I'm in need of some advice.

[Zoey]

I have my first gig at a charity function on April 5th. I finally ordered my costume and have decided to go with my natural hair in very curly pigtails with a crown. My big problem is I have a really hard time with the makeup I can never get it to look quite right. I have tried light auguste and white faced and neither come out like I would like. Does anyone have any suggestions.

Also the event is for an animal shelter here in town and I'm not quite sure what to do while walking around. A few people have suggested jokes and things but I was wondering if anyone else had any ideas? I just don't want to start off my clowning career looking more foolish than a clown should.

[Chance Marmalade]

You could always opt for a more natural face style, just some basic make up to enhance your features. If there are going to be animals where you're performing heavy make up might scare them. Painting your nose red or wearing a professional nose might be all you need. Strutter's Complete Guide to Clown Makeup is the most suggested book on the subject I've seen.

[Scruffy]

Ditto to chance. I would simply go with the hair, and add a red nose for effect. You might also accent your eyes and some blush to the cheeks. I would avoid the full makeup with the animals. At a shelter, you have no idea what the animals were exposed to before they ended up there.

[Fitzwilly]

Zoey, would you post a couple of your attempts at makeup tht you were not satisfied with? They may actually be great faces.

[Bumbles]

One of the bits I use for walkarounds where the crowd changes, is an old briefcase with a latch type closer. I glued a bunch of plastic ducks to a piece of strong cardboard that will fit snugly inside, and on the outside I have one of those see through plastic sheet protectors glued on (so I can change the signs I use) the sign says Box Full of Quackers. I walk around and ask people if they would like a Quacker, when I open the briefcase all they see are ducks.

[Snugglesnort]

There is also a whole thread of walkaround ideas, for every discerning pallete!

and another one!! HURRAY!!

Have fun with this. Don't be afraid to be bold and daring!

[Zoey]

Thank you all very much for the advice and ideas, they will help a lot. Fitz, I will try to post a couple of my attempts at the makeup. They probably aren't nearly as bad as I think they are.

Edit: Snugglesnort thank you so much. I am sure these will give me a lot of good ideas.

[Bumbles]

Good Luck Zoey, let us know how you make out.

[Scruffy]

Yes Zoey. you will be your own worst critic. Please post some photos.

[Sir Toony Van Dukes]

Zoey, As others have suggested, posting pictures will give everyone a chance to see what you have come up with and offer suggestions.
As Chance suggested, Strutter's is a good starting point for clown makeup.

Are you using proper clown makeup and powdering the makeup properly after application.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Put on the makeup when you have some free time after dinner. Experiment with using a brush, sponge, or finger to see what works best for you.