Professor Bubblemaker proves that science and history can be fun. Although the shows are based on the science
of bubbles and bubble physics or the history of the medicine show and flea circus, I hope that the audience walks
away with a bigger lesson... Why learning science, math and history is not only fun today, but can lead to fun
things in the future.
Several packages are available for educational purposes in addition to the individual shows. Here is a quick
overview of the shows/workshops available:
Basic Shows with demonstration and discussion
Bubble Show/Science discussion - The "Bubble Ballet" show plus an age appropriate discussion and
demonstration worked into/after the show about the science of bubbles. What is a bubble? Why are they round?
How do I use math and science to perform the tricks that I do with the bubbles? These questions and more are
answered in this show.
Medicine Show/History discussion - "Professor Bubblemaker's Marvelous Magical Medicine Show" plus
an age appropriate discussion of the medicine show's history and impact on today's entertainment and advertising. I
show how behind the entertainment that travelled with the medicine show was the all important sales pitch, making
this the original "infomercial". I also discuss the importance of merely bringing a little hope and laughter to isolated
communities in a day when it was a struggle to survive.
Flea Circus/History or Psychology discussion - "Professor Bubblemaker's Fantastic Flea Circus" plus an
age appropriate discussion of the flea circus and other " diversions" which make light of situations in order to make
the audience feel better through entertainment. It is speculated that flea circuses first arose during a time when
fleas infested people as well as animals. Taking this as a cue, I further theorize that it must have felt pretty
satisfying to see the object of your fear made to perform silly tricks. Throughout history there are examples of
making our fears entertain us to relieve the stress involved with facing that fear every day. I feel that both the flea
circus and medicine show can be used as tools for empowerment as well as teaching us about our history.
Package shows with demonstration and discussion
Silly Science Package - a combination of excerpts from all three shows with a discussion and
demonstration of the math and science behind not only bubbles, magic and special effects. I draw on over ten
years of experience in the special effects field. Having worked on Hollywood movies, theatrical productions and
even haunted attractions before assuming the role of Professor Bubblemaker, I know how a broad knowledge in
the area of science (physics, chemistry, biology etc.) and math (including the higher math that we all think we will
never ever use) is vital to some of the most fun and rewarding jobs in the world.
The Great American Travelling Flim-Flam Show Package - Both the Medicine Show and Flea Circus
and discussion of the historical importance of these and other forms of travelling shows from the medicine shows
to tent revivals to rain makers and a bit later carnivals, wild west shows and side shows. These shows led to the
birth of Vaudeville which in turn gave birth to early TV shows and their impact can still be seen today on almost
any channel at any time. I also discuss the ability of these shows to connect seemingly isolated parts of the world.
When Buffalo Bill took his Wild West Show to Europe he showed them what the west was like (more or less) and
in turn, his troupe brought back the latest fashions and customs from Paris, London and other "exotic" locations.
Before You-Tube.com, before any TV or radio there was just a man or a troupe of performers bouncing down the
roads and trails from town to town in a wagon loaded with the tools of the trade.
*** NOTE*** At this time the Fabulous Flea Circus is under construction but I hope to have the fleas trained and
ready to perform by the end of the summer. Watch the Flea Circus Page on this site to track the development of
this fun and mystifying endeavor. ~~~ Professor P.T. Bubblemaker ~~~
Photo and Flea Circus by Walt Noon
