Mary Baldwin is a Triangle native and has been a professional performance artist since 1982. She began working as a voice-over artist in the Raleigh/Durham radio and television market. Along with working as an on-air talent, she appeared in presentations for IBM, Old Salem and commercials for such clients as Hardee's, Audio Buys and Holly Hill Hospital. Because of her youthful voice, Mary was continuously casted as a child. Even after graduating from East Carolina University in 1988 with a degree in Broadcasting/Communications, Mary continued to perform on stage, on camera or behind the microphone as a voice talent. But...as with all fields, sometimes you have to wait tables to get that first big break.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Work This Morning...
Fall 1989: O'Brian's Restaurant in Raleigh requested that all floor employees be in a costume of some sort - preferably in a movie character. A dutiful Mary went to the old Magic Corner on Hillsborough Street to finish a Mae West outfit but a bright sales clerk suggested she try being a clown instead. Merging the two fields (radio & stage) and combining her natural enthusiasm and her life-long love of children seemed, well...normal.
What's in a Name
A few days later, a novice clown/waitress wandered out of the O'Brian's staff doorway to wait tables. A dark-haired child approached her and asked for her name. "I don't have a name! What's yours?" asked the clown. "Molly," said the youngster. "That's a pretty name," said the clown, "may I borrow it?" They smiled and the little girl hugged her neck. Anne seemed like a natural tag and was added a couple of conversations later. So the name is Molly - which, coincidentally, is the Irish name for Mary. There are no ironies in life. Luckily, Mary was a better clown than she was a waitress so she quit waiting tables & started clowning.
She took classes in clowning, attended conventions and camps across the country and competed on an international level in her craft.
Skidder & Molly Anne
In 1993, she married Bill "Skidder" Baldwin - a fellow clown and Ringling Brothers Clown College graduate. Bill guided Mary in establishing the groundwork for what is now Molly Anne the Clown including circus performance, makeup, costume design, props, continuity and comedic timing. Skidder's lessons continue to remain a positive influence in the Clown House. A thousand thank-you's, Bill.
The Purpose of the Clown House
Molly Anne's Clown House is devoted to the promotion of the traditional art and history of American Clowning and focuses on performance and strong character development - not just the "arts and crafts" of today's clowns. Over the years, Mary has transitioned from student to educator; sharing her unique expertise in restaurant clowning, character development and performing for children four years and younger. Mary sees her work as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people by encouraging creativity and the magic of community, sharing and learning.
What makes a great clown? Energy, a GREAT sense of humor, a pachant for showmanship that shows in a twinkle in the eyes and carries over in everything they do. You can see experience in the quality of the clown's makeup & costuming but, most of all, you should be able to hear that performer's laughter - even in a picture. The Clown House is ready to help you make your special event unforgettable!
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