clown question: do you alter your voice when you're in clown?

[Happy Harry]

I've heard that your voice should be recognizable, like someone would recognize the clown on the phone. And this weekend I'll be performing for a group of kids who know me well, but don't know that I clown, so I want to make sure i'm not recognized. But I've seen others perform who do not change their voice. What think you?

[Mr. Dazzle]

It really depends on the character... My first nose was a "Beginner Nose" that Bubba supplies... Its made of firm rubber and it just clasps on to your nose without glue.... It also made my character "Razzle-Dazzle" a bit nasaly so that has kind of stuck with my Auguste look even though I'm wearing a proknose now. Its just enough to be silly but not too much to the point that its annoying.

... I'm still working on my whiteface look but I have a feeling that I will use my normal voice for him.

My Tramp character B.A. Rascal is a clown of very few words. When I do "Mr. Dazzle" my extremely Light Look clown/Entertainer I use my normal voice.

But like I said... It really depends on your character... Where is He from?? If he's A Southern Clown such as Saphire Sue's Sally Bangs then a southern accent is appropriate...

If he is wise and proper then maybe a voice like the announcer for "Masterpiece Theatre"

A lot of clowns share their voice with their clown. But it really depends on your clown... Eventually your clown will let you know what he is supposed to sound like.

Just play around with it for a while... You'll figure it out.

[Duckie]

I change mine, but I have heard pros and cons on each side. I was taught to find and use a voice that you can use all day without hurting your vocal chords or throat.

It really is all up to you!!!! Best of luck in finding your voice!!!!!

[pixcoco]

Mine changes with my additude. It is not a consious thing but but it does change a bit.
I happen to be one of those people who have a recognizable voice anyways. Southern belle.

I have one character for which I wear a mouth appliance. This changes me in a way that surprised me. The southern accent multiplies trememdously. And for some reason I sound a bit snotty. I can't seem to quite do it without the mounth thing in.

[tim]

If you are used to doing "character voices" then you might be able to carry it off effectively. Realize that whatever voice you use has to be carried through the entire time. So be comfortable with it.

Personally, I play around with my voice, using different inflections and timbres throughout, as is suited to the situation. Sometimes it will be my normal voice, sometimes, a higher tinged tone, sometimes a softer and subtler approach. But I also want to be careful not to ruin my vocal cords (as I'm also a singer and that is pretty important.)

My advice: don't worry too much about anyone recognizing you. You're a clown, so you are just playing and having fun in costume, that's all. The key is not being unrecognizable. Don't hide behind the costume and makeup. Instead, focus on what you CAN do. Offer a persona which is attractive and unique. If you accomplish this, then it won't really matter if someone recognizes who you are beneath the "clown." For the clown will overcome, and be united with you.

[Bumbles]

I use my regular voice, but sometimes Bumbles slips in a little accent.

[Willace-the-Clown]

as Willace & Scrubs i use my real voice as Hobo bob & Spooky I use a differint voice. I did not vote since i do both

[Darrell]

I use my regular voice because it works for me. I have seen other clowns who use animated voices and do a great job. But I remember one lady who tried using an animated voice while teaching a clown class and was almost hoarse after 30 minutes and had to use her regular voice the rest of the way.

I guess if I was going to use a different voice I would have to practice it a lot.

Darrell

[Waldo]

I speak in the higher end of my normal register, so it is a little higher, but not much. I agree with the other individulas that the characters traits should dictate what you do. Waldo is a carefree individual with child-like tendencies, so I want him to speak in a more child-like voice, but not squeeky and kill my vocal chords.

The kids will eventually figure out that it is you, though I technically keep my identity a secret. When they do find out then it becomes a game. They will say "you are the clown" and I respond "no your the clown". That banter can go along way.

[magicgeorge]

Are there any non-speaking clowns here? Most of the clowns I know don't say anything!