Zachary "Skeeter" Reece
Skeeter Reece is a clown/unicyclist from the Bronx, NY who began his performing career with the King Charles Troupe (unicyclists who play basketball) in Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.[1] Always having a love for comedy, he gravitated toward clowning. He applied and was accepted into the Ringling Clown College. He graduated with the Class of '77, the last class of Bill Ballantine. Skeeter studied with Emmett Kelly, Lou Jacobs, Bobby Kaye, and Duane Thorpe. He was invited to clown with the Greatest Show on Earth. Red Skelton visited the show when he was performing, and told him that he was a great clown, which inspired him to keep going. Skeeter also taught at his alma mater in 1979 and 1980.
Following Ringling, Skeeter was the Advance Clown for Circus Vargas. Later, he performed with UniverSoul Circus. Since then, Skeeter has performed at the White House, as an opening act for the Smothers Brothers, and at the Improv in Las Vegas. He starred in "Jamboree" in Las Vegas. He clowned in Japan for Fuji TV and has worked in many of the major hotel/casinos in Las Vegas: Circus Circus, the Riviera, Harrah's and the Rio, with Masquerade Show In the Sky.[2]
He has also continued the tradition of "passing it on" by doing school shows that teach the art of clowning, and unicycling. He has worked with Young Audiences, Class Act and Schoolshows.com[3] . Among his other credits, Skeeter Reece is mentioned in three books: A Very Young Circus Flyer by Jill Krementz; Clown Alley by Bill Ballantine; and Jokes My Father Never Taught Me by Rain Pryor.
Skeeter's life and career in the circus are detailed on the Uncle Junior Project website which chronicles and celebrates the lives of black people in American circuses.
Skeeter is married to Katherine, a dancer and showgirl he met on the Ringling Show. They have 3 children: Alex, Lauren and Summer.
References[edit]
- ↑ "GEO - LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, CHILDREN OF ALL AGES…. THE CIRCUS! - 904J-000-003". www.maryellenmark.com.
- ↑ http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2000/Feb-20-Sun-2000/news/13002320.html
- ↑ "Schoolshows.com". www.schoolshows.com.
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