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 Strapping on the proper attire, they quickly grab the tools of their trade and sprint out the door. They’ve received another important call – fun, games and laughter are needed ASAP. The APS Volunteer Clown Troupe is on the job, bringing with them a bevy of silly jokes, goofy antics and big floppy shoes. When they’re done there won’t be a straight face in the house.
Part of APS’ award-winning volunteer program for more than a decade, the clown troupe provides a fun, creative way for APS employees to help raise spirits at community events. Representing a variety of occupations within the company, the core group is made up of 75 APS employees and retirees, with another 60 or so family and friends joining the ranks from time to time.
According to APS Communications Consultant and Clown Captain Terry Ricketts, clowning around involves a lot more than putting on costumes and doing balloon tricks.
"Our clowns are very committed, well trained and well rehearsed," he said. "We spend countless hours learning the latest tricks and techniques. Add to that countless hours working on costumes, props and skits, and clowning can become a nearly full-time obsession. But it’s a really fun one."
The performance schedule is demanding as well. In 14 years the troupe has logged more than 40,000 hours of performances. While the clowns give first priority for their performances to organizations involving children, the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged, they also perform in nearly every community parade in Arizona and northern New Mexico including the Fiesta Bowl Parade, APS Fiesta of Lights and Parada del Sol.
"Clowning is a great way to give back to our community," said Ricketts. "When you put on your clown face and costume, you get to set aside the person you normally present to the outside world and allow the individual to come out. And when you get giggle or a groan from the audience, it’s a tremendous payoff."
For more information on the APS Volunteer Clown Troupe, contact Terry Ricketts at Terry.Ricketts@pinnaclewest.com.
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