The Different types of Clowns

Well, it takes tons of learning, practice and make-up skills... but most important, and the hardest thing to make... is you have to have a clown in your heart. Sounds strange, I know! Not everyone that is funny can be a clown... it takes a special talent. I want to tell you just a little bit about clowns, things I bet you never knew about!

1. White Face Clown - Those are the clowns that have white over there whole face and neck, and never show any skin color... even on there hands! Bozo and Ronald McDonald are both White-face clowns. These clowns usually have very nice, neat costumes. They are a more serious type clown, like a boss clown, that the other clowns like to pull tricks on.

 
2. Auguste Clown - Those are the clowns that have skin colors along with the make-up. They usually have very colorful costumes. Cookie the Clown, Bozo's partner, is an Auguste. These clowns are usually the goofy ones, always doing things the wrong way. They get to be the trouble-makers, and usually get in trouble by the boss white face clowns. Usually the Auguste clowns are energetic and acrobatic.

 
3. Character Clowns - This includes the hobo/tramp clown... like Emmett Kelly. These clowns are usually very sad, hardly ever smile, and are usually silent... they don't speak! They are always trying to make the best of what they got... and are always happiest when they can make a child smile. Some other character clowns can be firemen, baseball players or doctors.

  Another good place to learn is from books, that is how I started. When you learn as much as you can, find other clowns to learn from... you will soon find yourself clowning around all the time! Call up a local magic shop or clown supply store for books about clowning. Read magic books, balloon animal books, and joke books! If you are on the Internet, there are several good web sites that have magic books for sale.

  Now clowning can be expensive, but does not have to be. Get good, quality make-up, it is not too expensive... but you want something better than halloween make-up. A clown wig is nice, but you don't have to wear one. A good hat is important if you don't wear a wig. Keep searching for hats... find one that feels right to you, one you can play with... you will know when you find the right one! Beautiful costumes are great, but cost money. If you are just starting out, find some colorful, silly or old clothes - maybe things that are too big. If you are a tramp clown, sew patches all over. If you can, make your own costume, or get someone to make one for you. My pants and vest are made, not store bought. Clown shoes really add to the fun... but they are expensive too. For beginners, get some inexpensive tennis shoes and use colorful fabric paints to cover them. You can use big shoes, just fill up the end of the toe so they don't fall off! You are now on your way to being a clown!

  Next, build up a personality. Don't just be you with make up on... have a totally different person come out when the make up is in place! You can use a silly voice, but you don't have to. Learn to walk different, move your arms different, and make some funny faces. I think it helps to watch some classic comedians to learn how to make things funny without ever talking. Watch Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, Abbott and Costello, Buster Keaton, Jerry Lewis... even Jim Carrey! Don't copy them, just watch how they use their faces and bodies to make things funny.

  Now, after you get your character down pat, have decent make-up and costume, learn a few cool things (Magic, Juggling or Balloon Animals), and are ready to face the world... just go out and do it! Start with parades, do some special event appearances, or just entertain the family at the next reunion - but always get permission to appear at events or parades before-hand. After awhile, you will find a new person coming out in you that you never knew was there... and guess where he/she was hiding this whole time? Your heart!