I am very interested in knowing all there is to know about what transpires during a walk around,I know I have left out much, please fill me in....This is my first time as walk around... H E L P!!!!

1-do you approach the kids or do you wait for them to approach you
2- what questions do you ask them
3-what questions are asked by your character
4-what are the typical questions asked by the children
5-do you allow the children to touch
6-how funny do you have to be on a walk around
7-Is there any equipment that I will need
8-how much time should I make each time I stop
9-how do you move on without offending the child
10-should a song be part of your walk around
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N Jay

If I have omitted anything please include it in your explanations

I don't do walk around, but you had some great questions. When I'm asked to do an event I will find a corner and set up my vent stand and a little sign. The sign will say "Show repeats every 15 minutes." Then I do a mini show. You can do different 15 minute shows if you feel like having a group stick around. The crowd will usually come to you.

HI, Ribbons the clown here,
I do walk arounds along with other things.Sometimes I use a puppet. I use a baby puppet If I don't want to make her talk. Axtell smallest (gorilla)puppet (no longer available) All adults and kids gather. Or I walk around and ask kids if they seen my dog. I describe him and say he is lost, I say here is a picture of him, Then I show him a picture of a dog with big button eyes (Walmart greeting card) very funny. That brings a laugh from adults and kids. Then I go on to the next group. I ask if they have seen pictures of my kids and go thought my wallet sized photos (most clowns use). Sometimes it is the same crowds so I always have lots of stuff to do in my pockets or at my stand. Puppets can even do mini shows if the crowd is small. I use a large mirror and ask them or tell them their hair is messed up. Their side has a monkey face on it. As I walk away I look in to my side of the mirror and see a beautiful blond.( I am in clown)works with adults and kids. I just say see ya and move on. I only stay about 1 minute for each group unless their is a small crowd.Kids don't mind you moving on. I cant see your questions so I don't know if I answered them all.
Ribbons the clown

Ribbons the clown
Robin Bremer
www.ribbonstheclown.com
www.youtube.com/user/ribbonstheclown
www.RibbonsBelieveItOrNotBlogspot.com

i do a true walk around. i constantly move from one group to the next. i never get the puppet ( i use the axtell birds, they are the best) in the guests face but usually call out to them from about 5-10 feet away. the ones that smile, stop and point i move into, the ones that look away i leave alone. many times a parent will spot the bird and point it out to the kid. if the kid shrinks away, i stay where i am and talk with the mom. the kid will usually warm up. i usually only stay about 30- 45 seconds them move on.
i have had kids jump behnd moms and i have kids hold out their hands to hold the puppet. no touching unless you just washed your hands, (and nobody has, so i am safe) dads like to stick their fingers in the birds mouth. i always scrunch up the beak then sniff and ask where that finger has been, it always gets a laugh from the mom and dad backs off.
i had one little tike, hold out his hands wanting to hold the bird, i moved in very slowly while talking to the mom to reasure her. the little guy just started jabbering to the bird, obviously telling it all of his adventures, then he leaned forward and gave the bird a big kiss! mom was in tears and smiles, dad was taking pictures and granpa slipped me a 20 dollar tip.!
you asked about equipment. i use a personal pa system that straps around my waist with a headset. thats it. (not counting costume)
that said. i would not advise going into walk a round unless you know how to read a crowd, and kids, ( i have been working on stage most of my life and can read an audience fairly well), and not ever be agressive at it. i call out to people with a : hi there, hows it goin?" Havin a good time? etc. i let them ask me in to their group.
tony, val hilliker, and most others set up a spot, mark off a "front row" line and do quick shows, then move to another spot.

Ribbons hopefully you can see the questions now
1-do you approach the kids or do you wait for them to approach you
2- what questions do you ask them
3-what questions are asked by your character
4-what are the typical questions asked by the children
5-do you allow the children to touch
6-how funny do you have to be on a walk around
7-Is there any equipment that I will need
8-how much time should I make each time I stop
9-how do you move on without offending the child
10-should a song be part of your walk around