The Clown Clan

A Short Bio

These characters were born to the wildly creative imagination of performer Roxy Roth, whose multiple talents include roving tom-foolery, interactive stage shows, facepainting, creative balloon art, live music, teaching music & workshops. She has been clowning around since the ripe age of 14, beginning her roots at Clown Camp in Medicine Hat, AB. With an off and on interest in this line of work since then, Roxy shares  the highlights of this unusual journey (beginning with the most recent developments).

All the world loves a clown. ~Cole Porter

After several performances in Salmon Arm as different characters, children began to point out that some characters seemed to have ALOT of similar traits.  This also accompanied ALOT of questions.  This challenged Roxy to find a deeper explanation for these astout observations.  Her research uncovered that these characters all had genetic connections! Upon further genealogical research, it was discovered that Scarlett the Scarecrow and Firzle the Clown are blood sisters related to Sabrina the Snow Princess who are thrice removed from Mrs. Claus & Clown Santa.  Oh–and Bop the Bunny is one of the gang as the family pet too. Patti the Pirate is also related, but she’s kind of the bad apple of the bunch.  And there the Clown Clan was uncovered and the questions were appeased. As the story grows…

A bubbly Mrs. Claus emerged in Christmas 2010 with a song in her heart, a laugh in her apron and holding many a stocking surprise. Taking care of her todo’s, she is fond of a jolly laugh with you…With a knack for wisecracks, you’ll have a laughing attack… She is quite weird, but also a dear as she rhymes along all of the time.

Sabrina the Snow Princess emerged in the fall of 2010 – a drastically different personality then the other fools.  Elegant and poised, she  is from a land far, far away.  This mystical and enchanting character will catch your eye. Sparkling from head to toe, this pretty princess poses as if mysteriously frozen in time.  As she comes to life, she shares ancient wisdom and music from her land.  With a song in her heart, she grants wishes as she parts…

In 2008, her passion for entertaining was renewed after several years on hiatus. Past characters were dusted off and some new seasonal characters emerged as she rediscovered the joy in making people laugh:

Scarlett the Scarecrow – pretty as a picture as she poses as a living statue. She catches your eye as you pass by and ponder… “is she really alive?” You can also spot her stretching her legs to roam and show you her artistic talents or tease even the smallest of smiles from passerby’s.

Patti the Pirate – Sing and dance like a pirate with this zany gal from the depths of the Pirate seas. With catchy tunes, she’s got a gaarrrooovvyy beat yar won’t regret bringing to your theme pARRty!

In 2005, Roxy went to Germany to be an aupair. Her clown skills were put to use there, especially the art of pantomime….as she did not know the language when she first arrived! It was a relief for her to put some of these skills to use again as for several years, between university studies in Lethbridge and Vancouver, clowning took a backseat.

In 2000, this character was born after appearing in a dream! Portrayed as a 4 yr old little girl from the country, Firzle was sure to win the hearts of the big and small, young and old. Her favourite colour is yellow, she loves bug’s, has a little bit of a lisp, and hides surprises in the MANY pockets of hers. She is learning to be an artist, so she practises by facepainting and learning to make bawwoon animals.

In 1996, Bumfuzzle was the name, and confusion was her game. (Honest…it means “to confuse”…look it up!) Bumfuzzle was to go through a couple of wardrobe changes before finally finding blue coveralls, funky socks, a professional wig and an auguste clown face.

Clown Santa also emerged, in 1996, as an attempt to quiet the cries of many afraid of the traditional bearded fellow! Not surprisingly, it worked. While some children are afraid of clowns, far more seem afraid of Santa. Who could resist this silly santa in long red underwear with xmas boxers hanging out?? He brings joy to all the girls ‘n boys…& has been sighted ice skating, performing, making balloon animals, & handing out toys.

While many of Roxy’s high school peers were supportive, some were scornful or wary, but she was not discouraged! Dial-A-Clown had become a passion. Throughout highschool, she continued clowning around while others got jobs in fast-food and retail. She’d take clowning around over flippin burgers any day!

Dial-A-Clown was also unique as it was comprised of a mother-daughter team… Bumfuzzle and Valentine. Few can say that they grew up “clowning around with their mother…” As they learned new skills together, they also made a bold (and wise) move to attend Clown Camp at the Medicine Hat College, earning them each a degree in Clownology. Roxy was the lucky recepient of several scholarships to attend for two consecutive years, also earning respect as the youngest scholarship recipient. This training was graced by renowned entertainers from around the world. It was 7 days of dawn to dusk (and beyond) of collaboration and learning–an experience that she still looks upon with fond memories.

In the beginning, Roxy’s first outfit was a bit shabby, a red/white striped sweater, blue shorts, suspenders, and long socks with multicolored toes. Her wig was a mop, on this whitefaced character. “How embarrassing this look seems now,” she thinks. This picture was taken shortly after sheattended her first Clown Alley meeting where clowns would get together and share skills such as facepainting, juggling and more. She was hooked right away, on learning new skills and simply being in a supportive environment where no judgements were cast.