Clowning

Written by Karen Saker & Robert Cox, Clowning Enthusiasts

Use this two page publication as the starting place for your 4-H Self Determined Project. You may choose to do a little or a lot depending on your level of interest in this topic. Use in conjunction with our 4-H 365, Self Determined Project Guide; available through your county OSU Extension office or by visiting our web page at www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~idea. Be sure to register your Self Determined Project with your county OSU Extension office.

Background

“Clowning” to many people, goes hand-in-hand with happiness and laughter. Clowns add color and enjoyment to parades, community events, and promotional activities. Clowning provides opportunities for an individual to develop physical and performing skills, interpersonal communications, relationships with others, and strengthens self-confidence. You have to discover the clown within you. No one else can tell you what that character should be. You will discover it by trial, error, and practice. Every clown in the world is different.

There are three main types of modern-day clowns: white faced, auguste, and tramp. Another style, character clown, are white face, auguste, or tramp clowns in a character costume. White face clowns are conservative, with an all white face and black and red features. They have bright, fancy costumes and are in command of a situation. Auguste clowns are always neat, but their costumes are either too big or too small with mismatched colors and patterns. They have a skin tone base, with white around the eyes and mouth, and are usually the prankster. Tramp clowns are ragged but clean and usually in old, torn two -or three- piece suits. They have skin-toned makeup, white around the eyes and mouth, a red mouth, and gray/black beard. Character clowns are one of the three types mentioned above, but in a character costume, often used in skits and productions.

Remember, each clown face and costume must be original. No two clowns are exactly alike. Study pictures of other clowns for ideas. Consider the following after deciding your clown type: study your face; consider the natural lines; use a mirror as you make faces and note what character lines and expressions you emphasize; in clued glasses in your design if you wear them; practice drawing designs on your prepared face with a grease pencil; some prefer to draw a design on paper first and copy it to their face; avoid elaborate designs; simple, clean lines are preferred to sharp, angular designs since they can be harsh looking. Continue to experiments until you find the face that is right for you.

Once you have decided your clown face, you are ready to prepare and apply your clown makeup. The type of clown you have selected will determine the makeup application procedure, the equipment, and supplies required. Select the type of makeup to use; grease paint, old-style water-soluble, or the new water-soluble. General equipment and supplies are required include: hair covering (headband or nylon knee-high stocking tied into a band_; self standing mirror; baby oil, cold cream, or Vaseline; paper towels; baby powder (no color or corn starch); blush brush or shaving brush; large powder puff; spray bottle for water; makeup brushes or Q-tips; clown white; flesh or skin town makeup; make up and/or grease pencils; and a variety of grease paint colors. Water-based makeup supplies include makeup colors, brushes, makeup sponges, Q-tips, small bowl of water, free standing mirror, and paper towels. Consult appropriate clowning references for step-by-step makeup application.

Your clown costume should fit the “clown character” you are creating. Some points to consider include: costumes should be appealing, clean, roomy, comfortable, practical, and complement the clown face. Also think about having lots of pockets, colorful accessories and trim, appropriate head covering, gloves to match your costume, nametag, and comfortable shoes and socks that coordinate with your outfit. Remember, when selecting costumes, neatness and cleanliness are critical. Your appearance is the audience’s first impression of you. Makeup and costumes alone do not make a clown. You must have a talent, i.e., balloon making, puppetry, storytelling, juggling, magic, and exaggerated reactions and expressions. Let your imagination help select props that will fit your character and clown image.

Being a clown is more than putting on a face and wearing a funny costume. Some tips to help you maintain a professional image and make you a better clown include:

• Allow sufficient time to apply makeup and costumes, and to mentally become your character.
• Avoid bad language, pretend smoking, and drinking.
• Practice using props, routines, skits, and exaggerations.
  
• Make others feel good.
• Avoid other’s personal space, 18” to 20” around them.
• Avoid throwing candy or other items into a crowd; pass it to others directly.
• Be a good sport and in full control of yourself.
• Be neat, clean, and in good physical and mental condition.

Planning Your Self Determined Project

Every Self Determined Project can be broken down into areas of interest. These are the specific things members wish to address during their project adventure. Using your Self Determined Project Guide, identify at least three (3) areas of interest with at least three (3) activities per area to explore.

Areas of Interest and Things To Do

Types of Clowns

• Attend an event in which clowns are involved.
• Locate a reference book on clowning to use with this project.
• Identify a knowledgeable person in clowning who would be willing to help you.
• Review as many pictures of clowns and other resources for ideas on the type of clown you'd like to be.
• Join a clowning organization.
• Practice various clown face designs on your face or on paper; experiment until you find the design that is right for you.
  

Clown Makeup

• Determine the type of makeup to use.
• Determine the type of clown and face you want to be.
• Practice preparing your face for makeup and applying the makeup.
• Compare the advantages/ disadvantages of different types of makeup.
• Consult appropriate references for step-by-step process in makeup application.
• Seek help from a knowledgeable clowning person concerning makeup.
  

Costumes/Props

• Select a costume to fit the “clown character” you are creating.
• Determine appropriate accessories to complement your clown face and basic costume.
• Determine props to fit your character and image
• Practice becoming exaggerated reactions and expressions.
• Attend an event at which clowns perform to study “clown in action” and to get ideas about special talents used to enhance their clown characters.
• Select and practice a “talent” to enhance your role as a clown.
  

Performing as a Clown

• Learn clown etiquette/code of ethics.
• Talk with other clowns to learn more about performing as a clown.
• Learn appropriate techniques of communicating as a clown.
• Become involved in various community activities/events; school functions, parades, parties, mall shows, fairs, festivals and others.
  
  

Related References and Helpful web sites:

• Creative Clowning, Bruce Fife, Tony Blanco, Steve Kissell, Bruce Johnson, Ralph Dewey, Hal Diamond, jack Wiley, Gene Lee-Java Publishing, Colorado Springs, Co.
• Captain Visual’s Big Book of Balloon Art, Captain Visual – Citadel Press, New York, NY
• Balloon Animals and Balloon Cartoons, both by Aaron Hsu-Flanders – Contemporary Books, Chicago, IL
• Just Clowning Around:clowns, magic, balloons, juggling, stilts, yoyo, etc.: http://www.justclowningaround.com
• History of Clowning: http://www.shrineclowns.com/educa8.html
• Clowns of America International Home Page: http://www.coai.org
• Clowning on the web: Using any popular search engine - type in the word “clowning” to reach any number of sites that will relate to clowning.

Visit our web page at www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~idea for more project idea starters along with additional information about exhibiting your Self Determined Project at the Ohio State Fair.