Eating in Costume

Mindy · #1 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 09:35 AM

:roll

o clowns eat in costume???? Several years ago when I was being "taught" clown manners.....it seems to me that I was told to never eat in costume. However, in the ministry I'm involved in, many times it is an all day event and I'm invited to share the noon meal. What do I do?

ashes · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 11:15 AM

Hi, Mindy --

I was taught not to eat in costume also, and for the most part I don't.
We usually have a "safe room" where we go to eat or take a break or
drink.

However, I think there are times for exceptions, just like you mention.

Our clown group (Fire Department Sponsored group) worked with some underprivileged kids and were invited to have lunch with them. It was a special time for them, and so we did.

I would never want a clown to be seen smoking or drinking alcohol
while in costume.

Also, here in Texas the summer heat is just plain DANGEROUS. Especially
when in several clothing layers -- my costume includes a large heavy
bunker coat. So, it is important to stay hydrated and there is nothing
wrong with drinking plain bottled water.

I also use one of the bicycling "camelback" packs with a long drinking
tube. It hides well under my big coat and I can take unobtrusive sips
from that tube.

As to lunch - I would avoid anything greasy (Pizza, for example) because
it will take the makeup off your lips. Also, after lunch go back
into a safe room and brush your teeth and touch up your makeup.
Then you should be ready to go again!

Ashes

ashes · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 11:20 AM

Also, to help keep from messing up your makeup,
you can drink through a straw.

Welcome to the clown forum!

Ashes

Walmoe1 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 12:17 PM

I prefer not to, however as you guys, occasionally the situation warrented it.

PremierSparkles · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 12:43 PM

Hi Mindy & welcome!

I, as usuall, agree with Ashes. I do not do anything "human" or out of character while in front of an audience. Due to some health issues I have, I do have to eat & can't skip meals. I actually have to eat more when clowning because I am using soooo much energy. I try to have the client supply me with a private break room. During long gig, such as this weekend I am doing a festival for 4 hours. I have worked in a break into the contract and here they have not provided a break room. So I will most likely head out to my car that will be parked in a remote location, crank up the A/C & eat a snack. The same goes even for using the bathroom, I will try to go maybe to the employee bathroom instead of a public one.
I can see where you may be ina situation where eating with your audience may be appropriate and can be puled off well. I guess the kids would feel extra special & it would be kinda like eating with Cinderalla or Mickey Mouse, they would have a memory for years! You could really ham it up while your eating! The most important thing to me i staying in character!

Walmoe1 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walmoe1

I prefer not to, however as you guys, occasionally the situation warrented it.

P.S. since I'm diabetic, sometimes I have to.

Scruffy · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 04:43 PM

I am a diabetic also.
Generally I try not to eat in costume. I always manage to "Feed" my shirt so, it keeps the dry cleaning to a minimum. :wink:
Drinks, Got to have 'em. At least some water to sip. Character or not. I've got to have some liquid anailible. I just try to sip when I'm not being engaged in something.
The safe room is a great idea. When I do fun fairs I do that. The bathroom, is always a challenge thought. I've generally used one in a class room that isn't being used, fesstivals though, It's hard to deal with sometime.
Mindy, I too was taught that a clown does not eat or drink in public. Often , I get my food at McD's on the way home. Twist a couple of balloons in the drive thru, and ask if Ronald can come out and play 8) Jamz and I were talking about this the other day, and he reccommended going in sometime. I intend to try it, I'll just order it to go. I do often agree with the adage that rules were made to be broken. I don't think it's such an issue to eat in public, as it it to eat like a clown. So Here's a couple ideas...
1. eat dessert first. (This is a given. :wink: )
2. Use a straw to save your make up.
Sit down sometime and observe kids eating. I think it my be the best way to learn to eat like a clown.
Premier Sparkles has the main idea. YOu must at all times remain in Character. I think stepping out of character does more to damage the illusion than eating in public. Drinking Alcohol, smoking, and bad language, I consider those to be Big no no's in costume and makeup. If you wish to partake, It's your business. But in public, it could ruin your career real, real fast. SO I think it best to do your partying out of character.

Welcome aboard, Mindy. I hope we can learn from you. It's alway great to see fresh faces around here.
Scruffy

ashes · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 05:02 PM

I've always wanted to go inside in costume/character.

But in these days after 9/11 it isn't such a good idea,
folks think "masked badguy" --

When I was in high school, we used to go to this drive-thru
at a Jack-In-The-Box...

We tried EVERYTHING to get them to laugh, but it never worked.

We backed through the drive-thru
We went through the drive-thru with a friend of mine laying on top of the roof.
We did it in various karate gis and halloween costumes.

Nothing.

I'm sure they were saying "here come those darn fool kids again."

Ashes

saphireSue · #9 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 06:05 PM

like you guy, generally I don't eat in front of a crowd, but there have been times, but I have sat down to eat when I thought it was approp., kinda what ashes mentioned when it was a special group.

this is out of place but my 9 yr old likes to watch "that so Raven"
When she gets frustrated she says "old snap" she learned it from that show. What we say and do will be repeated by the young, make sure it something that's good.

Scruffy · #10 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashes

I've always wanted to go inside in costume/character.

But in these days after 9/11 it isn't such a good idea,
folks think "masked badguy" --

Ashes

True, but generally, there are kids in there so if they see you and you're in character everything will likely be all right. Also, most bandits aren't going to look as good as a pro clown. So, I think they would be less suspicious of you than somebody in with a bad face and no real costume.

Just my 2 cents.