2008 Woodie Awards
Clowning around
One senior juggles more than classes, job applications and impending adulthood, with plenty of time for play
Margaret Watters
Issue date: 4/10/07 Section: Features
As May graduation approaches, most seniors realize that they need to stop clowning around, but senior theater major Tim Simeone just began his clowning career. As he co-writes, produces and stars in the upcoming play Clown Logic: Truth is a Joke at Miami University, it seems he won't be getting too serious anytime soon.
The recent clown school graduate and soon to be Miami University graduate spent last summer at clown school in New York City, paid for by Miami.
Simeone was awarded one of the competitive grants offered through the Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program.
"Summer Scholars is a nationwide program that Miami participates in," said William Doan, associate dean of the School of Fine Arts. "Students from all over the university apply for the grants. It's pretty competitive and departments are only given a certain allotment of money, depending on the number of applications. Last year, when Tim went, we gave out two (grants)."
With the money, Simeone attended a two and a half week summer intensive program at The New York City Goofs, advertised as America's premier clown troupe.
The remaining funds were used on Clown Logic - a collaboration with three other theater majors - to write, star and produce a show that involves a lot more than laughs.
"Some people might think it's a clown show we want everybody to laugh, but really we want everyone see a truthful event happen on stage," Simeone said. "We want to inspire laughter, but really it's about the truth."
He hopes that perfecting his stand up routines will help him stand out. Simeone worked on everything from entrances, presentation, eccentric dance, physical comedy, to juggling during this time at clown school.
"What I wanted was to give my acting some expertise," Simeone said. "Give my resume an extra boost from the rest of the pile."
Clowning is more than fun and games - with face paint and a red rubber nose.
According to Doan, clowning has a long history, which plays an important role in understanding a country's culture.
The recent clown school graduate and soon to be Miami University graduate spent last summer at clown school in New York City, paid for by Miami.
Simeone was awarded one of the competitive grants offered through the Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program.
"Summer Scholars is a nationwide program that Miami participates in," said William Doan, associate dean of the School of Fine Arts. "Students from all over the university apply for the grants. It's pretty competitive and departments are only given a certain allotment of money, depending on the number of applications. Last year, when Tim went, we gave out two (grants)."
With the money, Simeone attended a two and a half week summer intensive program at The New York City Goofs, advertised as America's premier clown troupe.
The remaining funds were used on Clown Logic - a collaboration with three other theater majors - to write, star and produce a show that involves a lot more than laughs.
"Some people might think it's a clown show we want everybody to laugh, but really we want everyone see a truthful event happen on stage," Simeone said. "We want to inspire laughter, but really it's about the truth."
He hopes that perfecting his stand up routines will help him stand out. Simeone worked on everything from entrances, presentation, eccentric dance, physical comedy, to juggling during this time at clown school.
"What I wanted was to give my acting some expertise," Simeone said. "Give my resume an extra boost from the rest of the pile."
Clowning is more than fun and games - with face paint and a red rubber nose.
According to Doan, clowning has a long history, which plays an important role in understanding a country's culture.
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