New Vaudeville??

[deanvefikizgi]

Well for the best we can categorize clowns in to 5 to the ones who want to.

1- Whiteface
2- Auguste
3- Tramps
4- Character Clowns
and...
5- New Vaudeville

ok now mostly we all know the first 4. Even if not. some info about them can be found easily over the net. But now this is where the problem starts. "5- New Vaudeville"...

Whats is this? Can any one give me any info about this New Vaudeville? Does it have to do any thing with the normal Vaudeville Comedys that we watch on theather?Whats the history of it? Whats it to be? Thanks for reading. Hope to get som good answers thanks alot...

[PremierSparkles]

I have never heard of the "New Vaudville" clown type. :?

The newest clown type "officialy" now according to COAI is the "Lite Auguste", not much make up, & no wig. Hat or ribbons in hair. This is much like the "European Clown". Very minimal in everything, costume & make up. I actually have resvervations about these new clown types. It seems as if these new clown types are coming into popularity becasue people are getting hot in the wigs & don't like applying lots of make up out of lazyness or they are concerned with scaring children, which, that can be overcome in other ways. Some of these people who are doing the new clown types, don't even look like a clown. "What is a clown supposed to look like?" I think this new clown type is a traggedy to the art of clowning.

[deanvefikizgi]

Well sadly as ý could find out the new vaudville is nearly the same thing. Juggling, unicyling and everything else what we clowns do.. but they have no make up on face. and more normal costumes...

Well maybe l,te auguste is good for some of the lazzy humans. But the thing thats loved about the clown is mostly the make up and costumes... Thats what makes us a part of the peoples dreams...

[tim]

I consider myself to be in the spirit of the "new vaudevillian's" (who aren't so new anymore, actually). It was a movement begun about 30 years or so ago. The basic idea was a certain return to immediate, up close and personal, interactive type of comedy akin to the vaudevillian shtick of years past. It focued more on character and comedy in clowning than makeup and American type circus characterizations, taking a different approach in that regard. In many a case, these clowns began as street performers, reviving the variety arts. They've grown in all kinds of directions, including theatrical clowning. Often satirical or purposeful in providing meaning and commentary via clowning.

Here is an article on the new vaudivillians:

http://tinyurl.com/z7cyr

[Governor of Florida in 1682]

Thanks for the link Tim. There is room for almost all in clowning even if some traditionalists don't approve I suppose. I'm sure one day in the past the August was frowmed upon as "Not a clown" As long as it is funny and is meant for entertainment it is all good

[PremierSparkles]

Tim,

Thanks for explaining to us what this new clown type is. I get it now! I have always thought you had a great look! Simple & cute, you have an English look. I understand how these performers / clowns are so skilled in their performances that make up & over the top costumes & wigs can actually be a distraction from what they do.

The guy who works for me is a former Moscow circus clown, he is a "European" clown. He really doesn't "look" like a clown, and really to be honest his costume needs some help. He barley wears any make up & no wig, just a plain felt hat. But he just so darn funny & such a great performer, with his whole body, as you watch him, you soon forget what he looks like. You stay captivated with his whole enteraction with people. He doesn't even speak english! He kinda "grunts" even in a Russian dialect, if thats makes any sense. But, you know what he is saying by his movements & head nods. He is quite brilliant! He has also performed with the Big Apple Circus & many, many others. He has taught me most of my clowning as a personal trainer. I have never seen funny like this!

[tim]

Originally Posted by PremierSparkles

Tim,

Thanks for explaining to us what this new clown type is. I get it now! I have always thought you had a great look! Simple & cute, you have an English look.

Thanks. And, yes, that is how I play that character.... even using a British accent!

Actually, of late, I've also been working on more of a traditional auguste face which enables me to better express certain character elements (including my, maybe I should say "old vaudevillian", sensibilities). Ultimately, I think that character is the key and look merely helps you to communicate character.

Also, while I consider my(clown)self personally in the spirit of the new vaudevillians, I happen to LOVE the more traditional American clown type and am growing in appreciation for European clowns.

[PremierSparkles]

[quote="tim"]

Originally Posted by PremierSparkles

Thanks. And, yes, that is how I play that character.... even using a British accent!

Tim,

Are you actually English or British? Just curious.

[tim]

[quote="PremierSparkles"]

Originally Posted by tim

Tim,

Are you actually English or British? Just curious.

Well, I had ancestors who came over on the Mayflower. But it goes back about that far to find any relatives who are from there.

However, when I was in high school, a friend of mine had a cousin from Northern Ireland who had a British accent that all of my schoolmates so much loved we imitated it. Thus, I'm pretty decent with it.

In fact, when I was playing around with the character last year at Moosecamp, I had a couple of people (unbeknownst to me until someone later told me) fooled into thinking that I was, indeed, a Brit. But that's just where the face and costume naturally draws me.

[PremierSparkles]

[quote="tim"]

Originally Posted by PremierSparkles

Well, I had ancestors who came over on the Mayflower. But it goes back about that far to find any relatives who are from there.

However, when I was in high school, a friend of mine had a cousin from Northern Ireland who had a British accent that all of my schoolmates so much loved we imitated it. Thus, I'm pretty decent with it.

In fact, when I was playing around with the character last year at Moosecamp, I had a couple of people (unbeknownst to me until someone later told me) fooled into thinking that I was, indeed, a Brit. But that's just where the face and costume naturally draws me.

Thats pretty cool! My mother -in - law came over on the boat. She was born in Liverpool England & loves any type of British comedy. I like Mr. Bean!! She still has her accent after 45 yrs! I try the accent & the whole family tells me to "give it up"! Oh well!!!