GIRL SCOUT - COLUMBIA RIVER COUNCIL

CLOWNING BADGE

PURPOSE:
To learn about clowning as an art form and to study clowning skills
to help you be more expressive, open and communicative.

INTRODUCTION
Clowning is a serious art form. We each have a little clown inside
of us, waiting to pop out and express itself in a fun way.

Some people think clowns are only for children's birthday parties.
This is not true. Clowning is a traditional and complex art. It
requires a great deal of practice and discipline to become a good
professional clown. Clowns can perform at festivals, parades,
parties, variety shows, television shows, stage productions,
theater, films, commercials, circuses, and in carnivals.

It is difficult to define what a clown is, but you are sure to know a
clown when you see one. A clown is an actor who uses
movement, makeup, a costume and sometimes words to make
people laugh. Clowns make stupid mistakes, they trip and fall
down, they fight among themselves for silly reasons, and they
make fools of themselves. People laugh at these things because
they are performed in the style of comedy, and because R is easy
to identify with clowns. We all make silly mistakes from time to
time.

The key to being a good clown is to use any skills you have to
help develop your clown character.

THE WHITEFACE CLOWN
The Whiteface clown is sophisticated, graceful, shrewd and
aristocratic. He or she classically wears an elegant costume and a
whiteface makeup. The image the whiteface projects is like a
cartoon something from another world - fantasy. In modern
terms, the whiteface can be called the straight man." He is the one
who appears to be serious and proper. The whiteface represents
authority, and often the character is very severe. Generally, as you
can see by his actions, the whiteface is very cultured, charming and
knows all the social graces. The French call the whiteface a clown
debonair. The whiteface usually works with a partner, the auguste
clown.

THE AUGUSTE CLOWN
In German, auguste means stupid. The auguste clown is the
dumb-dumb. Over the years the image of the auguste evolved
from the simple exaggerated character makeup and costume to a
more grotesque, colorful, baggy-pants and big-nosed clown. The
auguste is the clown who seems to do everything wrong. He trips
over himself, interrupts and disturbs the whiteface and often
disrupts the activities of the whiteface. There is usually conflict
between the whiteface and the auguste. In general, the auguste's
simplicity, stupidity, charm and naivet� make him a sympathetic
character, while the whiteface's pomposity gives you the feeling
that he deserves to be interrupted. The auguste's mannerisms are
exaggerated, absurd, and unpredictable. He finds the most simple
tasks - like putting his hat on his head - difficult. But on the other
hand, the auguste is very skilled and often find complex acrobatic
ways to solve simple problems.

THE CHARACTER CLOWN
The character clown is an exaggerated or stock character, a
caricature of people in everyday life. Some examples of character
clowns are:

- a nurse with a big bosom and a big rear end - often played by a
man.
- a nutty professor
- a tramp or hobo
- a washerwoman or cleaning lady

The tramp clown became popular during the depression when
there were many tramps and bums traveling around the country.
A modem day version of the tramp clown is the shopping-bag lady
clown, which has recently become popular. If you want to
develop a character clown, study unusual people you see around
you. Pick an interesting one and try to create a clown character
from there.

CLOWN IMAGE
Many clowns are not pure whiteface, auguste, or character clowns
but combine elements of the three traditions. Think of your clown
as a cartoon come to life.

LEVEL ACTIVITIES:
Brownies:
Complete four starred activities plus one additional.
Juniors:
Complete four starred activities plus three additional.
Cadettes/ Seniors:
Complete four starred activities plus five additional.

BADGE ACTIVITIES

1. Learn about the history of clowns and the three major types of
clowns today. Read at least one book on the subject and write a
report or share with others what you have learned.

2. Create a clown costume. Start by trying on clothing you find
around the house. Your dad's old pants or mom's funny striped
shirt area good start. You can find interesting items at thrift shops.
Some hints: Collars and ruffles; ties-either too big or too small;
suspenders; pants that are too short and/or bagging; skirts that are
very long or very short; tights and leg warmers; mismatched socks.
Use lots of bright colors and large prints.

3. Develop your clown 'persona' or personality. It can be different
from, your own personality. If you are a shy person, your clown
persona might be noisy and outgoing. Create a character. Write a
short biography or a story about your clown's personality and
character. Choose a clown name that is appropriate for your
persona.

4. Design at least three clown faces: an auguste, a whiteface, and a
character clown. Learn how to apply clown make-up, including
whiteface. Make up your own face to match one of your designs.

5. Learn about the different kinds of clown make-up and
accessories. Know the difference between pancake, greasepaint,
and liquid make-up and how to use them. Visit a store or shop
that sells clown make-up and accessories. See how clown noses
are kept on, what kinds of wigs are available, what other
accessories you could use. Make a list of accessories you might
want to purchase someday.

6. Create or find a hat suitable for your clown persona and
costume. Discover the many ways you can use your hate: it can
be a steering wheel, a sympathetic friend, a weapon, a pillow, a
water bucket, and more. Make up a routine, alone or with others,
using your hat as a prop.

7. Discover mime. Mime is playing a part using gestures without
words. Learn how to gesture clearly, find ways to express your
self using body language, and develop exaggerated and stylized
movements. Make up a skit, alone or with others, using mime (no
words).

8. Develop a clown walk. Most clowns have an identifiable and
stylized walk or way of moving. Your walk is closely connected
to your attitude, your overall image, and the nature of your clown
persona. Develop other body movements that are consistent with
your walking style.

9. Clowns often develop entertaining skills such as juggling,
walking on high stilts, doing gymnastics, riding a unicycle, doing
magic tricks. Become proficient at a specific skill you can use in
clowning.

10. Accumulate and/or make 'props' such as slapstick boxing
gloves, feathers, fly swatter, cane, kazoo, oversized comb, rubber
hammer, bubble pipe. Make up routines(s) alone or with others,
using at least 3 different props.

ii. Develop a clown routine with a friend. It should have entrance,
an exchange or conflict, a resolution, and an exit. Gimmicks and
blow offs (a surprise ending) are often used. Perform this routine
for a group. (This can be done in conjunction with other
requirements that call for you to develop and perform a routine or
skit.)

12. A. There is a serious side to clowning. Perform a skit that
shows alternatives to alcohol, drugs, or other substance abuse.
OR put on a skit that will teach children refusal skills (how to say
NO to strangers and peers). OR Perform a skit that teaches
about good health and/or nutrition. The skit should be funny and
use humor to teach a lesson. Do this as a community service
project.

B. OR use your clowning skills while doing a service project
visiting senior citizens, children, nursing homes or hospitals.

13. Attend a circus performance and watch the clown acts. What
kinds of clowns were there? Did they have a message to tell you?
Report back to your group about your observations.

14. Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus has a clown school.
Find out the requirements for admission, the cost, and how to
apply. Write to them for information and an application. Get
information about where and how you could obtain clowning skills
in your community.

RESOURCES: Public Library
Clowning workshops at colleges/community centers
Gymnastics/Tumbling programs



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