Youngster finds niche with Cole Bros. clowns
Thomas Coniglio, 9, enjoys spending time in front of an audience
BY TALI ISRAELI
Staff Writer

MIGUEL JUAREZ staff Thomas Coniglio, 9, of Freehold Township, also known as Shorty, spent part of his summer making appearances with the Cole Brothers Circus. Thomas said he loves to appear in front of an audience and never has stage fright.

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Unlike other youngsters, Thomas Coniglio did not get in trouble for clowning around this summer.

Thomas, 9, of Freehold Township, has been a fan of the Cole Brothers Circus since he was 3 years old, especially the clowns.

"I enjoyed the circus so much I just wanted to be in it," Thomas said.

This summer, the youngster toured New Jersey as a part of the Cole Brothers Circus. In the past few months, Thomas has portrayed a clown in about 20 shows around the state including Seaside, Monmouth Junction, Rio Grande, Freehold and Atlantic City.

It all started about six years ago with an introduction to Kyan, a clown with the Cole Brothers Circus.

"He's the one who got Thomas to love the circus because he was so nice," said Thomas' mother, Darlene.

As Thomas got older his parents continued to take him to see the circus. Soon enough Kyan and Perolito, another clown, took Thomas under their wing and began to create a new addition to the Cole Brothers clown car.

At first, Darlene said, the clowns would paint her son's face and take him during the show to wave to the crowd. Thomas said the clowns then asked him to join their parade and after that he just worked his way up from there.

"He just loves being with the clowns. It's all about them, the people from Cole Brothers are just amazing," Darlene said.

Over the years, Darlene said, the Coniglios got to know the clowns so well and everyone has accepted them into their families.

"They're just a great bunch of people," she added. "They are just wonderful to Thomas and they teach him everything they know."

When asked why he enjoys the circus so much, Thomas said he loves to entertain.

"Everything about being a clown is my favorite, dressing up in costumes, having people watch and laugh at me. I feel good around people in an audience," Thomas said. "I never had stage fright. I'm such a people person that I'm fine around an audience."

The youngster's mother agreed and said Thomas always loved how the clowns made the audience laugh. She added that her son loves to perform and do magic tricks. Thomas currently attends acting, singing and dancing schools.

As for what she feels about her son being a clown, Darlene said, "I love it. I think it's great. When you see his face when he performs it doesn't matter how far we have to travel."