2008 Woodie Awards
Bates Alum Becomes Clown Extraordanaire
ANDREW WILCOX
Issue date: 2/5/08 Section: Arts
This past Thursday night, the Bates Juggling Club hosted a juggler, a clown, a comedian, a magician, a mime, an acrobat and a construction worker - all of whom were Brent McCoy.
Brent McCoy graduated from Bates in 2003 as an art major. Subsequently, he perfected his routine as a juggler and clown at the Celebration Barn (celebrationbarn.com) and the Odd Fellow Theater (OddFellow.com), both in Maine.
These days, his artistic abilities are seen as an exceptionally impressive assemblage of tricks and trades. For the first time, McCoy is able to devote most of his effort to his routine rather than a more conventional job. Luckily for many at Bates, McCoy revisited the Benjamin Mays Center to show off his knack for flawless coordination coupled with perfect comedic timing.
McCoy's character for the evening was one of mixed breed: a clown/construction worker. He sported over-sized jeans, suspenders and a bright orange hard hat. Like a magician has a bag of tricks, McCoy had a toolbox. As a magician never reveals his or her secrets, McCoy rarely even revealed his own voice. He was mostly silent and yet charmingly hilarious.
To counter his lack of words, McCoy was incessantly vigorous in his actions. It is providential that the ceilings of the Mays Center are so high, because his act knew no boundaries. At one moment, he might launch props high into the air, while the next minute he himself was 15 feet up, balancing ever so effortlessly on a large ball (while juggling a plunger, traffic cone and plastic bat, of course).
After 45 minutes of routine, McCoy jumped off the ball he was on and switched his tone to one of endearment. He graciously thanked those who came to see him, including mathematics Professor David Haines, who advised McCoy during his years in the Bates Juggling Club.
"Remember," McCoy said, "when you get out of this prestigious institution, it's all right if you're a clown."
Brent McCoy graduated from Bates in 2003 as an art major. Subsequently, he perfected his routine as a juggler and clown at the Celebration Barn (celebrationbarn.com) and the Odd Fellow Theater (OddFellow.com), both in Maine.
These days, his artistic abilities are seen as an exceptionally impressive assemblage of tricks and trades. For the first time, McCoy is able to devote most of his effort to his routine rather than a more conventional job. Luckily for many at Bates, McCoy revisited the Benjamin Mays Center to show off his knack for flawless coordination coupled with perfect comedic timing.
McCoy's character for the evening was one of mixed breed: a clown/construction worker. He sported over-sized jeans, suspenders and a bright orange hard hat. Like a magician has a bag of tricks, McCoy had a toolbox. As a magician never reveals his or her secrets, McCoy rarely even revealed his own voice. He was mostly silent and yet charmingly hilarious.
To counter his lack of words, McCoy was incessantly vigorous in his actions. It is providential that the ceilings of the Mays Center are so high, because his act knew no boundaries. At one moment, he might launch props high into the air, while the next minute he himself was 15 feet up, balancing ever so effortlessly on a large ball (while juggling a plunger, traffic cone and plastic bat, of course).
After 45 minutes of routine, McCoy jumped off the ball he was on and switched his tone to one of endearment. He graciously thanked those who came to see him, including mathematics Professor David Haines, who advised McCoy during his years in the Bates Juggling Club.
"Remember," McCoy said, "when you get out of this prestigious institution, it's all right if you're a clown."
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