A class act by Ogden's Toby KID
His parents named him Toby.
His friends nicknamed him "Kid."
And now, he is known as "Toby KID".
He is seen most often dressed in knickers topped with a black tuxedo jacket, with black and white checkered lapels and tails, complete with hi-top Converse tennis shoes and striped baseball socks.
If you haven't guessed it by now, Toby KID is a clown.
Ogden's Toby Klauenberg (pronounced klonberg -Like the Klondike bar," he says) had always wanted to take up clowning, ever since he was a toddler.
Toby grew up in Baxter, where unfortunately for him, the school had no true drama department. He concentrated his efforts in speech and his talents earned him a spot at All-State for his pantomime performance.
As a senior in high school, he practiced hard and soon mastered the skills of juggling and riding a unicycle.
Although he pursued a degree in elementary education while attending Iowa State University, Toby's teaching was not his ultimate goal. The education classes were only a tool to assist him in working with children during his routines. In addition to college classes, Toby worked a full-time job, then clowned at birthday parties on weekends and worked summer fairs and festivals to put himself through school.
At Howe Elementary
Some Howe Elementary first grade students were introduced to Toby KID when he performed at an assembly there Friday, May 4.
Most of Toby's experience came from working with professional clowns, some of whom are world renowned -"Cookie" from the Bozo Show, and the "Golden Arches" favorite, "Ronald McDonald."
In 1987, he spent time in Europe where he was exposed to a totally different kind of clowning, a style that would later influence his career development.
Toby would like to follow in the footsteps of his childhood favorite, Red Skelton, and watching his pantomime act, one can see a hint of his idol.
Included in his repertoire are juggling and magic acts, pantomimes, balloon animals and storytelling. During one of his acts, Toby takes the children on a "Lion Hunt," and within minutes he has them bouncing up and down on their haunches, squealing with laughter as they imitate lions, elephants, monkeys, and other animals. The children are then treated to a world famous spagetti and meatball eating balloon wiener dog.
Unique
Clowning is unique and to be successful, one has to have a passion for the art. For most people, clowning is a hobby, and, according to People magazine, of all the clowns in the world, only about 1% of 1% do it for a living.
At present, there are only four full-time clowns in the state of Iowa.
When asked about his accomplishments, Toby KID bowed his head humbly, not wanting to elaborate on his honors. With a little prying, he finally mentioned that he was most proud of the Distinguished Service Award for FFA he received in 1991.
Also in comparison to the music profession's Grammy Awards, the World Clowning Association (WCA) presents a "Ronnie Award" for the creation and advancement of clowning.
"Only four or five are awarded every two years, world-wide." Toby spoke proudly. Toby has been nominated 11 times and has received three Ronnies.
He has performed over 10,000 shows, driven more than a million miles, and has been a part of countless TV and radio shows. Although the opportunity was there for a career in television, this particular clown chose another career path, not wanting to raise a family near a large metropolitan area such as Los Angeles.
He chose to make his home in the state he was raised, and travels around the Midwest doing shows. A family man, he tries to be away from home no more than three nights at a time.
His schedule is hectic and during the month of April alone, he visited 33 schools. During the summer, his family foes on the road with him and these outing become family vacations.
He has mastered the art of clowning to the point that he now teaches classes at the Midwest Clown Convention. Large companies have sponsored him for educational school shows where he uses puppets and magic tricks to teach about character.
9 months to a year in advance
Toby has been hired to perform stand up comedy for large groups such as after prom, and New Year's parties, but warns that he now books from nine months to a year in advance.
Toby and his wife Jennifer and four children, Toby Jo, 8; Byron, 7. Charlie Sue, 1 1/2; and Allea, 4 months, moved to Ogden recently. Prior to that they had spent 10 years in Bagley.
More information about Toby KID can be found on the web at www.comedyproductions.com/tobykid
