I have a question ... I was taught clowning by a group who have been clowning for 20 years, and when I changed my hair color (my wig, that is) I was told I shouldn't do that. Because I'm "a rebel and I'll never ever be any good", I continued to change my hair color if I wanted to, just because I wanted to. Now I see others changing their style, hair color, etc. all the time. Is there a rule that I can continue to break, or is it ok to change color, style, etc., in which case, I won't be so eager to change colors all the time.

The main one who used to tell me I should only wear one color is no longer clowning and not here in town anymore. I totally respect her; she is the one who mentored me so I'm not badmouthing her, believe me. I'm just curious what the rules are concerning this.

There is no rule about wigs. Because circus clowns developed a look and stayed with that look for their entire careers (a little name recognition helped the bank account) when clowning first moved out of the circus and into the nations smaller cities many "rules" came to be based on what people thought were the reasons circus clowns did things. Imagine if Ronald McDonald changed his look all the time. That reasoning just does not apply to the modern day world of hometown clowning. It doesn't matter what color your gloves are, or if you wear gloves. It doesn't matter if you change the style or color of your wig, or if you wear a wig. The world is far less formal than it was 30, 40 or 50 years ago. Concentrate on your character and you will truly be a clown no matter what you wear.

Because circus clowns developed a look and stayed with that look for their entire careers.....


You know, actually, that isn't even the reality of things. While some circus clowns (after developing a sort of trademark image of themselves which became popular) may have kept itr going, even the famous ones often revised their looks or did entirely different things from time to time, especially earlier on in their careers. And, then, there is the matter of the publicity shots which they took that often differred from what they used under the big top in everyday performance.

Dare I go so far as to state the obvious in that those with the most impeccible makeup and looks were often gay, prissy, and particular about what they did in this regard, with lots of talent, knack, and hard work at appearances - which is what made them so dang good at it? So, in order to win clown appearance makeup contests, should one of the rules be that we gets points for being homosexual, also?

I recognize a certain value in "guidelines" which are well learned through experience of those who have been at it for awhile. But as artists and clowns, extending that sort of thing in new ways must be respected, also. And, ultimately, if a clown can't (or shouldn't) break "rules", then who can?

Imagine if Ronald McDonald changed his look all the time. That reasoning just does not apply to the modern day world of hometown clowning. It doesn't matter what color your gloves are, or if you wear gloves. It doesn't matter if you change the style or color of your wig, or if you wear a wig.

On the strict marketing and identifyability side of things, I can respect where keeping things the same once you are established as such has it's value. Though even those who are good and notable seem to be taking their looks in different directions. I think that they are keeping up with the current direction of clowning and avoiding being overly hardline about the way it "has always been and must be." That's wise, IMO.

The world is far less formal than it was 30, 40 or 50 years ago. Concentrate on your character and you will truly be a clown no matter what you wear.

VERY true and wide words.

Some regular people change their hair color quite often, IMO clowns should have that liberty, too. ;)

You know Nettie Belle, with those dark glasses, hat, and frequent hair color changes, one might think you're trying to disguise yourself. Methinks you're *shifty eyes* hiding something.

Where were you when the last of the Christmas cookies were eaten?!

Nope, Princess ... I'm not hiding from anything. I just like variation and lots of changes.

You know, when I was in clown classes, one of the questions I asked was if we have to stick to one costume ... I know, it sounds like a really dumb question now, but the ones who were teaching me only had one costume, so I wasn't sure. The answer to that was that I could have as many costumes as I wanted ... and it opened up a whole new world for me.

In my normal life, I change my hair style quite a bit and occasionally, my hair color, and I have tons of clothes and shoes for my every day job, so when you turn a clothes horse into a clown, there are going to be changes now and then.

The reason for the glasses in this picture was because IT WAS SUNNY. No police after me ... I promise. At least not for Nettie Belle. She's way too sweet and kind to be involved with police activities, unless a policeman is not feeling well and needs some cheering up.

Now, as for Lynette ... ok, the police have stopped me a few times, but nothing too serious. Usually because my plates have expired or someone forced me to run a red light by driving too slow in front of me. I have places to go and people to see, you know, with time deadlines, and red lights just happen to show up right when I am sailing through the intersections.:cry:

COOKIES? I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT COOKIES.

Where were you when the last of the Christmas cookies were eaten?!

Cookies? *licks crumbs off lips*WHAT COOKIES?
lol

When I was first clowning I was told the same thing ... stick to one look (i.e. same costume, hair, etc) so you become recognizable. I tried at first, but decided it's just part of my clown character to love frilly clothes so I'll continue to make them until my clown closet is full. I do keep my hair the same color (have gone thru two styles of purple wigs) and was still recognized.

I went to the OKC Mooseburger Camp in 2006 and Pricilla even mentioned being able to wear different costumes as the same clown. Of course, I realize that's also her business, but I still like the idea.

It may be her business but it really is her philosophy. She is always wearing something different when she is performing and she has multiple versions of her "signature" outfit. A satiny version for pictures, a poly/cotton version for working and a couple of simplified versions for warmer weather. Ever wonder about WHY it became her business???

I didn't realize she had multiple versions of her signature outfit. Great idea! I wondered how she could wear that one all year round and stay comfortable. I know she mentioned having different outfits for the different seasons. That's another reason I wanted more than one. Someday I'm going to buy one from her but for now I'll just keep sewing them.

Heh...well to be blunt, (Who me? Say it aint so, Hopper) anyone who tells you you can't do something in the name of some sort of rule is giving you bad advice. No one can tell you whats right for you except you.

THERE ARE NO RULES! (only guidelines and techniques) These so-called teachers only tell you the rules because that's what they were taught and they're just passing it on. Dollars to doughnuts they can't even tell you the purpose of the rule or where it actually originated.

(Ok, so maybe "be on time" and "don't go to a gig smelling like booze and cigarettes" are pretty good rules, but that's about it.)

Nettie, its OK if you want to wear different hair everytime you go out. I think artistically, you may owe your audiences a good yarn explaining why your hair is different, but that's it. (off the top of my head, I'm thinking that your hair could be like a mood ring...or maybe it changes based on what you ate that morning)

Say it with me:

My hair is not my character.
My costume is not my character.
My shoes are not my character.
These are just accessories.

My character is in the way I talk,
the way I think,
the way I act,
the way I move,
the way I emote,

My clown is in my heart, and who is to say what form it "should" take when it comes out to play?

No one except me, thats who.

Say it again

(Liberating, aint' it?)