By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Circus clown camp open to all ages
6.05 circus nojoe
Want to learn how to be a clown? Joey “NoJoe” Thurmond can teach those interested how at the Averitt Center for the Arts in Statesboro. - photo by Photo provided

STATESBORO — Did you ever dream of joining the circus? Young and old can get the chance to have dreams come true this summer at the Averitt Center for the Arts.

NoJoe’s Clown Circus is coming to town to offer a one week Circus Clown Camp to anyone from age 8 to age 80. In Joey Thurmond’s NoJoe’s circus, everyone’s a star. The camp will run June 23-27, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. On the last day, June 27, campers will join NoJoe to present a circus show in the Emma Kelly Theater at 6:30 p.m.

Joey “NoJoe” Thurmond will present this unique one of a kind week of games, learning, teamwork, performing and fun. For anyone in his/her second childhood, this camp is a perfect outing. According to the Web site,  “The experience that children and adults will carry away...is one that they will remember a lifetime!”

“This would be a perfect way for a grandparent to spend a fun-filled week with a grandchild. Or a parent and child could bond. Just about any combination will work,” said Connie Hayes, assistant director of the Averitt Center for the Arts.

And just who is NoJoe? Joey “NoJoe” Thurmond is no amateur clown. He’s spent a lifetime of performing. A graduate of Advanced Studies in the Performing Art of Clowning, the most prestigious clown training program in the world, Thurmond received the “Clown of the Year 2008” from the Family Entertainers of Atlanta and has been classified as the number one choice of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus for the 2008-2009 tour. He has been called the “World’s Best Mannered Clown,” because he has audiences saying please and thank you before they know it.

Those who don’t perform in the camp may come out on Friday evening on June 27 and see the high energy show with a circus theme. There will be silly magic, goofy animals, great juggling, amazing balancing, and all kinds of clean family entertainment. NoJoe advises audiences not to count on looking away, because you may miss what comes next.

Those interested in attending the week of camp, from June 23-27, at 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day should call the Averitt Center for the Arts at (912) 212-2787 or visit the gift shop in the lobby of the theater, Tuesday through Friday, from 1-5:30 p.m. Camp is $138 for the week. Tickets to the show at 6:30 p.m. on June 27 are $5 and may be purchased at the door.