Charles is a true children's comedian ~ Billboard Magazine
Performed to the untiring appreciation of his audience ~ LA Times
Learn About Charles
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Charles MLK Award Speech |
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Interview on KUOW Radio |
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Charles on Kidstar |
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Charles on KIRO radio, Zak Burns show |
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More about Charles' Shows: Birthday Party Shows Library Performances Hospital Shows Elementary Schools Teen Show/Workshop |
Charles has been performing for over 40 years. His award winning A&M video, CHARLES THE CLOWN, his books, CHARLES THE CLOWN'S GUIDE TO CHILDREN'S PARTIES, THE TEEN MAGICIAN THAT’S YOU, YOU’LL NEVER WORK AGAIN IN TEANECK, NJ (a memoir) and four collections of his story audios have been used by libraries throughout the country.
He's a children's party entertainer and magician who has appeared on more than 75 radio and television programs, and performed in every conceivable location -- From the wealthiest estates to Native American reservations, for billionaires and at homeless shelters, at the Roxy Theatre on Hollywood's Sunset Strip, Disneyland, Bumbershoot, on stage at Knotts Berry Farm, on the set during television commercials keeping young actors relaxed and giggling, at special schools and summer camps engaging differently abled kids, and regularly at the hospital bedsides of seriously ill children.
At schools, libraries, festivals, from New York City to Los Angeles, from San Diego to Alaska, from Da Nang to Berlin ... families have all enjoyed his shows. Charles is a recipient of the King County, Dr, Martin Luther King Jr., Humanitarian Award for Community Service. Charles has even been invited to speak to student nurses about entertainment for children in hospitals.
In his graduate thesis, Laughter Therapy, Ruben Rivera, Jr., observed and described Charles’ hospital work at Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle: “It was magical to observe the effects that Charles The Clown had on lifting the mood and changing the attitudes, if only for a few moments, of all the sick children, family members, and hospital members he came in contact with.”
Charles on I Can Read, a syndicated educational show |
Charles The Clown was profiled on the KUOW public radio series The Works ... TCTV taped his concert-on-the-green in Lacey, Washington, where the library system coordinating the program wrote to say, "the crowd absolutely loved him." The Seattle P-I featured Charles' magic workshops for teenagers in a story about programs for underprivileged youth, reporting that his show "kept the audience enthralled." KLEW- TV News reported on his highly attended Eastern Washington library programs, and Charles has had recent press coverage in The Oregonian, and 3rd Act Magazine, and Parent Map. This summer, The Washington Post profiled Charles in their "Extraordinary People" series describing his innovative work interacting virtually with children around the country.
Charles has performed on boats, a bus, a monorail, a submarine … Kraft Foods photographed him in the middle of the Rose Bowl Parade, then used the picture for their point-of-purchase calendar.
Charles has provided over 1000 hours of entertainment for children in California and Washington hospitals. KidStar Radio featured him in a documentary about humor and healing, heard nationally.
Charles was invited to speak before student nurses about entertainment for children in hospitals. His guide to entertaining children in the hospital setting can be found elsewhere on this website.
Over the years, Charles has been interviewed about children's parties and performing by major newspapers and magazines, among them: Parents, American Baby, Los Angeles Magazine, The LA Times, The Washington Post, and newspapers throughout the country. His essays on children's issues have been published in over 150 newspapers and magazines. Among them: Los Angeles Home & Entertaining Magazine, 3rd Act Magazine, USA TODAY, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, The New York Daily News, The Oregonian, San Diego Union, Miami Herald, Denver Post, Washington Post, The Seattle PI, Providence Journal, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Seattle Times, and The Baltimore Sun. The Los Angeles Civic Center News devoted an entire issue to Charles' observations about children and television. He is listed in Contemporary Authors of America.
Charles was a consultant for and appeared in the video, Television and Video – Children at Risk, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Washington State. The Starlight Starbright Foundation commissioned him to write A GUIDE TO ENTERTAINING CHILDREN IN THE HOSPITAL SETTING. Charles wrote the opening chapter for RAISING KIDS IN SEATTLE.
Charles has performed for people of all socioeconomic levels and diverse cultures, including deaf culture and disabled children and adults. He tailors each show to the particular age group, theme and location. Many Hollywood celebrities, including the head of Disney Studios, have hired him to perform for their children. Charles has entertained the families of famous writers, Olympic athletes and even Seattle Mariner’s star, Jamie Moyer.
Charles at the Rose Bowl Parade for Nabisco - this photo was used on their point of purchase calendar. |
When developing programs, Charles frequently consults with his wife, psychologist and early childhood specialist, Linda Kirschner Kraus, M.A. They have appeared together on several television and radio programs, and were interviewed about their book, CHARLES THE CLOWN’S GUIDE TO CHILDREN'S PARTIES by an up-and-coming television star – a young Oprah, hosting Hello Baltimore.
Understanding that very young children are often frightened by a person in a costume led Charles and Linda to create his signature routine of putting on his make up and costume in front of the audience. The show is filled with silly “mistakes” as Charles attempts to transform his persona. Hysterical commentary by Charles' puppet sidekicks, keep everyone rolling in the aisles.
Some shots from Charles' "Become-a-Clown" routine.
Charles the Magician
I just wanted to send a special 'thank you' your way for the wonderful entertainment you provided during our company event. I received nothing but praise for Charles and his magic and humor by the staff and management.-- Tracy Wolfe, Vulcan Inc.
Close-up, stage shows, programs in your living room, cards, coins, escape tricks, rope tricks, mind reading, and more... Great sleight-of-hand magic, presented with style and humor .. lots of audience assistance. Charles The Magician has appeared on dozens of television programs, written about performance and invented tricks for leading trade publications. Charles has been featured in numerous newspapers, among them The Los Angeles Times and the New York Daily News. The Seattle Times called him a BEST BET!
TAKE CHARLES HOME, PRODUCTS FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS
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New York City cats learn to live with their Seattle cousins ... and a family of raccoons! A hilarious tale about moving West. Available in MP3, Streaming and CD format
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Stories, poems and silly conversations with
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A show about staying happy, healthy, strong, safe and silly. Available in MP3, Streaming and CD format |
You'll Never Work Again In Teaneck, N.J. Follow Charles as his childhood hobby launches a one-of-a-kind career, and a deeply felt lifetime passion. "Charming. A performer's intriguing journey. There is true love of the craft in much of this memoir. Charles' passion for show business shines through brightly, and that makes this a worthy read for anyone similarly inclined."
"Kraus's prose is solid, and he proves to be a seasoned writer ... For history buffs, especially older ones, this story will fascinate." |
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Live at the Library and Other Adventures More silly stories and conversations from Charles and his outrageously misinformed dog puppet, Biscuit, including portions of their live appearance at the library. |
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The Teen Magician That's You! Best Books recommendation ... magicians in the making will learn a lot from Charles' vast experience and engaging presentation … - Kirkus Review |
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Party Advice
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Childrens Stories
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Videos
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