve the Lord in the actual Worship Service. Learn HOW to do an entire WORSHIP SERVICE as a SOLO Clown Servant. ENTRANCES, OPENINGS, SONGS, SKITS WITH A MESSAGE & CLOSING. Don't let numbers hold you back. You can be effective for Christ reaching every age group in attendance.

"BEND ME...SHAPE ME...MOLD ME"....CLOWN MINISTRY . OK, you've prayed and told the Lord you are ready to be a Clown Servant for him. Now What? How do I get anyone interested in my Clown Ministry? We will discuss how to get the church leaders to accept your clowning as a ministry for Christ. We will also give you ways to get clowns used in the worship service. This class also brings to light the need for you to continue to Pray and Study the Word of God.