Dan Skammels Scholarship
Northeast Clown Institute is proud to present the Dan Skammels Scholarship
“Dan Skammels was born in Vermont but resided in New Hampshire. Growing up, he liked to pull pranks on people to make them smile. A friend, Jim, introduced him to magic and clowning. Dan accepted this offer with arms open wide as he could make people happy. His clown name was Zso-Zso. He knew how to bring a smile to his wife, Sandy. Dan became a member of the Clowns of America and the Society of American Magicians. He was also a Shrine clown in his earlier days. Dan passed away in April 2025. Danny would be honored to help make someone’s dream a reality.”
Sandra, his wife, is setting up a trust fund and scholarship for a younger person who wants to make clowning their profession.
This annual scholarship will be awarded to a fellow clown or children’s entertainer who demonstrates excellence in performance, a spirit of kindness, and a commitment to spreading joy in their community.
The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage and support entertainers who continue the tradition of laughter, storytelling and imagination-qualities that defined Dan’s life and legacy.
Award Amount
One award to be presented each year may be used for training, costume materials, equipment, or travel expenses supporting their clowning/entertainment work.
Eligibility
Sandra, his wife, is setting up a trust fund and scholarship for a younger person who wants to make clowning their profession.
This annual scholarship will be awarded to a fellow clown or children’s entertainer who demonstrates excellence in performance, a spirit of kindness, and a commitment to spreading joy in their community.
The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage and support entertainers who continue the tradition of laughter, storytelling and imagination-qualities that defined Dan’s life and legacy.
Award Amount
One award to be presented each year may be used for training, costume materials, equipment, or travel expenses supporting their clowning/entertainment work.
Eligibility
- Must have attended the Northeast Clown Institute (NCI)
- Be an active clown or children’s entertainer
- Demonstrate participation in the community or educational events
- Show dedication to uplifting children and/or adults through performance
- Demonstrate a financial need
- Have plans for how the scholarship will help them grow
- Submit a completed application by the deadline
- Application must be submitted by June 1, 2027
- Applications are to be sent to the Dean of the Institute: Dennis Schweinsburg ([email protected])
| Dan Skammels Scholarship Application |