Clowning Around at Circus World

Roger the clown

Circus World Museum's new clown, Neal Skoy, has been nuts about comedy and clowning since he was a kid. And some folks think he's just plain nuts! Growing up in Minnesota, he often dreamed on one day being a clown and traveled to libraries and video stores, checking out every clown book and movie he could lay his hands on. He wore out at least one copy of "Be A Clown" (an informative clowning video created by The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Clown College), and absorbed every word and gesture contained within. While attending school, Neal developed a growing passion for theater and the performing arts and wrote, directed and starred in two theatrical clown productions. Fresh from high school, Neal followed his life long passion, joining the clown alley of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. While on the road with the big show, he further developed his clown character and carefully crafted his performance skills, which include physical comedy, character work, and public interaction. After two years with The Greatest Show On Earth, Neal decided to return to Minnesota to further his education. However, his years on the road had ignited a passion for performing that could not be denied and so he was delighted when Circus World asked him to join the cast of  its 2008 summer performance season.

Wherever Neal goes you just gotta know that you are guaranteed to find his clown alter ego… the loony but lovable Roger. "Without a doubt, Roger is one of the clumsiest clowns ever to appear at Circus World, but he also has this incredible talent for making people laugh," said singing ringmaster, Dave SaLoutos. "He's going to steal the hearts of our visitors this summer." You can check out his crazy antics in Circus World's Classic American-style Circus performance, the Razzle Dazzle Revue Variety Show, KidsWorld Circus and in his own comedy showcase — Clowning Around."  You may run into him strolling around the grounds, or he may run into you. Either way, it's probably best to leave your breakables in the car.