Beginning to clowning - silence

[Trevinho]

Hi

For a long long time I wanted to be a clown. I started first by teaching myself how to do balloon animals, then origami, then some took some acting (along other skills I already have I think I can us) and I think I am now ready to create my clown and act it out. I was thinking a joyful whiteface clown that doesn't speak. The reason for the silence part is because I wish to perform mainly for very young and special education kids, which in most scenarios don't have a good grasp of the language.

I don't really want to make a profession out of this, but rather do it for the only reason I think a clown is needed, to put a smile in the face of people. I want to use my free time to walk the cities/orphanages/hospitals/any place that I can do some good and try to make some smiles.

The problem is where I live there aren't many clown schools (don't think there is any except maybe in acting degrees having one class on the subject). I have some kind of drama classes in university which can help, but I don't think that teacher ever had anyone trying to be an actual clown, but still I don't have much access to information about clowning. I was wondering if anyone has any tips, maybe some beginners skits I could practise that may fit into what I wanna do.

Another question, when starting out, it it ok to go low profile with the costume? I was thinking on making one my own but I don't have that many funds to invest so I'll be mostly re-using old clothes of mine and family ones.

I'm also ordering Clown Act Omnibus and Be a Clown: The Complete Guide to Instant Clowning as these were the books I could find still selling that were best rated. If anyone has any comments about them or any other suggestions it would be appreciated (I don't think I can find Creative Clowning being sold easily).

Thanks for any help.

Trevinho

[Scruffy]

Trevinho, Welcome! I hope you'll make yourself at home here on the board. Our members want to help you suceed, so don't be afraid to ask questions.After all, the only dumb question is the one you don't ask!
It sounds like you have a great start. Clown act omnibus is a good source for many skits, but not much on instruction. If you can get your hands on creative clowning it is the best book on the many aspects of clowning in a single volume. I bought my copy on Ebay for ten dollars.If you can only buy one book about clowning this is the one to own. Another one is strutters complete guide to clown makeup. I paid about the same on ebay. I actually have found most of my clown books there. And read them at my local lending library before I ever owned them.
For a costume, check the thrift stores. occasionaly one shows up but you can find many separate pieces that will work.
You have decided to take up clowning for the best reason of all. To make other people laugh and forget about their troubles for a little while.Life is far to sreious and no one gets out of it alive, so laugh!
Welcome aboard!
Scruffy

[nadie]

Hi there,

I've seen you are interested in children with special needs as well. That's something we share, I guess. Just in case you happen to design skits for children with down syndrome or autism, here is an article I've found a couple of days ago on what makes them laugh. It was helpful to me.

http://www.down-syndrome.net/library...-125-EN-GB.htm

all the best

[saphireSue]

Welcome to our group, I agree wtih Scruffy, thrift store are a great way to get started. Where are you located, boy or girl?. When I decided to change costumes to be more pooffy [sp?} Many clowns I had seen were wearing a crinllin skirt, I found a wedding one at Good Will cut it down to size hemmed it and it only cost $3 compared to ordering one for $40. Just remember to put your clown eyes on then go shopping, also shop through any relatives closet that will let you, old hats can be neat.

[mr_buckaroo]

welcome to our little clown alley on the web glad you are here.

[shady_lamps]

Welcome to the board. Make yourself at home.

Yeah all chairty shops are great. You can find most your clothes there and get them very cheap.

[BIPS]

Welcome aboard! This forum is a great resource for clowns new and old.

Hope to type to you in chat sometime!

[Walmoe1]

Hi there Trevino;
I'm new to this myself too, I started clowning (at work, Wal-Mart) at the young age of 50 (I'm 56 now) and I don't clown as much as I'd like to and I'm still learning ( I just attended the Great Clown Adventure - a convention- here in Las Vegas).
You are off to an excellent start (better than me) sounds great-go for it.
By the way, I'm changing my costume slightly, using scrubs (medical uniform) I can get really-really baggy pants, the uniform store has really-really big sizes, and I'm getting the scrub top cut into a vest.

Get it on

Walmoe 1,Lloyd Williams (also "Wilmoe")
Las Vegas, Nevada