Blipey (Erik J Pratt) is a clown, juggler, and object manipulator. He provides a wide variety of performances, ranging from non-verbal storytelling through clowning & object manipulation to educational shows teaching the principles of science through juggling. Erik has 25 years experience both performing for and teaching humans of all ages. After 3 years studying aerospace engineering, he luckily (for future airline travelers) decided to pursue acting, studying theatre performance at the University of Missouri, Kansas City and clown theatre with Kapoot Clown Theater. He has appeared on stage at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Coterie Theatre, and Theatre for Young America, among many other local stages. He has also toured nationally as a performer & teaching artist with Seem-to-be-Players, The Bureau of Lecturers & Concert Artists, and Poetry Alive!. “If Only My Bag were Empty…”, his one man clown show, has been seen by students from Kansas City to the Bering Strait School District in Alaska. Erik continues to develop clown and juggling classes that challenge participants to look at the world from the side and use that new perspective to solve real world problems. Erik is currently an Artist in Residence in the Art Spark Program with No Divide KC, bringing clown theatre to underserved youth in the Kansas City metro area.

30-to-60-minute Clown Theatre Shows

non-verbal or limited verbal shows telling stories through physicality, object manipulations, & audience participants

30-to-60-minute Juggling Shows

variety of shows available: comedy, science education, the (un)Danger Show these shows all make heavy use of audience participation and volunteers

Shows: $350 – $450, depending on show booked

Performance Workshops (clowning & clowning): $175/ 1 hr session, $350/ half day, $500/ full day

Thinking Like a Clown: real world problem solving: $300

Stilt Construction & Technique Workshop: $500/day (2 days is ideal but 1 full day is workable)

Residencies: $1,250/week (other schedules negotiable)

Show & Workshop Package: Same day workshops added to any show receive a $50/workshop discount

Travel & Lodging Fees negotiated per project

Workshops & Classes (Juggling, Clowning, Stilt Walking & Construction)

Juggling & Clown classes tailored to all ages.

These workshops are great intros to the various skills. Students will learn to juggle 3 objects or a very basic clowning routine. Depending on presenter’s desires these workshops can be tailored to address many different goals.

If the class is experienced, more advanced technique workshops can be scheduled. Stilt classes for ages 16+

These can be conducted in a variety of formats: 1-hour sessions, 1/2 day or full day intensives, weekly sessions, etc

Thinking Like a Clown: real world problem solving (1 hour) A demonstration, lecture, and discussion rolled into one. We learn what a Clown is and how they interact with the world. Through a short demonstration and a handful of activities involving the audience, Blipey makes the case that if we learn to think like a clown, we can improve many aspects of our real lives: jobs, classes, personal relationships, and our own happiness.

Clown Theatre Residency An in-depth look at clowns, how they tell stories, and how those stories give us insight into our own lives. These are best done as week-long programs, with at least a half-day work period each day, and a full last day. Through clown games and exercises, the students will develop a basic clown character of their own along with a short routine. At the end of the week, the students will be able to perform a public program of their own for the community.

Juggling & Clowning Classes limited to 20 students (can do multiple classes a day to accommodate more students)

Stilt Workshops limited to 10 students. There is also a $50/student materials fee (or presenter can provide materials). Venue will need access to carpentry shop or power tools & baseball diamond with a backstop fence or similar tall structure.

Shows & Thinking Like a Clown have no audience restrictions. Access to venue sound system or electricity is needed.

Residencies that will culminate with a public show are limited to 30 students. Residencies without a public show will have negotiated parameters.