THE ART OF CLOWNING
collars, and they were the first clowns to use white makeup. ... control, use a swab stick or makeup brush. ... flesh-colored makeup as a background for the ...
EM4882
THE
ART OF
CLOWNING
Washington State University • College of Agriculture and Home Economics
2
Contents
OPPORTUNITIES 5
THE HISTORY OF CLOWNING 6
CLOWN MAKEUP 9
WORKSHEET 16
CLOWN COSTUMES 17
COMMUNICATING AS A CLOWN 21
CLOWN ETIQUETTE 24
PERFORMING A SKIT 25
PANTOMIME 30
PUPPETRY 33
VENTRILOQUISM 35
CLOWN PROPS 37
BALLOON ARTISTRY 38
REFERENCES 42
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4
“CLOWNING”
means happiness and laughter to many people. Clowns add much color and enjoyment to
parades, community events, and promotional activities. Clowns interact with the audience
as they wave, perform antics, and visit personally with young and old.
4-H clowning provides unique opportunities for individuals to develop physical and
performing skills as well as participate in a variety of fun events. It helps develop
communications and relationships with others, and strengthens self-confidence.
Opportunities
4-H clowns can become involved in many
Clowns can be teachers, too, as they give
demonstrations and perform skits and routines on
specific topics to share with the audience.
community activities and events. Aclown may Clowns support organizations by providing
make people feel welcome to a grand opening or information and publicity for their service
may urge people to patronize a car wash, a food projects.
stand, or a special attraction. Local service and Children and families are delighted to have a
community organizations often invite clowns to clown lead them in games and activities at
appear on their programs to entertain the birthday celebrations, reunions, and parties.
audience. Clowns also receive personal satisfaction as
Clowning is an excellent way to promote the they bring a bit of cheer to hospital patients,
4-H program and can be incorporated into any homebound persons, and residents of convalescent
project area. Clowns take part in parades, fairs, homes.
community functions, and 4-H variety shows. Whether or not your clown club decides to
School functions, banquets, parties, style reviews, be a service club, performing club, promotional
and mall days are other events in which a 4-H club, or a combination, there are plenty of ways
clown can become involved. to involve everyone.
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The History of
Clowning Jester
Some of the earliest clowns were court jesters.
During the Middle Ages they performed for royalty,
wearing festive costumes trimmed with tinkling bells.
They made the king and courtiers laugh at their funny
stories and wild antics.
Harlequin clowns came after the jesters, appearing on
the scene in sixteenth century Italian theater. They always wore
tight-legged, full-sleeved costumes, 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 pompons, like huge buttons, down the front of
their loose-fitting white tunics and on the peaks of their pointed hats. They usually wore ruffled
collars, and they were the first clowns to use white makeup.
The clown suits worn to Halloween parties today are like the
Pierrot costumes.
The first great clown of the modern circus was
Joseph Grimaldi. He appeared in London, England,
in the early 1800s. At that time circuses were very
small and had only one ring; thus, clowns were
able to talk or sing directly to the fans. One of
Grimaldi’s 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.”
One of America’s first great clowns
was Dan Rice. He worked with
performing pigs and stubborn mules.
His funniest act was called “Pete Jenkins
from Mud Corners.” The act began as the
ringmaster sadly announced the great bareback-
Harlequin riding star was sick and could not perform. Dan
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Pierrot
would then stumble down from the stands. He bragged that he would take
the place of the star.The audience laughed because Dan looked so funny in
his baggy clothes. Dan rushed at the loping horse and snatched at its tail.
He slid around the horse’s back and fell off clumsily. The audience
laughed louder. Dan then began to shed his clothes to reveal spangled
tights and would ride expertly.
As circuses became larger, three rings were too big for singing
and talking clowns. They developed skits that called mostly for
action. For example, a trained dog was put in a machine. When a
crank was turned, a chain of hot dogs came out the other end.
Clown policemen brandished rubber clubs and walloped
other clowns. When a clown was hit, a big bump (really a
red rubber balloon) rose on his head. There were animal
clowns and sad-faced clowns. There were clowns with high,
pointed heads. There were clowns with stomachs so big
with padding that they had to be propped up. “Carpet”
clowns marched around the track, stopping every so
often to put on their acts.
Part of the clown’s job was to fill 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 did 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.At times clowns were called upon in emergencies; there were bad
accidents even in the best of circuses. Abeautiful lady on the flying trapeze might take a nasty
fall. Or, a daring horseback rider might slip under a horse’s hooves. At that point the clowns
came tumbling out to take people’s minds off the accident. The show went on as if nothing had
happened.
“Clown Alley” was a special part of the circus set aside for the clowns. It wasn’t really an
alley, simply a strip of the backyard alongside the Big Top. It was covered with a canopy that
extended from the Big Top itself and 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.
In a dressing tent in “Clown Alley,” the clowns 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 or her own.
No two clown faces could be alike. Aclown began to
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create a face as a “First of May,” as clowns were called during their first season with the show.
Even as a “Johnny Come Lately,” in the second season, he or she made changes. Finally, the
clown found just the right face. Each clown had special makeup and no other clown would ever
copy it.
Clowns were the only “kinkers” (circus entertainers) who could eat in the cookhouse while
wearing makeup. They were allowed this privilege because it took so long to put on makeup and
take it off.
Clown Alley was also a storage place for the larger props needed in the acts. There were the
stilt walker’s ten-foot stilts, the funny carts, and the tiny fire wagon. There were the human-size
razors that turned up in the barbershop act. There were bicycles, hoops, and collapsible chairs.
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 a circus trouper.
Hobo
Auguste
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Clown Makeup
Types of Clown Faces
The main types of modern clowns are the White Face, Auguste Face, and the Hobo
(tramp) clown.
The White Face is the conservative one of the group. This clown wears a white background
upon which the other facial features are drawn, usually in red, blue, green, or another bright
color. Features are less exaggerated and the costume a little less gaudy than the Auguste.
TheAuguste, gaudiest of all clowns, wears flesh-colored makeup as a background for the
large exaggerated features of the mouth, nose, and eyes. The costume is usually oversized, with
bright flashy colors, and comes complete with huge, floppy shoes.
The Hobo or tramp clown is the one clown who can be untidy. The clothes are ragged and
patched, gloves usually have the fingertips missing, and the shoes are often oversized with worn-
out soles. Makeup is flesh-colored to the beard line, then blackened to simulate a beard. Red is
sometimes used on the cheeks to give a ruddy look to the complexion which very often includes a
red nose. Often the mouth and eyes are accented with white.
You must decide what type of clown you’d like to be. But remember, each clown face and
costume must be original. No two clowns are exactly alike. Clowns do not copy the face or
costume design of another clown. Study pictures of clown faces in books, magazines, and any
other resources—but for ideas only . . . then be creative!
For your convenience, the following instructions for applying clown makeup are repeated in
full for each type of clown face—Hobo, Auguste, and White Face.
White Face
Clown
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White Face Clown
The White Face is the most conservative of the group. He
or she wears a white background upon which the other features
are drawn. Red is usually selected along with blue, green, or
another bright color. The features are less exaggerated and the
costume a little less gaudy than theAuguste.
To design your face, use the makeup worksheets at the end
of this section and draw several sketches of your clown face on
paper. Take into consideration the natural lines of your face,
especially the laugh lines. Include glasses if you plan to wear
them as a clown. Use your favorite sketch as a guide to help
you remember your design.
Equipment and Supplies Needed for White Face Makeup
(Check for sensitivity to supplies.)
Hair covering to keep hair out of face and eyes*
Smock or cover-up (optional)
Self-standing mirror, 8"x10"—magnified on one side
Baby oil, mineral oil, or cold cream for makeup
removal
Tissue
Talcum powder—must be white
Shaving brush or soft brush—one for white and one
for color
Large powder puffs or powder socks**—at least one
for white and one for colors
Clown grease white
Color grease paint in sticks or jars
Swab sticks or makeup brushes for applying color
grease paint
Eyebrowpencil—black
Eyelashes, glitter, bulb nose, etc. (optional)
Latex glue or spirit gum for applying eyelashes,
glitter, nose, etc. (optional)
Assemble supplies before you apply makeup.
*Hair covering—can be made from the top of pantyhose. Cut and remove legs from pantyhose. Use the top portion
for a head covering. Gather the excess at the crown and tie or sew together.
**Powder sock—can be used instead of a powder puff to apply powder. Make powder sock by filling a white cotton
sock about 1/4 full with white talcum powder. Tie open end into a knot. It is slapped or patted lightly on the face.
This is especially handy to carry for quick touch-up jobs when performing. Keep the sock in a closed jar with powder
so that the powder is on the outside as well as the inside of sock.
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Applying the White Face Makeup
Cover your hair or tie it back away from your face. To apply the white face, first make sure
your face and hands are clean and dry; men should be smooth-shaven. If you have dry skin,
apply oil first, then wipe it off.
Apply clown white with fingers, starting with your forehead and applying to just below the
neckline of your costume. To get a smooth look, pat and slap your face and neck using fingers.
NO NATURAL SKIN COLOR SHOULD SHOW after your wig and costume are on.
Next, powder your face and neck with a powder sock or powder puff that has been
generously dusted with white talcum powder. Don’t be stingy with the powder. The powder sets
the clown white so it will not fade or run, especially in warm temperatures. POWDER
ENTIRE WHITE AREA. Let the powder set for a minute or two before removing excess
powder with brush.
Refer to your sketch and, using eyebrow pencil, lightly draw facial features—mouth, eyes,
etc., on your face.
Fill in your features with the desired color. You may apply the color over the clown white
with color grease paint or remove the clown white from the area to be colored. Use oil to remove
the white and apply color directly onto the skin. To apply color, use a colored stick, or, for better
control, use a swab stick or makeup brush. Powder the colored areas generously to set the grease
paint. Wait a moment, then brush off excess powder.
Outline colored features with black eyebrow pencil.
If you want to add a nose, use an artificial bulb nose, small pompon, button, etc., and apply
it with latex glue, spirit gum, or tie it on with clear fishing line. (Make sure the nose does not
have any sharp edges that can cut your face.) You can also draw a small circle or design on the
end of your own nose.
Next apply eyelashes, glitter, etc., with latex glue or spirit gum. You may wish to do this
after you have put on your costume.
Thoroughly remove your makeup each time. Apply oil or cold cream, remove with tissue,
and then wash as usual. Put on a moisturizer if needed.
Practice applying your clown makeup until your face is exactly the way you want it. Once
your face is on, DON’T TOUCH IT!
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Auguste Face Clown
The Auguste is the gaudiest of all clowns. He or she wears
flesh-colored makeup as a background for the large exaggerated
features of the mouth, nose, and eyes. The costume is usually
oversized, with bright flashy colors and huge, floppy shoes.
To design your face, use the makeup worksheet at the end
of this section and draw several sketches of your clown face on
paper. Take into consideration the natural lines of your face,
especially the laugh lines. Include glasses if you plan to wear
them as a clown. Use your favorite sketch as a guide to help
you remember your design.
Equipment and Supplies Needed for Auguste Face
Makeup
(Check for sensitivity to supplies.)
Hair covering to keep hair out of face and eyes*
Smock or cover-up (optional)
Self-standing mirror, 8"x10"—magnified on one side
Baby oil, mineral oil, or cold cream for makeup
removal
Tissue
Talcum powder—must be white
Shaving brush or soft brush, one for white and one
for each color
Large powder puffs, or powder socks**—at least one
for white and one for colors
Flesh- or tan-colored grease paint for base
Color grease paint sticks or in jars
Swab sticks or makeup brushes for applying color
grease paint
Eyebrowpencil—black
Eyelashes, glitter, bulb nose, etc. (optional)
Latex glue or spirit gum for applying eyelashes,
glitter, nose, etc. (optional)
Assemble supplies before you apply your makeup.
*Hair covering—can be made from the top of pantyhose. Cut and remove legs from pantyhose. Use the top portion
for a head covering. Gather the excess at the crown and tie or sew together.
**Powder sock—can be used instead of a powder puff to apply powder. Make a powder sock by filling a white cotton
sock about 1/4 full with white talcum powder. Tie open end into a knot. It is slapped or patted lightly on the face.
This is especially handy to carry for quick touch-up jobs when performing. Keep the sock in a closed jar with powder
so that the powder is on the outside as well as the inside of sock.
12
Applying the Auguste Face Makeup
Cover your hair or tie it back away from your face. To apply the Auguste face, first make
sure your face and hands are clean and dry; men should be smooth-shaven. If you have dry skin,
apply oil first, then wipe it off.
TheAuguste clown should apply colored features directly onto flesh- or tan-colored grease
paint. Apply with fingers, starting with your forehead and continuing to just below the neckline
of your costume. To get a smooth look, pat and slap your face using your fingers. NO
NATURAL SKIN COLOR should show after your wig and costume are on.
Next, powder your face and neck with a powder sock or powder puff that has been
generously dusted with white talcum powder. Don’t be stingy with the powder. The powder sets
the flesh-colored grease paint so it will not fade or run, especially in warm temperatures.
POWDER ENTIRE COLORED AREA. Let powder set for a minute or two before
removing excess powder with a brush.
Refer to your sketch and, using eyebrow pencil, lightly draw facial features—mouth, eyes,
etc., on your face.
Fill in your features with the desired color. You may apply the color over the base with color
grease paint or directly onto the skin. To apply color, use a color stick, or for better control, use a
swab stick or makeup brush. Powder the colored areas generously to set your grease paint.
Brush off excess powder.
Outline colored features with black eyebrow pencil.
If you want to add a nose, use an artificial bulb nose, small pompon, button, etc., and apply
it with latex glue, spirit gum, or tie it on with clear fishing line. (Make sure the nose does not
have sharp edges that can cut your face.) You can also draw a small circle or design on the end of
your own nose.
Next, apply eyelashes, glitter, etc., with latex glue or spirit gum. You may wish to do this
after you have put on your costume.
Thoroughly remove your makeup each time. Apply oil or cold cream, remove with tissue,
and then wash as usual. Put on a moisturizer if needed.
Practice applying your clown makeup until your face is exactly the way you want it. Once
your face is on, DON’T TOUCH IT!
13
Hobo Clown
The Hobo or tramp clown is the one clown who can be
untidy.The hobo’s clothes are ragged and patched, gloves
usually have the fingertips missing, and oversized shoes are
often worn. The makeup is flesh-colored to the beard line, then
blackened to simulate a beard. Sometimes red is used on the
cheeks to give a ruddy look to the complexion and very often a
red nose is added. The hobo’s mouth and eyes are often
accented with white.
To design your face, use the makeup worksheets at the end
of this section and draw several sketches of your clown face on
paper. Take into consideration the natural lines of your face,
especially the laugh lines. Include glasses if you plan to wear
them as a clown. Use your favorite sketch as a guide to help
you remember your design.
Equipment and Supplies Needed for Hobo Clown Makeup
(Check for sensitivity to supplies.)
Hair covering to keep hair out of face and eyes*
Smock or cover-up (optional)
Self-standing mirror, 8"x10"—magnified on one side
Baby oil, mineral oil, or cold cream for makeup
removal
Tissue
Talcum powder—must be white
Shaving brush or soft brush, one for white and one
for each color
Large powder puffs, or powder socks**—at least one
for white and one for colors
Red, black, and white grease paint plus flesh color
Swab sticks or makeup brushes for applying color
grease paint
Eyebrowpencil—black
Eyelashes, glitter, bulb nose, etc. (optional)
Latex glue or spirit gum for applying eyelashes,
glitter, nose, etc. (optional)
Assemble supplies before you apply your makeup.
*Hair covering—can be made from the top of pantyhose. Cut and remove legs from pantyhose. Use the top portion
for a head covering. Gather the excess at the crown and tie or sew together.
**Powder sock—can be used instead of a powder puff to apply powder. Make a powder sock by filling a white cotton
sock about 1/4 full with white talcum powder. Tie open end into a knot. It is slapped or patted lightly on the face.
This is especially handy to carry for quick touch-up jobs when performing. Keep the sock in a closed jar with powder
so that the powder is on the outside as well as the inside of sock.
14
Applying Hobo Face Makeup
Before applying your makeup, cover your hair or tie it back from your face. Make sure your
face and hands are clean and dry. Men should be smooth-shaven unless the beard is to be used
as part of the hobo face. If you have dry skin, apply oil first, then wipe it off.
Refer to your sketch and, using eyebrow pencil, lightly draw facial features—mouth, eyes,
etc., on your face.
Apply white grease paint around your mouth with your fingers. To get a smooth look, pat
your mouth area with your fingers. You may also want to put white around your eyes.
Next, powder your white area with a powder puff or sock that has been generously dusted
with white talcum powder. Don’t be stingy with the powder. The powder sets the grease paint
so it will not fade or run, especially in warm weather. Let powder set a minute or two before
removing the excess powder with a brush. Apply flesh-colored makeup on down to the beard
line.
Next fill in your eyebrows and beard area with the black color stick. A swab stick or
makeup brush may be used for better control while coloring. When you have filled your color in
smoothly, you are ready to powder. DO NOT PAT! Just powder generously to set your
makeup. Remove excess powder with second brush. For better results repeat powdering process.
Brush well.
If you want to add a nose, use an artificial bulb nose, small pompon, button, etc., and apply
it with latex glue, spirit gum, or tie it on with clear fishing line. (Make sure the nose does not
have any sharp edges that can cut your face.) You can also draw a small circle or design on the
end of your own nose.
Next apply eyelashes, glitter, etc., with latex glue or spirit gum. You may wish to do this
after you have put on your costume.
Thoroughly remove your makeup each time. Apply oil or cold cream, remove with tissue,
and then wash as usual and put on a moisturizer if needed.
Practice applying your clown makeup until your face is exactly the way you want it. Once
your face is on, DON’T TOUCH IT!
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Worksheet
On this page are face models that you can draw on to develop the clown face that is right for
you. No two clown faces are alike; each one is unique.
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Clown Costumes
Designing your clown costume is fun and very important. It should fit the clown character
you are creating. It should be appealing to look at, roomy—large enough to wear over a sweater
or coat—comfortable, and practical. If you choose a one-piece outfit, put the zipper in the front to
make it easier to get into and out of. Atwo-piece costume is usually more convenient. Your
costume can also have a high collar or ruffle collar with elastic or a drawstring. Whichever style
you choose, your costume must cover you completely.
Clown costumes are as individual and unique as clown faces. The costume you select will
depend on whether you’re going to be a Hobo, White Face, or Auguste clown. If you are a
Hobo, you may want to obtain old clothing and sew on patches and have a burn hole or some
paint “spilled” here and there. Rummage sales, thrift stores, or clothes salvaged from friends,
neighbors, or relatives are sources for clown outfits. No matter how ragged, your costume must
always be clean.
Most places that sell fabric have pattern books containing one or more traditional patterns
for clown costumes; however, you don’t need to buy a clown pattern. Use a nightgown, pajamas,
smock, or dress pattern for the top; and make the bottoms to match or coordinate. They do not
have to come all the way down to the ankles and can be worn short like knickers with either
brightly colored socks, unmatched socks, or tights. But, NO SKIN CAN SHOW!
Sources for materials are: store-bought fabrics, sheets, curtains, dresses, pajamas, etc.
Choose materials that are durable, but not too heavy and not transparent.
You will need lots of pockets for your props and personal items. Pockets should be large
enough for easy access and coordinated with your costume. If you plan to do balloon artistry,
have a separate pocket for each type of balloon you’ll be using. Ahidden pocket with a zipper,
snap, or hook and loop closure is nice for carrying personal items such as money or car keys.
Costumes are much more colorful when trimmed with coordinating patches, rickrack,
ribbons, lace, ball fringe, ruffles, fancy stitching, pompons, buttons, etc. Insert a long shoelace or
elastic in ruffled collars.
Most clowns wear something to cover their hair. You may choose either a colorful crocheted
wig, hair wig, or skull cap; or if you prefer, change or restyle your own hair. To complete your
costume, wear a hat or decorative head covering.
Wear gloves at all times. Clean, white gloves are most attractive, but you may dye them to
match your costume. They should always be clean, so carry an extra pair. If you are a Hobo, or
work with balloons, you will have to cut the fingertips out of your gloves in order to work.
Your name tag is a part of your costume. It identifies you. Your name should be short and
easy for kids to read and say.
Shoes should be comfortable. Clowns walk a lot! Shoes that are too large or too small can
cause discomfort. You can use old shoes, but make sure they are comfortable.You can dye or
17
paint shoes, or glue patches on them. Clowns often wear their regular shoes inside a much larger
pair, although this can be very painful. ALWAYS WEAR SOCKS.
If you must wear a ring, watch, or other personal jewelry, don’t let it show. The best policy
is to leave these valuable items at home.
If you wear glasses, decorate them or design your face to be worn with your glasses.
Your costume must always look neat and clean. Appearance is how the audience first judges
a clown.
Types of clown shoes, beginning at upper right and continuing clockwise:
Curved Comedy (double shoe) 16" x 6"
Ball Toe Comedy (double shoe) 15" x 6"
Chicken and Duck Feet (double shoe);
Pointed Comedy (double shoe) 16" x 5 1/2"
Large Comedy (double shoe) 15" x 9"
Small Comedy (double shoe) 14" x 6"
18
Make a Crocheted Loop Wig
Material:
4-oz. skein, Knitting Worsted Yarn, or 1 1/2—3 oz.-skein rug yarn
(you may use 2 skeins of different colors and alternate them)
size F crochet hook
cardboard of desired width for loops
Directions:
Use double crochet; this will make the wig cool and comfortable.
Chain 5. Join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Chain 3. (Yarn over hook, insert hook in ring. Yarn around cardboard [of desired
width] clockwise.) Pick up with hook, work off 2 stitches, work off 2 more stitches
(Double Loop Crochet made).
Repeat 11 times. Join and Chain 3 (12 double loop crochets made).
Row 1. Work 2 DLC in each st around. Join.
Row 2. Ch. 3. *Work 1 DLC in 2 sts, 2 DLC in next st, * Continue around.
Join and ch 3.
Row 3. *Work 1 DLC in 2 sts, 2 DLC in next st, * Repeat around, join and ch 3.
Row 4. *Work 1 DLC in 3 sts, 2 DLC in next st, * Repeat around, join and ch 3.
Row 5. *Work 1 DLC in 4 sts, 2 DLC in next st, * Repeat around, join and ch 3.
You should have 72 sts. Now you put 1 DLC in each st around, join and ch 3. Repeat
this until wig covers your ears. You will have from 13 to 15 rows, depending on the
yarn you use.
19
White Face
Auguste
Hobo
(Tramp)
20
