Classes in the Art of Clowning

Calumet Clowns teaches a class in the Art of Clowning once a year.  If you are interested in becoming a clown, contact Calumet Clowns at calumetclowns@yahoo.com or the instructor, Janet “Jelly Bean” Tucker, at jb@jellybean-clown.com

MEMBERSHIP IN CALUMET CLOWNS

Calumet Clowns is the local clown alley based in the Calumet Region.  We are affiliated with the World Clown Association, Clowns of America International, and the Midwest Clown Association.

Membership is open to persons aged 16 and over of good character and reputation.  After taking a class in The Art of Clowning, you may fill out an application for membership and pay a non-refundable $15 application fee.  You then have 3 months in which to complete 5 club performances.  If you complete the 5 show credits in one weekend, however, you still have to wait the 3 months waiting period before being voted on for membership.

At the end of 3 months when your shows are completed, you attend a meeting in full makeup and wardrobe and are voted on for membership.  Dues are $25 a year and the balance of $10 (after the application fee of $15) is due when you are received into membership.

Contact Calumet Clowns at calumetclowns@yahoo.com for more information on dates and times of meetings and events.

SIMPLIFIED STEPS TO DEVELOPING A CLOWN CHARACTER

A class in clowning is highly recommended as you will learn makeup styles and techniques, costuming for the various types of clowns, and a variety of skills used in the art of clowning.  The following is a simplified idea of the things taught over an extended period in a clown class.

Study on the three types of clowns as generally recognized in American clowning.  Visit the library or look at clown photos in the national clown magazines, "Clowning Around" (World Clown Association) or "Calliope" (Clowns of American International). Check out "Strutters Book of Clown Makeup".   Generally, the 3 clown types are described as follows:

Whiteface: The elegant, coordinated, well dressed, most clever clown, often portrayed as the most skillful in magic or juggling.  This clown can be "neat" with small painted features resembling the European whiteface - or "grotesque" with colored hair, fake nose, and larger in features and character. The face is white with designs in red and black, possibly accents of blue.

Auguste: The more mischievous character, seen with full or bald colored hair, fake nose, and a "flesh" colored face with larger features of white, red, and black.  The costume is coordinated but bright and mismatched geometric designs such as plaids with polka dots or stripes.

Tramp:  The lowest rung in the hierarchy, the tramp is seen in rags, tatters, or patches on a dark suit, sporting a beard and large fake red nose.  This character can be happy, sad, confused, or any number of other emotions and the character is of primary importance as the costuming in this category is usually very similar from one clown to another.

Remember that each category has some easier development parts and some that are difficult:
Whiteface: Easier makeup, Difficult Costume, Easier Character
Auguste: Difficult makeup, Easier costume, Easier character
Tramp: Easier makeup, Easier costume, Difficult character

Now think about your own character:  Are you a giver? Do you like to pull jokes on others?  Do you receive jokes well?  Do you like to be in charge?  Do you have some defined entertainment skills?  Are you confident? Do you hold a grudge?  Do you make friends easily?  Which clown category would be most comfortable for your personal character?

Makeup tips:  Work from light colors to dark, pat large areas of white or flesh for an even consistency, wipe out larger areas for a crisp red or black design, use longer strokes with a brush for smooth design application, steady your brush hand and move your head for easier lining, remember the top lip is always white, and finish with lots of powder with either a powder puff or sock to set the makeup well, brush off excess powder.

Whiteface: Apply white to entire face, wipe out larger color areas, apply red and black designs.  The width of the mouth design should not extend beyond the width of the eyes.

Auguste: Apply white around the mouth and eyes, finish the base color of flesh in all other areas, outline the white areas with feathered red for highlights, apply designs in red or black.  Apply clown nose with adhesive or elastic. 

Tramp: Apply white around the mouth and eyes, finish the top of the face in base color flesh and the beard area in black, apply red cheeks and black eyebrows.  Apply clown nose with adhesive or elastic.