Clown Class syllabus

Clown Costumes

Sources of Clown Costuming

Locally produced clothing

• Commercial patterns found in fabric store pattern books
• Modified pajama patterns

Existing Clothing – New

• Painter's pants
• Athletic socks or ladies knee socks – patterned or striped

Existing Clothing – Used

• Tuxedo – available from rental house
• Rummage sales are a source for baggy pants and colorful tops
• Second hand stores

Commercially Available Clown Clothing

• Clown stores
• Clown vendors at conventions
• Mail order catalog

Types of Clown Costuming

Main

• One-piece jumper (patterns available at fabric stores)
• Bib overalls
• Baggy pants/baggy oversized coat
• Tux suit
  • Regular
  • Modified

Shirt

• Turtlenecks
• Dickies/fake fronts
• Smock-type shirts
• Billowy oversized shirts

Neckwear

• Ruffs
• Neckties – bow ties – long ties
• Bibs

Characteristics of Clown Costuming

Size

• Too large – oversized coats and baggy pants
• Too small – pant/arm lengths too short

Color

• Bright colors
• Use of "flash" type materials
• Mismatched patterns and colors

Skin Coverage

• Whiteface – all
• Auguste, hobo, and tramp – face

Top Dressing

Wigs

• Locally produced
• Material
  • Fake fur – make your own pattern
  • Yarn

• Commercially produced
  • Afro
  • Bald Curly
  • Bald Straight
  • Curly (Harpo)
  • Jiggs
  • Bald Pate
  • Silly Boy

Hats

• Large
• Small
• Comic

Footwear

• Clown shoes – purchased from clown shoe vendor
• Large tennis shoes decorated

Practical Costuming

Dress for the Occasion

• Parade/walkaround
• Stage/center ring
• Hot day/cold day
• Skits
• Functional
• Tough (for rough-n-tumble activities)
• Color and style to compliment face and wig

Designing Your Own Costume

• Patterns which are helpful
• Modifying existing clothing
• Adding "flash" to costuming
• How much material should I buy for an average costume?

Costume Care

• Laundering/dry cleaning
• Packing
• Repairing/inspecting

Dressing for Competition

• Clean, ironed, and neat costume
• Costume, makeup, and shoes appropriate to clown character
• Pay particular attention to small details
• Wig combed out
• Gloves, hat, socks, and accessories as appropriate

CREATE YOUR OWN COSTUME

Your costume should be roomy, comfortable, cover you, be appealing to look at, and large enough to wear over a heavy sweater or coat. It should be easy to care for, washable, and it's really nice if it is made of permanent press fabric. It should have lots of pockets. It should have a high collar, turtleneck, or ruffle collar (if you are a whiteface clown.) Your makeup must come down beyond your collar so NO skin can be seen. Your ears are no exception; if your hat or wig doesn't cover your ears, then your makeup should cover them.

The pattern you select will depend on what type of clown you are going to be. Your costume can be of one or more pieces. If you are a tramp, you may want to obtain used clothing and make them a little more used or ragged, but clean please! (You want to look like a tramp, not smell like one!) You may want to sew on patches or have some paint spilled here and there. Rummage sales, thrift stores, or clothes you could salvage from friends, neighbors, or relatives are sources for clown outfits.

Most places that sell yard goods will have pattern books which will have one or more clown costumes. But it is not necessary to buy a clown pattern. Maybe you have a favorite nightgown, smock, or dress pattern that you could adapt for the top. The bottoms could be made to match or coordinate by having an elastic waist, and probably elastic in the legs to form a ruffle. They do not have to come all the way to your ankles; you m ay want to wear them shorter like knickers and wear either wild socks or unmatched socks. You do not have to purchase new yard goods; you can use sheets, old curtains, or dresses. Once again, visit that thrift shop or rummage sale! The brighter the material, the better the clown outfit.

Remember, when you are selecting your costume, you want to look neat and clean. You'll want something that will be easy upkeep and will look well after many washings. It shouldn't be too heavy a material and not too transparent. It can get mighty hot walking in a parade. You may want to wear your bathing suit or shorts under your clown outfit, so bring along some street clothes to wear after you take off your face and costume.

Pockets: Lots of pockets!! You can't have too many pockets. Pockets are for your treasures and your personal items; no one should be allowed in these but you! Your pockets should be large enough for easy access to your treasures. Things clowns my have in their pockets: noisemaker, squeaky toys, balloons, candy and other props, breathmints, something for an upset stomach or headache, facial tissues, toothpicks, touch-up makeup, sunglasses, money for a payphone or lunch, safety pins, house or car keys, and finally, personal items you may wish to carry with you. A hidden pocket with a zipper or snap closing is especially nice for keeping those personal items.

Trim: You may wish to trim your costume with patches, ribbon, lace, or fancy stitching; however, this does increase the cost of your outfit.

Hat: Most clowns wear a hat of some type—large, small, or in between. You may prefer a flower pot or some such thing. You will need to purchase a thin rubber elastic that is sold at sewing counters to attach to your hat to keep it in place. Most clowns wear a wig also, either hair, yarn, feather, or bald.

Gloves: Gloves should be worn at all times, especially if you are a white face clown. They should be clean at all times, so carry a spare pair with you. If you are a tramp or work with balloons, then you will need to cut the fingers out of the gloves in order to work. Gripper gloves are also available.

Name Tag: This is a part of your costume. It identifies you. Your name should be short, easy for kids to say and read. Check around with other clowns to see what names are used a lot; maybe you would prefer not to use those.

Jewelry: Don't wear your rings, watches (unless it's a clown watch), earrings, etc. Leave valuable items at home.

Glasses: For those who must wear glasses, you may want to decorate them and design your face to be worn with your glasses.

Shoes: They should be comfortable! Clowns walk a lot! The can be old ones, or gym shoes. They may be gym shoes bigger than you need and can be dyed and have paint on them or patches glued on them. Sometimes you can wear them over your regular shoes. If you know clowning is something you are going to commit to, you will want to check into getting regular clown shoes.

General: Rummage sales are great place to watch for "goodies" to use with your costume or whatever--old toys, hats, wigs, just all kinds of props. Remember to make them look clownish, not junkish.

You may have more than one costume.

Use your imagination and resourcefulness in creating your outfit.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's FUN!

HAPPY CLOWNING!!

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The Clown's Prayer

"As I stumble through this life,

help me to create more laughter than tears,

dispense more happiness than gloom,

spread more cheer than despair.

Never let me become so indifferent

that I will fail to see the wonder

in the eyes of a child

or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.

Never let me forget that my total effort

is to cheer people, make them happy

and forget at least momentarily

all the unpleasantness in their lives.

And, in my final moment,

may I hear you whisper:

When you made My people smile,

you made Me smile."

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

CLOWN ETIQUETTE

This has been copied from one of my files that was presented to me at a training institute! I'm certain by now some of this advice has been changed! Please look this over and add to the discussion.

1.Don't pick on people or embarrass them…make them laugh at you not them.
2.Don't throw candy in parades. Pass it out to each child on a one-to-one basis if you are going to involve candy in the clowning experience.
3.Don't let children get in your pockets. That is where you keep your treasures.
4.Don't wear jewelry.
5.If you must wear glasses, fit the glasses into your clown face.
6.Don't let yourself get overheated in a parade or show. Slow down and sit.
7.Be in good health. Take good care of yourself!
8.Don't use bad language, smoke, drink, or advertise them while in costume.
9.Be at the children's level when you are talking to them in costume.
10.Always be pleasant. Don't lose your temper. Remain calm and handle the situation as best as you can.
11.Be understanding and back off from someone who just doesn't care to have a clown come near them. This applies to young and old alike.
12.Always be on time for parties and parades.
13.Always stay in clown character when in public. Don't undress and leave makeup on or makeup off and costume on. ALL YOU OR ALL CLOWN!!
14.Have all your skin covered with makeup or costume.
15.Be neat and attractive. This goes for hobo clowns, too.
16.Don't copy another clown's face, costume, or name.
17.Don't complain about performance rules set down by others and producers.
18.Don't interfere or bother other acts, events, spectators, or individuals.
19.Etc.

OTHER HELPFUL HINTS

1.Limit your gags and routines to simple ones until you get the hang of it.
2.Practice, practice, practice!! Perfect your act, skit, prop, or routine.
3.If you goof the first time, play up to it like it was supposed to happen.
4.Be original with your act. Whatever material you use, make it fit YOU.
5.Once you get the right face, use it for your trademark.
6.Have a person at the end of the parade to take you back to your car.
7.Have someone bring you a drink at the end of a parade or performance.
8.Appear in as many clown shows, parades, and benefits as possible.

What Clowning Is All About

The art of bringing happiness and laughter to other people is a rare and cherished gift. But for many years, clowns have brought smiles and giggles to the saddest of faces. Their silly antics, raggedy hair, and painted faces bring sunshine into the hearts of all who see them.

Becoming a clown is a long, hard task, but many clowns all over the country are having fun trying it. They create their own unique face and costume, learn to use props, and practice pantomimes and routines.

Being a clown is not all fun and games. There is also a serious side of clowning. A few basic rules of etiquette must be followed in order to be a successful clown. Good clowns stress cleanliness, sensitivity to their audience, good personal habits while in costume, and many more.

Once you have completed the project sessions, you are ready to begin performing. There are a vast number of audiences—parades, birthday parties, hospitals, convalescent homes, share-the-fun contests, personal appearance revues, and country fairs. Some counties have found the clowns are one of their most demanded service clubs.

Clowning is good for the individual in that it brings out hidden leadership qualities and gives you a sense of achievement and accomplishment. Once you get your clown face on, you are no longer the same person. It also allows you to be creative in designing your own props, costume, and face.

Another important point about the clowning project is that it can be a family project. The whole family can practice and perform together and have fun.

Clown Project Goals and Objectives

1.To add zip to events.
2.To bring joy and laughter to people of all ages.
3.To add to the fun and excitement of parades and special events.
4.To really share your fun with others.
5.To develop self-confidence.
6.To learn to relate to people.
7.To overcome shyness.

COSTUMES

GETTING

STARTED

CLOWNS ARE PEOPLE TOO

by Jig Saw

If you haven't seen you fellow clowns, at functions for a while;

Don't assume that they don't care, they may be going thru a trial.

They may be going thru a space, when life's real hard to bear;

And now's the time for us to show, just how much we care.

Please don't be too quick to judge, on what the surface shows;

They may be walking in a stream, down deep where sorrow flows.

Have we really tried to seek out, why they've not been seen;

Or have we in some way assumed, that we know everything?

Yes clowns are kind and thoughtful, and they have a lot to give;

Please don't forget they're people too, and sometimes it's hard to live.

Now when the day it does arrive, and they return to us;

Let's meet them with our arms outstretched, and make a joyful fuss.

Let's tell them that we want to help, if we can in any way;

That we've been saying a little prayer, to help them through their day.

Let's tell them that we love them, and without them there's a loss;

We need them here to stir the cheer, and spread the joyful sauce.

For we don't know when the day might come, when we must back away;

And we will need their comfort, in an understanding way.

Oh please remember clownees, we all do the best that we can do;

We all need love and compassion, cause clowns are people too!

How to Choose a Clown Name

Those who become CLOWNS very often take new names, sometimes referred to as "stage names," now that they are starting a new life as CLOWNS. With so many new CLOWNS entering the world, it is much more difficult to find a CLOWN name which would be unique to each person. Still, if you play the SPIELMAN BROS. "CLOWN NAME SAME" here, you should be able to find a name that belongs only to you!

VOWELS: Addition or subtraction. One quick way of getting a CLOWN name is to add or subtract a vowel to the beginning or end of your first, second, or surname. The vowels O and Y are the most commonly used by CLOWNS. For example: O-JIM, JIMMO, JIMMY, CATHY, CATH, etc. Remember, use A, E, I, and U if O and Y do not satisfy you.

BACKWARDS: Spell your name backwards. If this new spelling pleases you, use it: PUDEXIM (MIXEDUP), KRAM (MARK), DUB (BUD), NAMLIEPS (SPEILMAN), SNOP (PONS), etc.

DICTIONARY: Read through the dictionary for ideas. Start with the "Z's", "A's", or somewhere in the middle: ZAMA, ZAMIA, ZANY (a CLOWN), Y (or WHY), YAPPER, YIPE, WHEELO, WHEEZO, WIGGLY, WINDY, etc.

TELEPHONE BOOK: Looking through the telephone directory may give you ideas on a name most comfortable for you. (One singer chose his stage name, "Darin," from the telephone book, then recorded "Splish-Splash"—he wrote this is 12 minutes—and became a teen-age idol in 1958.)

DREAMS: Choose a name you wish you could have received at birth.

INTELLIGENCE: Use an expression of intelligence like SMARTY, DUMMY, WIZO, WISE, SHARPEE, KRAZY, TINK (for "THINK"), etc.

NUMBERS: Try using a number for your name or add a number to one of your names. For example, ZERO, DUO, UNO, EINS (ONE), TWENTY-TWO (or use your age at the time you started in the art of CLOWNING), ONE-0-ONE (101), JOHN-TWO, GEORGE-EIGHT, MARY-FIVE, etc.

MINERALS: Name yourself after one of the minerals, such as COPPER, ALUMINUM, ARSON, BARIUM, BISMUTH, BORON, BROMINE, CARBON, COBALT, FLUORINE, FRANCIUM, GALLIUM, GALENA, GOLDEE, IRON, PYRITE, MERCURY, NEON, NICKEL, RADON, SILVER, SODIUM, URANIUM, TIN, ZINC, ZIRCONIUM, etc.

PLANTS: Some CLOWNS like to name themselves after plants or their by-products. Examples are ABACA, ACORN, AGAR, AGAVE, ALDER, ALFALFA, ALLIUM, ALMOND, AMBER, ANISE, APPLE, APRICOT, ARTICHOKE, ASPARAGUS, ASPEN, ASPERGILLUS, AVOCADO, BALM, BALSAM, BAOBAB, BARBASCO, BARBERRY, BARLEY, BASIL, BEANS (or BEANIE), BEECH, BETEL, BETULA, BIRCH, BLUEBERRY, BOMBILLA, BOYSENBERRY, BRAZILNUT, BROCCOLI, BROMUS, BUCKWHEAT, BURLAP, CABBAGE, CANTALOUPE, CARAWAY, CARROTS, CATTAIL, CEDAR, CEREALS, CHILI, CHIVES, CHOCOLATE, CINNAMON, CHARCOAL, COLA, DAISY, DILL, EBONY, ELDERBERRY, ELM, FERN, FICUS, FILBERT, FLAX, FLOUR, FRANGULA, FRAXINUS, GERANIUM, GINGER, GLYCERIN, GOOSEBERRY, HEMLOCK, HENNA, HICKORY, HONEY, HORSERADISH, HOMINY, HUCKLEBERRY, INCENSE, INDIGO, INGA, IODINE, IRIS, ISATIS, JALAPA, JAMBU, JASMINE, JUNCUS, JUNIPERUS, KARO, LETTUCE, LICORICE, LILAC, LILY, LIME, LOGANBERRY, LOTUS, LUMBER, MAHOGANY, MAIZE, MALT, MAMMEE, MANDRAKE, MANGO, MANIHUT, MAPLE, MELISSA, MELONS, MILO, MOLASSES, MORUS, MULBERRY, MUSTARD, MUSKMELON, NECTAR, NESSBERRY, NUTMEG, OATMEAL, PARSLEY, PARSNIP, PEACHES, PEANUT BUTTER, PEANUTS, PECANS, PEPPERMINT, PICKLES, PIGNOLIA, PIMENTO, PINA, PINEAPPLE, PISTACHIO, PLUMS, POMEGRANATE, POPCORN, POPPY, POTATO, QUERCUS, QUINCE, QUINCA, RADDICHIO, RADISH, RAISINS, RAMA, RASPBERRY, RUBBER, SAFFLOWER, SAGE, SARSAPARILLA, SASSAFRAS, SAUERKRAUT, SEQUOIA, SESAME, SILKY, SOAPBERRY, SORGO, SPINACH, SPRUCE, STARCH, STRAWBERRY, SUGAR, SUMAC, SUNDEW, SUNFLOWER, SWEET PEA, SWEETPOTATO, SYCAMORE, TABASCO, TAMALE, TEABERRY, TEASEED, TIGERNUT, TIMBER, TIMBO, TOMATO, TONGA BEAN, TULIP, TURNIPS, VANILLA, VERBENA, VINEGAR, VIOLET, WALNUT, WILD RICE, YUCCA, ZAMIA, ZAILEY, ZEA, ZINGIBER, ZIZANIA, etc.

ANIMALS: Sometimes the names of animals make good CLOWN names. You can use the names of amphibians, fish, mammals, and reptiles. Examples would be BUTTERFLY, GRASSHOPPER, CRICKET, TERMITE, BLUEJAY, ROOSTER, BIRDEE, LADY BUG, BEE BEE, BUMBLES, BUGSY, BLUEBIRD, BUZZARD, CARDINAL, CEDAR-BIRD, CHICKEN, CRANE, CUCKDO, DUCKEE, FLICKER, FLAMINGO, GOLDEN-EYE, GOLDFINCH, GRACKLE, GREBE, GULL, CHICKEN-HAWK, KINGBIRD, KINGFISHER, LARK, NUTCRACKER, OSPREY, OTUS, OWL-OWL, PARTRIDGE, PEEP-PEEP, PELICAN, SPIDER, SUPER-PIGEON, QUAIL, RAVEN, ROAD-RUNNER, SCOOTER, SEA-PARROT, SKUNKHEAD, SNIPE, SNOWFLAKE, SWIFT-TEE, THRASHER, TOWHEE, TURKEY, VIREO, WARBLER, WAXWING, WHIP-POOR-WILL, WHISTLER, WOODPECKER, YELLOW-LEGS, YELLOWBIRD, YELLOW-HAMMER, YELLOW-THROAT, PANDA, GOPHER, EL BUFO, EL TIGER, POMPON, GRAY GRUNT, RED GROUPER, DOLPHIN, AMBERJACK, POMPANO, BLUE RUNNER, BONITO, BIGMOUTH, BITTERHEAD, BLACKEARS, BLOATER, BLUEBACK, BULLHEAD, CAPITAN, DOLLY VARDEN, DRUMMER, FIDDLER, FLASHER, FLOUNDER, HERRING, LEATHER-EAR, LONGJAW, LONG-EAR, MARLIN, PERRO-PERRO, PETO, PICUDA, PUMPKINSEED, REDEYE, REDMOUTH, SNAPPER, SPRINGER, STEELHEAD, SUNNY, TUMMY, WALLEYE, etc.

LOCATIONS: Occasionally, a CLOWN will take the name of his birthplace, or from a river, lake, etc: CHICAGO RED, NEW YORK JERRY, L.A. TOM, MINNESOTA MARY, PHILADELPHIA PAT, TORONTO GEORGE, RIO, ABO, CALIE, WILLOUGHBY, etc.

MEASUREMENTS: Sizes are used by some to describe the opposite of what they are. If tall, they may go by SHORTY, etc. Other examples are JUMBO, TINY, SKINNY, Mr. TALL, SLIM, BIG DAVE, LITTLE PETE, SKINNY MINNIE, FLABBY, CHUNKY, BEANPOLE, etc.

SHAPES: Once in awhile, a CLOWN will decide to take a name describing a shape. Examples are GYRO, CIRCLE, ROUNDEE, PARABOLA, ROLY-POLY, SQUIGGLE, STAR, BOLT (for a lightning BOLT), etc.

SOUNDS: Often a CLOWN will think about choosing a name that is descriptive of a sound most interesting to him. Examples include ATCHOO (God bless you!), GOO-GOO, BOOM, BABBLES, BANG-BANG, BANGER, SNAP (or SNAPPY), POOF-POOF, TEE HEE, HO-HO, YOWIE, YIPE, QUACK-QUACK, DING-A-LING, TOOT-TOOT, BEEP-BEEP, BEEP-BOP, WIGGLE, etc.

EMOTIONS: Lots of CLOWNS like to create a name for themselves by expressing an emotion whether happy, sad, or funny, like: HAPPY, SORRY, SNEEZY, DELIGHT, SWEETHEART, GIGGLES, GRUMPY, WEEPY, YUMMY, ICKY, NOSEY, NOSEYBEAR, PEPPY, FORGETFUL, BASHFUL, HUGGLES, etc.

FOOD: If you like to eat or cook, choose a name that means food to most of the public. Examples include STRINGBEAN, MUFFIN, BACON, STRAWBARRY (for the name BARRY), PIRI-PIRI (for the hot sauce), TAMALE, DUMPLING, PEANUT BUTTER, JELLY, COCONUT, BLUEBERRY, ONION, COFFEE, PEACHES, PEPO, CHEESY, HEINZ (for the ketchup), PUMPKIN, etc.

SWEETS: Sweet names go over big with the children: CANDY, COOKIE, PIE-PIE, POPSICLE, CREAMY, TAFFY, GOOEY, SUGAR, MUFFIN, TOPPING, CUSTARD, SWEETIEPIE, CINNAMON (for the roll), CHOCOLATE CHIP, BUTTERSCOTCH, etc.

COLORS: When a color is important to you, you may wish to call yourself by that color. For example: INDIGO, PINTO, VIOLET, PINKY, REDDY, RED-RED, ORANGEY, BROWNIE, GREENY, BLACKIE, GRAY-GRAY, SILVER, GOLDEE, etc.

ANATOMY: You may decide that the human anatomy is the best place to look for your name. Such names as FRECKLES, SMILEY, HAIRY, TOE-TOE, CHIN-CHIN, SHIN-SHIN (means "happy"), TWO-LIPS, BIG MOUTH, LONG-EARS, SHORTNOSE, FATS, DIMPLES, etc., will work.

FOREIGN: Sometimes the foreign word for an adjective or noun works well for CLOWN names. You might choose: BEAU ("boe"--French for handsome), BELLE (French for beautiful), JOLIE ("joe-lee"--French for pretty), PETITE ("peh-teet"--French for small), LIEPSCHEN ("leep-shen"--is a German term of endearment), MUSIKA ("moo-see-kah"--Spanish for music), KEIKO ("kay-koe"--means happy child in Japanese), etc.

CLOTHES: Many CLOWNS like to name themselves after clothing. Examples are BUTTONS, ZIPPER, POCKETS, PATCHES, CALICO, BOOTS, BLOOMERS, BELTS, OVERCOAT, COTTON, POLLY-ESTHER (for polyester), RAYON, LYCRA, etc.

GAMES OR TOYS: Name your CLOWN after your favorite game or toy. Try: POLO, YO-YO, TOPPY, BUBBLES, BALLOONS, BRUSHES, MAGICO, RULER, PENCILS, FLASHLIGHT, FLASH-BULBS, PUZZLES, SKIPPS-N-JUMPS, PINOCHLE ("pea-nockle"—a card game), JUMPER (for jumprope), HOPSCOTCH, etc.

WEATHER: A name describing the weather in your area brings recognition. Try: STORMY, WINDY, SUNBEAM, SUNNIE, SUN-HERE, SUNSHINE, SUNRAY, BREEZY, RAINBOW, SNOWFLAKES, HURRICANE, TWISTER, FROSTY, ICY, etc.

DOUBLE NAMES: Self-explanatory. Examples include: WINDY-WINDY, BOOM-BOOM, TOE-TOE, BO-BO, JO-JO, SO-SO, TO-TO, HO-HO, BEE-BEE, ONE-ONE, HAPPY-HAPPY, JOHN-JOHN, JOHN-BOY, MARY-GIRL, HANDY-PANDY, HIPPITY-HOP, etc.

PROFESSIONAL NAMES: Use the title of a profession to form your clown name. You might choose: DR. FUMBLES, NURSE JONES, OFFICER O'HARE (for a Keystone cop), OFFICER NO-HAIR (for a bald cop), PROF. DUM-DUM, MR. WRINKLES, DR. HAPPY, BIOLOGIST JILL, SIR GIBBS, MASTER DONDI, HONORABLE JOKER, LADY BABS, MR. CHUNKS, MRS. BLOOM, MISS SHOOGS, etc.

OUTER SPACE: You can even use the names of objects in our universe. Such examples include: STAR, COMET, CAPT. PLANET, STARDUST, SPHERE, MERCURY, PLUTO, JUPITER, NEPTUNE, MOONLIGHT, ORBIT, etc.

COMPUTERS: Sometimes computer technology lends itself to funny CLOWN names. Examples are: GIGABYTE, MEGABYTE, MOUSE, KEYS (for keyboard), BLIP, BLOOP, ROM, FLOPPY, MATRIX, DOT, etc. (If you wanted to use MEGABYTE, your character could have buck teeth--mega bite!


You may go through several names before you decide on what name best fits you.

THE ART OF PANTOMIME

Definition of pantomime:
It means all poses and gestures and all expressions of the face which reveal the thoughts and attitudes of characters in action. Ordinarily, we use it in trying to make people "see a character." Like any art, it follows certain definite laws.
For effective pantomime, you should visualize the circumstances under which the character is placed. Try to capture the character's mood and his mannerisms, to visualize exactly what this particular person would do in these circumstances. Remember that you cannot do real pantomime by using the just the hands and arms. You must also assume the way he walks, how he turns his body, shrugs his shoulders, and—above all—his facial expressions.

Activities:
Walk like: a sailor
an old man
a girl with a tummy ache
a man carrying a heavy pack on his back
a boy receiving a prize
Act like: (individual)
a fortune teller
a person painting a sign
someone taking a snapshot
someone cooking
someone opening a box of flowers
someone binding up a wound
someone walking a tight rope
someone reading and hearing a strange sound
man in restaurant window making pancakes
girl drinking a chocolate malted
traffic policeman at rush hour
orchestra conductor
woman washing clothes
woman applying makeup
large woman doing sit-up exercises
walking upstairs
man on subway train reading newspaper
Work out: (group)
building a camp fire
playing in an orchestra
buying tickets for the theater

HISTORY OF CLOWNING

Clowns have been around for a long time. The earliest clowns were the court jesters. They performed for royalty during the Middle Ages, wearing gay costumes trimmed with tinkling bells. They were supposed to make the king and courtiers laugh at their funny stories and wild antics.

Harlequin clowns came after the jesters. They appeared on the scene in the Italian theater of the Sixteenth Century. They always wore tight-legged, full-sleeved costumes that were bright with color in diamond-shaped patterns. They also wore black half-masks and white, ruffled collars.

Then came the Pierrot clowns. They had big pom-poms, like huge buttons down the front of their loose-fitting tunics and on the peaks of their pointed hats. They usually wore ruffled collars. The clown suits usually worn to Halloween parties today are like the Pierrot's costumes. The Pierrot was the first clown to use white makeup.

The first clown of the Modern Age circus was Joseph Grimaldi. He appeared in London, England in the early 1800's. At that time, circuses were small and had only one ring. Clowns were able to talk or sing directly to the fans. One of the Grimaldis' great songs was called "The Oyster Crossed in Love." He sang it tenderly to an oyster, then ate the oyster. Joseph Grimaldi was so famous that clowns since then have been known as "joeys."

Clowns have also been called "zanies." This comes from the Italian word "zanni," short for the Giovanni.

America's first great clown was Dan Rice. He worked with performing pigs and stubborn mules. His funniest act was called "Pete Jenkins from Mud Corners." The act started when the ringmaster announced sadly that the great bareback riding star was sick and could not perform. Then Dan stumbled down from the stands, pretending to be drunk. He bragged that he could take the place of the star. The audience laughed at this, for Dan looked so funny in his baggy clothes. Then Dan rushed at the galloping horse and snatched at its tail. He slid around the horse's back and fell off clumsily. The audience laughed louder than ever. But then, Dan began to shed his baggy clothes, and soon he was dressed only in spangled tights. He would then ride like an expert.

As circuses became larger, three rings were too big for singing and talking clowns. So they began to develop skits that mostly called for action. The trained dog was put in a machine. When a crank was turned, a chain of hot dogs came out the other end. The clown policeman brandished rubber clubs and walloped other clowns. When a clown was hit, a big bump (really a red, rubber balloon) swelled up on his head.
There were midget clowns and animal clowns. There were sad-faced clowns. There were clowns with high, pointy heads. There were clowns with stomachs so big with padding that midgets had to prop them up. The clowns marched around the track, stopping every so often to put on their acts. This was known as a "clown walk around."

There was more to the joy of clowning than making people laugh. Part of the job was filling in time. Performances had to keep moving, so when riggers put up apparatus for aerialists or wire walkers, the clowns ran into the Big Top and went into their acts. The audience was kept busy watching their antics while the other work was going on. The moment the rigging was finished, the clowns chased each other out of the tent with cap pistols banging away.

Sometimes the clowns were called upon in emergencies. There were bad accidents, even in the best of circuses. A beautiful lady on the flying trapeze might take a nasty fall into the net, or a daring bareback rider might slip under a horse's hooves, and a moan would rise from the audience. The crowd would stare in horror, but then the clowns came tumbling out to take the people's minds off the accident. The show went on as if nothing had happened.

The clowns had their own section in the dressing tent. There they put on their special costumes and makeup. First, they put on white stocking caps to protect their hair, then they smeared their faces with a grease paint known as "clown white." After that, each clown was on his own. No two clown faces could be alike. A clown began to create his face when he was just a "first of May," as he was called during his first season with the show. Even as a "Johnny-come-lately" in his second season, he often made changes. Finally, he found just the face he wanted. Each clown had his own special makeup. No other clown would ever dare copy it.

The clown was the only one who could eat in the cookhouse while wearing his makeup. He was allowed this privilege because it took him so long to put it on and take it off.

"Clown Alley" was a special part of the circus set aside for the clowns and named after them. It wasn't really an alley. It was simply a strip of the backyard alongside the Big Top. It was covered with a canopy that extended from the Big Top itself. It was close to the back door of the main tent. The back door had to be easily available because the clowns were in and out of the tent so many times during the show.

The larger props needed for their acts were kept in clown alley. There were the stilt walker's ten-foot-long wooden legs, the funny carts, and the tiny fire wagon. There were the man-sized razors that turned up in the barbershop act. There were bicycles, hoops, and collapsible chairs. There were enough wonderful things to keep a children's playground very active indeed.

The clowns spent a great deal of time in clown alley. There was always laughter, for the clowns loved to play jokes on each other. Clown Alley was no place for someone who couldn't be a good sport.

It was there, too, that young clowns learned the art of clowning from their elders. Many of the older clowns had once been great performers. When they grew too old for acrobatics or swinging high above the crowds, they turned to clowning. They could not bear to give up the life of trouper. Sawdust was in their shoes, and the circus was in their blood.

MAKEUP

MAKING UP THE EYES

The eyes, along with the mouth, are the most important parts of the clown face. Care should be given in making them stand out. A well-designed clown face will have eyes that complement the mouth and will move with the muscles in the face to show action and expression.

EYE DESIGN

Makeup design of the eyes can be divided into three parts. The first is the vertical line decoration (shown below right), which is normally centered around the pupil. It is shown as the semi-vertical lines above the eyeball. The second part of the eye design is the outer edge decoration. In the sketch, it is shown as a mark extending from the outer edge of the eye in
a downward direction. Finally, the third part
of the eye design is the eyebrow.

A properly designed clown eye does not
necessarily need all three parts. However,
the eyebrow, being the most visible, is
necessary for achieving a good eye design.
The other items are used to draw attention
to the eye to convey emotions to the audience.


Figure A shows an eye with all these parts.


Figure B shows a well-designed eye with
only two components.


Figure C shows the eye with only the eyebrow.



All three of these eyes are well-designed.

Several examples of each of the three eye
components are shown on the next few pages.

MAKING UP THE MOUTH

There are a variety of styles you can used to accentuate your mouth. Augustes use both black and red for the lips. The whiteface, however, needs the red lips for color against the predominant colors of white with black accents.

Here are a few important points.

1.Augustes and the comedy whiteface should not apply red or black to the upper lip. When red or black is applied to the upper lip and the mouth is opened, a hole shows up in the center of the red or black. However, with a white upper lip, a smile appears when the mouth is opened.

2.The outer edges of the mouth should not extend beyond a vertical line drawn through the outside edges of the eyes. All muscle control in the mouth area lies between these two lines. There is no control over the mouth outside this area. Therefore, expression is reduced when the mouth extends beyond the vertical lines.

3.Make sure the clown mouth is as wide as your natural mouth. Do not add a small heart or circle for your mouth. They do not enhance the natural mouth, cannot show the expressions that a clown needs to project, and adds nothing to the appearance of the clown face.

Below, and on the next page, are some examples of mouth shapes.

How to Clown Manual

CLOWN

NAMES

HOW TO MAKE UP AS A CLOWN

First, let us begin with a few words of caution. Be sure that children use only non-toxic makeup. That is very important! In addition, never, never, NEVER use house paints, enamels, lacquers, dye colors, shoe polish, or artists' oils and watercolor paints. All of these are harmful to the skin. Use ONLY theatre grease paints.

MAKEUP TOOLS

For applying makeup, you will need the following items:
·your grease paints
·brushes of several different sizes
·a separate, big makeup brush for dusting off powder
·a squirt bottle full of water or Final Set to brighten colors
·paper towels
·makeup pencils, stipple sponge (for hobos)
·pencil sharpener for makeup pencils
·baby powder or neutral powder for setting makeup (not cornstarch)
·a smock to cover your clothing or an old shirt
·your clown nose
·adhesive for your nose—spirit gum, putty, clear latex, or nose stickers
·latex remover (if you choose to use that kind of adhesive)
·baby wipes, cold cream, or baby oil (for makeup removal & cleaning hands)
·makeup sponges (or Q-tips are very helpful)
·facial moisturizer
·powder puffs or a large tube sock for powdering
·a fingernail brush for removing any makeup that gets under your nails
·a mirror (magnifying mirrors are very helpful!)
·a case large enough to carry your supplies

STEPS FOR APPLYING CLOWN MAKEUP

• Pull your hair back, especially if it's long.
• Make sure you wash your face well before applying makeup to remove any dirt or oil which will prevent makeup from sticking.
• Apply a light amount of moisturizer all over your face. This will facilitate makeup removal later and protect your skin from discoloration.
• If you are going to be a whiteface, begin covering your whole face, chin, and down your neck with clown-white. Try to achieve a smooth cover. Don't be afraid to lay it on; just don't get too carried away. To smooth it down, tap all over with two fingers until you get it as smooth as you can.
• If you are going to be an auguste or hobo, apply white only to the areas you want to be white. Use two fingers to pat the makeup and smooth it down. If you're going to apply color in the white area, take a makeup sponge or Q-tip and cut out the white where the color will go. If you don't, you will either end up with pink or gray, instead of your bright colors.
• After you've gotten the white nice and smooth, powder down the area well. Then take your big makeup brush and dust off all the excess powder. Don't be afraid to dust it off really well. The makeup will not come off.
• If you're going to be an auguste or hobo, and you have blotchy skin, you may want to consider using a flesh-colored grease paint to even it out. This is especially true if you have a lot of blemishes. After you apply it, powder as you did the white and brush off the excess.
• Next apply the red and black portions of your makeup. Note: if you're right-handed, it's very helpful to do your left side first. Then you won't have to worry about smudging the already-done right side when you're trying to do the left. Powder again and dust off the excess.
• If you're going to apply anything special like glitter or false eyelashes, do that now.
• Spritz your face well with water or Final Set to help brighten the colors. Don't be afraid to do this. Your makeup is set with powder and won't come off. This is important to make sure your dark colors really stand out.
• Take a dampened paper towel or baby wipe and clean off your nose so you can attach your clown nose. If you don't clean it off first, your nose will not stick well.
• Using adhesive, attach your clown nose, adjusting it to make sure it's straight and fits well.
• Take a second look in the mirror to double-check everything.

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU NOW LOOK LIKE A CLOWN!

J

MAKEUP REMOVAL

There are a couple of different ways you can remove your makeup. Please make sure you thoroughly remove makeup each time after practice sessions and performances.

Traditional Removal:

1.Apply cold cream or baby oil with fingertips on all made up areas.
2.Tissue off gently.
3.Repeat cold cream or baby oil, if needed and tissue off again.
4.Wash face gently with soap and water. Dry.
5.Apply moisturizer to keep face, especially if you have dry skin.

Newer Method:
1.Use moist baby wipes to gently remove all makeup. It may take several. This avoids the need for greasy baby oil or cold cream, and the makeup comes off quite easily.
2.Wash face gently with soap and water, then dry.
3.Apply moisturizer to your face, especially if you have dry skin.

The Scoop on Clown-White:

The early clowns called clown-white makeup "skinfood." It was a mixture of oxide of zinc, lard, and tincture of benzoin. Sometimes bismuth was used as a substitute for benzoin. Bismuth was a powder that, after years of use, became a poison to the skin, and the irritation it caused resulted in giving up clowning or sometimes it resulted in death. Today's clowns use ready-made clown-white makeup that consists of zinc oxide, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, mineral oil, paraffin wax, and lanolin. This modern-day makeup is absolutely safe and poses no health hazards to clowns.

--Gene Lee Clown
Editor, Three-Ring Newspaper

FACETEMPLATES

FOR

DESIGNING

CLOWN FACES

CHARACTER CLOWN IDEAS

1. Nurse 52. Jockey
2. Cop Modern 53. Cowboy
3. Cop Keystone 54. Grocery Clerk
4. Cop London Bobby 55. Messenger
5. Sheriff 56. School Boy (short pants)
6. Sheriff's Deputy 57. School Girl (short skirt)
7. Baseball Player 58. Cowgirl
8. Sailor Pirate 59. Drum Major
9. Sailor French 60. Sleep Walker
10. Sailor 61. Barber
11. Butler 62. Pilgrim (male)
12. Maid 63. Indian Brave
13. Fairman 64. Hillbilly Boy
14. Fishman 65. Hillbilly Girl
15. Shiek 66. Mopper (European child)
16. Organ Grinder 67. Roman
17. Peddler or Drummer 68. Waitress
18. Salesman 69. Waiter
19. Hunter 70. Artist Painter
20. Tramp (rags or tatters) 71. Farmer or Gardener
21. Hobo (patches) 72. Belly Dancer
22. Bum (drunk) 73. Ballet Dancer
23. Engineer Train 74. Square Dancer
24. Conductor 75. Bull Fighter
25. Conductor Orchestral 76. Scuba Diver
26. Band Director 77. Spanish Gentleman
27. Chef 78. Southern Colonel
28. Bell Hop 79. Mexican Native
29. Busboy 80. Dutch girl
30. Swimmer Old-Fashioned 81. Little Miss Muffet
31. Boxer 82. Little Red Riding Hood
32. Doctor 83. Aviator Pilot
33. Pastor 84. Witch
34. Bride 85. Zombie
35. Groom 86. Ringmaster
36. Musician 87. Tap Dancer
37. Magician or Sorcerer 88. Mounted Police
38. Scientist 89. Southern Belle
39. Gentleman 90. Oriental
40. Doorman 91. Indian Chief
41. Snake Charmer 92. Convict
42. Baby 93. Judge
43. Mailman 94. Dutch Boy
44. Strongman 95. Rube (Jewish comic)
45. Golfer (knickers) 96. Chimney Sweep
46. Bag Lady 97. Little Bo Peep
47. Carpenter 98. Bavarian
48. Plumber 99. Football Player
49. Drum Majorette 100. Roaring 20's Flapper
50. Indian Girl 101. Scarecrow
51. Humpty Dumpty

PROPS

AND

GAGS

SOME TRIED & TRUE ROUTINES RECOMMENDED BY:

Pam "P.J" Vandewater, Meta "Mitzi" Krucina, Connie "Shy Gumshoe" Matras, Sylvia "Maisy" Columbus, Darlene "Tootie" Francone, & Janet "Jelly Bean" Tucker

• Mitzi does a complete routine with small boxes of "Cheer" detergent with a "carrot" inside. "I brought you some Cheer because I carrot for you." Then do the magic trick with the ropes that come out. Use "Tide" or "Vanish" for a running word play on soaps and detergents using small box props.

• "Prescription glasses" made with prescription bottles glued to eyeglass frames, and another pair of glasses with a box of "Contact" glued on for contact lenses.

• P.J.'s spring raccoon, Rocky, who can do tricks such as roll over, stay, and count, but he doesn't do that often because it gives him such a headache.

• Shy Gumshoe makes a chicken out of a towel and talks about the healing qualities of chicken soup. She also uses a "3-piece chicken dinner" which consists of 3 kernels of corn—dinner for a chicken.

• Jelly Bean uses a rubber chicken who is worn out from swimming in the soup pot making chicken noodle soup.

• Tootie uses a clown stethoscope made from a plunger to check out toes, ear, knees, etc.

• Magic tricks preferred by the clowns include knit loops which exchange places on the finger and are given to the patient, the magic coloring book, the large card with all the mini-cards glued on the back, and rope tricks with stories.

• Jelly Bean uses a large bone marked "Funny Bone: and tries to find the owner who must be missing his funny bone after surgery.

• Several clowns use soap bubbles with different patter such as "scrubbing bubbles" keep the hospital clean and sanitary, or the clown catches the bubble (really a large marble) and saves it to show the next patient.

• Preferred giveaways include stickers, bug prescription cards, coloring or puzzle pages, magic knit loops, and photo cards of the clowns.

These notes and ideas will help you to be a better clown visitor. Remember to put some time into planning your visits so you will bring smiles and laughter in a positive way to help with healing.

USING PROPS AND GAGS

Where do ideas for props and gags come from?

After being a clown and performing for a period of time, you'll find it very easy to think like a clown. Until that time, you'll find it beneficial to be alert to the many events around you. Especially watch:

• Everyday events (people-watch at malls, stores, restaurants, etc.)
• Toy counters (check them for things you can adapt)
• Current news events (items like "Trouble with the Dome in Minneapolis, and the People Mover in Detroit" can lead to a "Dome Repair Crew" or a

"People Mover")

• Job related (large telephone poles and phones for parades)
• Fairy tales (large shoe, etc., Cinderella, and others)
• Gift Shops and gag stores (check for things you can use)

Walk Arounds: (parades, circuses, store openings, etc.)

Usually, one or two clowns perform a sight-gag or a small, quick gag while walking around a circus ring or in a parade. The clown keeps moving while doing the gags, or stops…performs…and moves on to another part of the ring or parade, and thus another audience. The trick or gag is repeated.

In the case of a store opening, the clown remains stationary, while the crowd keep changing, thus the clown repeats the gag at intervals to a constantly changing audience.

Practice handling your props so the audience can see what you are doing. Be aware of where your audience is located so they can see and understand your bit. Determine what you want your audience to grasp.


NOTE: Be very cautious of squirting water or throwing confetti on an audience. Although it is funny to those not involved, getting a newly purchased hot dog (or other food) covered with confetti or water is not necessarily funny to the one who purchased it.

Props are a very important part of your show or act. They should be in good working order and maintained properly. They should look good and be quality made.

A.J. Fast

PROP SUGGESTIONS

Hidden Walk Arounds in a Briefcase:

NOTE: Suitcases can be made from light (1/4") plywood or perhaps from foamcore material. They can also be purchased at garage sales, etc. Inserts can be foamcore, masonite, or perhaps cardboard or artist board.

OUTSIDE OF CASE INSIDE THE CASE

Top Secret "Secret" deod. containers
Electric Dish Washer dish cloth and elec. cord
Official Spring Cleaner springs and feather duster
Official U.S. Taxpayer rubber skeleton
My Bee Collection letter "B's"
My Photo Album pictures of Raggedy Ann
Feets of Skill feet cutouts and Skill saw
Egg Plant plant with eggs attached
My Box of Tricks cereal box of Trix
A Pair of Bloomers two potted plants
Get Along Little Dogie case w/dog hanging out
An American Hairless rubber hotdog w/collar
Pair of Whoppers two plastic hamburgers
History of Aviation a large fly
Ugliest Person in the World a mirror
Antique Nutcracker a stuffed squirrel
Dog Food mailman's pants & shoes
My Ant Collection pix of three old ladies
Rock and Roll a rock and an old roll
My Pride and Joy pic of Pride & bottle of Joy
Ruins of China broken plate
Holy Mackerel fish with holes in it
Holy Cow cow with holes in it
Scottish Bagpipes a bag and pipes
Tale of Peter Rabbit rabbit's tail (powder puff)
Portable Electric Hand Mixer stuffed glove w/elec. cord
Early American Alarm Clock a rooster
My Family Crest tube of Crest & toothbrush
My Diamond Collection cards w/diamonds on them
Five-Carat Diamond Ring five carrots, dime, and ring
My Chain-Letter Collection letters hanging on chains
Danger, Man-Eating Plant talking teeth
Baby Rattlers baby rattles
My Bug Collection toy Volkwagen cars
Inflation Fighter a girdle
World's First Airbrush balloon and elec. cord
First Dog in Space hot dog susp. on a wire

A.J. Fast

PROPS, continued

SIGHT WALKAROUNDS (one clown)

Valentine Surprise heart box w/wind-up teeth
Balancing Stick balance can on top (magnet)
Hand Pointing finger points up (words 'down')
Giveaway Flower stems (straws)
Giveaway Balloons helium balloons w/short strings
Balancing Feather sharp pin in feather
Ear Cleaning sign and large Q-tip
Box of Popcorn popcorn on strings
Spring Flowers bucket w/slinky flowers
Large Camera giveaway photos
Toothbrushes sign w/toilet brushes
Ear Piercing sign and large, sharp dowel
Circus Hand Balancing hands on stick
Neckties sign w/hangman's nooses
Dog or Cat Food box or bag w/animal crackers

LARGE WALKAROUNDS (one or two clowns)

Pizza two clown gag
Cotton Candy two clown gag
Elephant and Rider fake legs
Duck Hunter duck sitting on gun
Chicken & Egg bendover prop
Lady & Baby Elephant bendover prop
Balloonist large balloon over clown

TRAY WALKAROUNDS (one clown)

Hot Dog Vendor hot dogs on tray
Fish Vendor rubber fish and big knife
Vendor Vendor hot dog selling "vendors"
Chicken Dinners Col. Sanders box w/ears of corn,
checkered tablecloth, plates
Onion Vendor tears, onions, knife
Free Shakes milkshake glasses, cotton, etc.
Candied Apple Vendor balloon apples

THIRD-HAND PROPS

Sad Stories book w/hand wiping face
Flower Puppet large vase w/puppet
Apple with Worm in It make green puppet as worm

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

If a child lives with criticism,

He learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,

He learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule,

He learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame,

He learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance,

He learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement,

He learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise,

He learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness,

He learns justice.

If a child lives with security,

He learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval,

He learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,

He learns to find love in the world.

HOW TO START WITH A GAG

A gag is any funny stunt worked by one or two clowns with a minimum of props. Here is an example of starting with a gag and then setting up a situation:

Sucker on the Line (two clowns)

(Clown One calls the other and asks) "Have you been doing any fishing?
Clown Two: Have I been what?
Clown One: Have you been doing any fishing?
Clown Two: I can't understand you.
Clown One: We must have a bad connection. I'll check my line.
(Clown One gets volunteer from audience and has them hold arms out like a telephone pole)

(Clown One calls again) Have you been doing any fishing?
Clown Two: I still can't understand you. Let me check my line.

(Clown Two gets volunteer from audience and has them hold their arms out like a telephone pole.)

(this can be repeated up two or three more times)

(Clown One calls Clown Two again) How is the connection now?
Clown Two: Fine. I can hear you very well.
Clown One: Have you been doing any fishing?
Clown Two: Don't need to do any fishing. We already have plenty of suckers on
the line.


(Suggested props—Use two tin cans as receivers with a long string in between)

GAGS

WONDERFUL DOLLAR

Needed: Three clowns and a large dollar

First clown enters on stage and finds a dollar. He is very excited.

Second clown enters on stage and tells first clown that he owes him two dollars and he'll take one. The first clown gives him the dollar after some arguing.

Third clown enters on stage and tells second clown that he owes him two dollars and he'll take one. Second clown gives third clown the dollar after some arguing.

First clown comes back and tells third clown that he owes him two dollars and he'll take one. After some arguing the third clown gives the first clown the dollar.

Repeat this action until the dollar is again in the possession of the first clown.

First clown finally says, "This is a great day. I found a dollar, paid off a two dollar debt, and I still have a dollar! Boy, that's high financing!" Or he could add, "Now, isn't that amazing?!"



CHICKEN DINNER

Needed: One or more clowns

Props: Covered container, an ear of corn, and a tablecloth (or a blanket if you want to do it as a picnic)

Note: This skit may be used as a walkaround or on a stage production.

Spread out tablecloth (or blanket) and invite a member of the audience (or another clown) to share your chicken dinner. Hand the guest the box of dinner and tell them to help themselves. When they pull out the ear of corn, you say, "Well that's what chickens eat isn't it?"

If using as a walkaround for a parade, stop and offer to share your dinner with a member of the audience. Then hand them the box of dinner and tell them to help themselves. When they look at you funny, you say, "Well, it's good enough for the chicken, isn't it?"

GAGS, continued

TIGHTROPE WALKER
Needed: Three clowns (one tightrope walker and two rope holders)

Props: Long rope, umbrella, play money, balloon

Two clowns hold a rope high in the air, and the third clown enters with greatness. Walker is ready to walk the tightrope, but rope is too high, and he can't get on it. Walker pleads with first rope holder, and after some indecision, he lowers the rope slightly. Rope walker moves to the other holder and again begs for the rope to be lowered. Finally, the second holder lowers the rope, but it is still too high. Walker pleads with both holders again and offers them money. They accept the money and lower the rope to the floor. Walker opens his umbrella and starts his walk. Walker is scared, and when someone breaks a balloon when he's halfway across, he runs across the rest of the rope. Surprised and pleased at himself, the walker takes many bows, and the two rope holders grab him and drag him off stage.

MIRROR

Needed: Two clowns and a mirror

First clown starts talking to audience about the show. Second clown comes on stage crying with mirror in his hands. Acting concerned, the first clown asks, "What's the matter?" The second clown gives the first clown the mirror and says, "What do you see?" The first clown replies, "Me." The second clown is relieved and says, "Thank goodness. I thought it was me." Then first clown chases the second clown off stage.

REPORTER ON THE BRIDGE

Needed: Three clowns, a notebook and a pen.

Clown enters on stage with paper and pen, telling the audience he has a new job as a reporter. But, he has no story and doesn't know what to do! He remarks about standing on a bridge. Just then a second clown enters crying. When asked what the matter is, he replies that a disaster has recently happened. As the reporter consoles the unhappy clown, another unhappy clown enters and tells of a disaster that happened to him. The reporter suggest they all jump off the bridge and end it all. The other two agree with the reporter, so the reporter says, "On the count of three, we will all jump off the bridge." The reporter counts to three, at which point the two unhappy clowns jump off the bridge. The reporter says, "Now I got a great story!"

GAGS, continued

WASH DAY BLUES

Needed: Four clowns
Props: Small bucket, three scarves, long rope, squirt gun or spray bottle and
an umbrella full of confetti

Two clowns enter with a rope and hold as a clothes line. The third clown enters with the small bucket and the scarves. He then proceeds to hang the wash, commenting on the wonderful weather he's having. The fourth clown enters behind his back with the water gun in one hand and the confetti-filled umbrella in the other hand. When the third clown is not looking, the fourth clown squirts water at him. The third clown asks the audience, "Is it raining out?" This action is repeated twice more. The fourth clown finally shows himself and asks if the third clown would like an umbrella? The third clown takes the umbrella, opens it over his head, and is covered with confetti. He chases the fourth clown off stage, and the first two clowns follow.






THE TEA PARTY

Needed: Two or three clowns

Props: Magic tea pot, four plastic glasses, food coloring, four 9-12" silks that are the same color as the food coloring, magic bucket and stand; and confetti or torn paper.

The clowns are going to have a tea party. They sit down together to enjoy some tea. Clown one starts to pour tea, but gets red liquid. He tries again three more times, and each time, the liquid is a different color, and it's not tea! Seeing something is wrong, they discover the silks in the tea pot. They pour the colors into a bucket, and the second clown accidentally spills water on the first clown. They take off in a chase, and the second clown pretends to spill the bucket on the audience, who then get covered in confetti.

CLOWN STUNTS AND GAGS

by Earl Chaney

PICKPOCKET

Needed: Two or three clowns

Props: A watch, billfold or wallet, magic bag, rope two-feet long, and one pair
of clown underwear.

Clown One claims to be the world's greatest pickpocket, so the other two clowns challenge him. Clown One manages to pick the watch out of Clown Two's pocket. Clown Two challenges him again, and Clown One ends up with Clown Two's wallet. At this point, Clown Three brings out an anti-pickpocket device, which is a magic bag. Clown Two and Clown Three place the bag over Clown One's hands and tie it with the rope. They then challenge Clown One to pickpocket Clown Three. (nod heads with each other, sure he can't do it) When they untie the bag, Clown One is holding Clown Three's underwear. (Clown Three checks inside his pants and gets horrified look.) Clown Two and Clown Three chase Clown One off stage.




CLOWN BOXING

Needed: Two or three clowns

Props: Two pairs of clown-style boxing gloves, two pair of clown-variety boxing
trunks, two chairs, a cow bell, and a long shirt

This is a one-sided boxing match consisting of three rounds. The referee (Clown One) and Clown Two join forces so that Clown Two can win the match. When the bell rings, Clown Two can always hit Clown Three, but when Clown Three tries to hit Clown Two, the referee rings the bell. This happens in each round.

In the final round, Clown Three ducks and Clown Two hits the referee. Referee and Clown Two begin to fight, and either the long shirt or his pair of pants drop—or both.

GAGS, continued

MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB
Clown 1: Hi. I learned a new nursery rhyme and I've been practicing and
practicing. Do you want to hear it? "Mary had a little lamb, she did;
she really did! Its fleece was white as snow. And everywhere that
Mary went, the lamb was sure to go.

Clown 2: (walks in with watering can behind back) "(clown name), that was
really good, but you know, that's the old-fashioned version. There's
a new (insert year) version. Do you want to learn it? (Clown 1 may
may say no, and Clown 2 convinces her to try it. Clown 1 says "yes"
and Clown 2 proceeds)

Clown 2: (watering can still behind back, and gesturing with other hand) "Mary
Mary went for a walk one day, down the shady lane. When all of a
sudden (pause) all of a sudden, down came the rain!" (says to Clown
1) Now, you try it.

Clown 1: OK. (while Clown 1 recites, Clown 2 walks behind Clown 1, showing
he will pour water on Clown 1) "Mary went for a walk one day, down
the shady lane. When all of a sudden (pause) all of a sudden, she had
a great pain!"

Clown 2: (hurries to put watering can behind back) "No, no, that's not quite
right. Let me repeat it for you. (repeats rhyme and then in a stern voice
says, "You got that?"

Clown 1: (as Clown 1 recites, Clown 2 tries again to pour water on Clown 1)
"Mary went for a walk one day, down the shady lane. When all of a
sudden (pause) all of a sudden (looks up at sky) she saw a big crane!"

Clown 2: (hurries to put watering can behind back again, and in a madder voice
says, "No! No! No! I'll repeat it again. Now pay attention and get it
right this time!" (repeats the rhyme)

Clown 1: (Clown 2 tries one more time to pour water on Clown 1 while she
recites) "Mary went for a walk one day, down the shady lane. When
all of a sudden (pause) all of a sudden, she saw a choo-choo train
(makes train sound)

Clown 2: (visibly disgusted, sets down watering can and steps forward) "I'll
repeat it just one more time!" (repeats rhyme)

Meanwhile, while Clown 2 is reciting, Clown 1 notices the can, picks it up and shows she will get Clown 1. When he says "rain" she pours water on Clown 1 (he reacts with surprise), she steps back and says, "Ha! Ha! Ha! I've heard that one before!" They chase off stage.

GAGS, continued

AT THE GREASY SPOON

Needed: Two clowns
Props: Table, chair, coffee pot, fake sandwich, peanut brittle (canned snake)
(Clown comes in and sits at the table)

Waitress: (comes to table) What would you like, today?

Clown: A million dollars.

Waitress: We only serve food here.

Clown: What about coffee?

Waitress: What about it?

Clown: Will you bring me some?

Waitress: OK. (brings coffee, trips, and spills it)

Clown: Oh, for heaven's sake!

Waitress: I'm sorry, I'm sorry. So sorry.

Clown: Just get me a B.L.T.

Waitress: A baloney, lard, and tuna?!

Clown: (rolls eyes) A bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich!

Waitress: Why didn't you just say so? (goes to get sandwich)

Clown: (checks sandwich, sees no bacon, and complains)

Waitress: Sorry, Sir! We're all out of bacon.

Clown: Can I have some ketchup?

Waitress: (gets ketchup, trips, and spills it)

Clown: (complaining) How about some dessert?

Waitress: (leaves and comes back with candy—canned snake) (hands to clown)

Clown: What is this? (opens candy and snake jumps out) (chase off stage)

BALLOON TIPS

DO'S:

• Do stretch the balloon before using it if you're blowing it up by mouth.
• Do keep the balloons in a relatively cool storage space (68-70 degrees F).
• Do use a little powder (very little) in humid areas or on rainy days.
• Do take more to your event than you think you'll need (they're popular)
• Do "burp" the balloon (let out a little air) before twisting (helps keep from popping.)
• Do take a small cooler with a little bit of ice with you to store the bags if you'll be twisting balloons on a very hot day. Put a towel, and then a piece of plastic between them and the ice (or use ice packs) It'll keep them cool. Just don't let them get wet.
• Do blow them up slowly so they don't break.
• Do make it a part of the routine and laugh if they break on you.
• Do make the twists all in the same direction.

DON’TS:

• Don't stretch the balloon if you're going to use a pump (weakens it too much)
• Don't store your balloons in the car during summer or winter.
• Don't overbuy and keep the balloons around for months.
• Don't use pumps with very cold air.
• Don't store the balloons outside of the bag it came in.
• Don't blow up balloons in children's faces (balloons might explode)
• Don't stand in the hot sun to blow up balloons
• Don't let your balloons get wet.
• Don't scare children by purposely popping balloons.
• Don't try to blow up balloons outside in cold weather.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BASIC BALLOON ANIMALS:

DACHSHUND: The one animal the public expects every balloon man to make is the sausage dog. The dachshund has a long body and short legs. There are the same twists as in the poodle, but the rubber bubbles are different lengths.

GIRAFFE: The giraffe looks a bit like the dachshund that has been tipped up on end. The front legs should be a trifle longer than the hind legs to create the effect of a sloping back. The neck, which is the long part, can be shaped with the hands.

MOUSE: Keep your balloon bubbles small. Inflate the balloon about six inches, burp, and tie off. Make all bubbles a uniform size. Leave plenty of tail to make it really look like a mouse.

CLOWN RESOURCES

(current as of Sept. 2005)