Clowning outside in the summer

[Sir Toony Van Dukes]

I had a few clowns tell me that they don't take clowning gigs outside in the summer because it is too hot to be in makeup and costumes. They said they will do facepainting and balloons outside, but not in clown makeup.

I know that it has been a very hot month in the DC suburbs and I was volunteering last weekend (not as a clown) and sweating quite a bit. What do most clowns do in the summer if they are asked to perform outside?

I thought I would have been able to go out as a clown this spring, but pollen season hit me pretty good. I would have had to change my name to sneezy. I want to get out and be a clown, but I don't want to risk heat stroke or anything like that.

So, what are your tips, tricks, and hints for clowning outside in the summer? Are you protected from sunburn when you are in clown makeup?

[saphireSue]

Well there are cooling vest, but I don't think they would work for my costume. I have several cooling neck ties [you can now find them at wal-mart] you need to soak them in ice water for more than the 1 hr. they reccommend, but basically it has a powder that absorbs the water and you tie around you neck, it does help, I use one last wk, in 105 temp. Drink water, water, water. I know this will sound crazy, but I've put blue ice packs in zip lock bags and stuff inside my vest in my old costume it helps.

[pixcoco]

I may live in NY now but I spent 12 years in Houston clowning first.

I do not line my costumes. I make sure nothing fits tight. I make sure nothing shows sweat. Some fabrics turn dark when wet. I keep a cloth in my pocket to blot my face. I keep powder in my car to re-powder between shows. I keep all my make up in the car for inbetween show in the rare instance I need a touch up. I drink lots of water. I WILL be soaked by the end of the day. Drink until you pee.

I can't imagin not working because of the heat. In houston that would put you out the majority of the year.

[Sopey]

I drink Gatoraid rather than water because it replaces electrolytes you lose when you sweat.

[Pickles]

For me, it is all in my mind-set. If I'm busy and don't dwell on the heat, I'm fine. I won't even really think about the fact that it's 95 degrees out until I'm on my way home. Then I start to melt and am ready to toss my sweaty green curls out the window!

[Jolly Well]

I rarely wear make-up in extreme heat. Most clown shops sell No Sweat spray that is suppose to help keep your face. It doesn't sound like a good idea to me though, as your body generally needs to sweat and preventing it from doing so isn't the best route to take. If you were using cooling vests and other means it may be ok (but if you get your temp down, the no sweat wouldn't be needed)...

I do some stilt gigs which require costumes in the summer, but if its extreme heat (90's +), I will generally try to get by wearing as little as necessary. My street magic routines have me in Cargo Shorts or Jeans and some sort of vintage t-shirt...

That being said. I will clown out if the price is right..