|
| |
Whiteface Clowns
There are three types of Whiteface Clowns: Straight Whiteface, (classic)
European Whiteface, and (comedy) grotesque Whiteface
- (Classic) European Whiteface
- Character: Also commonly called the Pierott clown. An elegant
clown, artistic, colorful, bright and cheery. Its performance is highly
artistic and skillful, but done with a comedic or dramatic flair.
- Makeup: All exposed flesh will be covered with white makeup.
Minimal lining color(s) and/or glitter will be used to express the
features of the eyes, nose, and mouth. A white skull cap could be worn
in lieu of a colored wig. The European Whiteface generally does not wear
a comedy nose, false eyelashes, or large ears.
- Costume: Considered the "most beautiful" of all
clowns, it would be outfitted with the traditional one or two-piece jump
suits of white or colored material to fit the character of the Classic
Pierott. The styles may vary but are generally roomy and well-fitted and
may have a detachable collar. The tunic or blouse can be straight,
flared, short, medium or long with the long sleeves. Buttons, pompons,
piping and ruffles should be of a contrasting color. The pants can be
straight, flared, ruffled, or pantalooned. A clown hat should fit the
clown's character/personality (short or tall cone hat, short cup or flat
hats, or the typical "Pagliacci" hat). Gloves should cover the
hands and wrists and should be white or colored to fit the wardrobe.
Ballet or dancing slippers would be worn in lieu of large comedy shoes.
- Straight Whiteface
- Character: The aristocrat of all clowns. An elegant clown,
artistic, colorful, bright and cheery. In a setting with other clowns,
the straight Whiteface would be in charge. Its performance is highly
artistic and skillful, but done with a comedic or dramatic flair. When
performing with the Auguste and/or Tramp, this clown will remain in
charge, setting up the routine, throwing rather than taking the pie,
slap or kick. Although more comical than the European Whiteface, this
clown is a bit more reserved than the impish and gregarious Auguste.
- Makeup: All exposed flesh will be covered with white makeup.
Minimal lining color(s) and/or glitter will be used to express the
features of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Varying styles and colors of
clown wigs are used.
- Costume: The costume will fit well. Satins, sequins, rhinestones and
theatrical fabrics (shiny, flashy, beaded, etc.) can be used. A one or
two piece jumper worn with a ruff is the most common Whiteface costume.
However, a two piece suit or tuxedo style is also acceptable. The
costume including the accessories should be color coordinated. Shoes can
be large or small but should be simple. Gloves should always be worn. in
lieu of only the skull cap. The color of the wig is generally chosen to
accent another color in the costume.
- (Comedy) Grotesque Whiteface
- Character: As the Straight Whiteface is the more
"traditional" clown, the Grotesque Whiteface, also known as
the Comedy Whiteface, is today the most common Whiteface clown. When
performing with the Auguste and/or Tramp, this clown will remain in
charge, setting up the routine, throwing rather than taking the pie,
slap or kick. Although more comical than the Straight Whiteface, this
clown is a bit more reserved than the impish and gregarious Auguste.
- Makeup: As in the Straight Whiteface, all exposed flesh of the
face, neck, and ears will be covered with white makeup. The coloring and
design of the facial features are what differentiate it from the classic
design. Whereas the straight design is purposely kept simple, the
(comedy) Grotesque Whiteface design may include large false eyelashes, a
larger mouth design, a clown nose and other features on the face. Some
of these features may be outlined in black; glitter and sparkles are
also common. Varying styles and colors of clown wigs are used in lieu of
only the skull cap. The color of the wig is generally chosen to accent
another color in the costume.
- Costume: Although the traditional jump suit can be worn, the
(comedy) Grotesque Whiteface is equally acceptable in brightly colored
shirts and pants, suits and large comedy shoes that complement the
costume. Costumes will be more "glitzy" and color coordinated
than the Auguste costumes. White or colored gloves should be worn. The
female clown costuming does not vary much between the Auguste and the
Grotesque Whiteface; the tradition of color coordination, sparkles,
glitter, ruffles and ribbon remains. Even when using cotton fabrics, the
total look would be pretty and elegant.
Auguste Clowns
- Character: The most comical of all clowns. He/she is impish,
gregarious and thrives on slapstick. His/her actions are big, clumsy and
awkward. He/she does not have much in common with the Whiteface except for
the makeup and costume. His/her personality is that of a rabble rouser.
When appearing with the Whiteface, the Auguste (German meaning
"foolish") is the brunt of the joke. However, with the Tramp, he
becomes the instigator in control of the situation.
- Makeup: The Auguste has a highly colorful makeup with a base
color of flesh tone (pink, tan, reddish brown) on the face and neck. The
eye and muzzle area are usually covered in white to produce a wide-eyed
expression and to accentuate the mouth design. Designs in and around the
eyes and mouth are generally black or red, but other lining colors, in
moderation, are acceptable. A red shadowing around the muzzle area is
generally outlined in black (or occasionally red). This clown will
normally wear a large comedy nose appropriate to the size of the clown's
face. The Auguste will always wear a wig, but can choose from the many
varied styles and colors to accentuate the costume and flesh tone of the
Auguste.
- Costume: The Auguste clown has the widest variety of costume
designs to choose from, except it would not wear the
"traditional" jumpsuit of the Whiteface. The August could wear a
jacket or coat, short, medium or long, with or without tails, or go
without. The pants could be short, long, or oversize. It can choose from a
wide selection of colorful plaids, stripes, polka dots, and checks, as
well as solid colors. Commonly called "the tailor's nightmare",
the Auguste's costume colors and patterns should complement the overall
clown appearance, whether or not they are color coordinated or matched.
Theatrical fabrics or sequins are inappropriate on the Auguste costume.
He/she is usually a notorious prankster and may need a lot of pockets to
carry gags and tricks. The costume can be complemented with outlandish
accessories, like large or small ties, vests, colorful socks, large or
comical collars, suspenders and many styles and colors of comedy clown
shoes. These and one of the many hat possibilities, like skimmers, Irish
derbies, bowlers, top hats, stovepipes, "madhatters" and "crushables"
in various bright colors will enhance the Auguste clown character. White
or colored gloves are also worn. Although the Classic European Auguste is
used in skits, it is not appropriate for COAI competitions. Costuming does
not vary much between the Auguste and the Whiteface female clown regarding
style, but the Whiteface tradition of color coordination, sparkles,
glitter, ruffles and ribbon remain. Even when using cotton fabrics, the
total look would be pretty and elegant. The Auguste female clown may wear
mismatched colors and be totally uncoordinated, but may also prefer to be
a pretty clown. This is acceptable. However, the Auguste must never wear
sequins and glitter or use theatrical fabrics. These belong only to the
Whiteface beauties. The female Auguste may choose to be a bumbling,
stumbling or slapstick personality, much the same as the male Auguste
clown.
Tramp/Hobo
- Character: There are some variations in this clown category. The
classic Tramp epitomized by Emmett Kelly and Otto Griebling of circus fame
is the forlorn and downtrodden character who has nothing and knows he will
never have anything. By nature, he will probably be a loner, which is
reflected in his determination to be silent, generally not talking to
anyone but his peers. His downcast mannerisms and shuffling burdensome
movements reflect his hard life.
The vagabond, elegant or happy Tramp is the businessman, scholar or
playboy who, being fed up with his life, walked out of society for the
wanderlust of travel. He is king of the road, happy with what he has and
does not expect much. His character may take on some of the
characteristics of the Auguste. This type of character was portrayed by
Red Skelton in his Freddie the Freeloader character. Considered the only
true American clown, some believe that this character developed from the
days of the Depression in the 30's, when men rode the rails looking for
work. Other historical references indicate the tramp makeup goes back to
vaudeville and minstrel shows of the 1800's and early 1900's. Regardless
of the type of Tramp/Hobo, he is the one who is the brunt of the joke and
will be on the receiving end of the pie, slap or kick from the Whiteface
or Auguste. Both variations of tramps will be judged together. In
addition, the "bag lady" would be considered the female version
of a Tramp/Hobo.
- Makeup: The makeup represents the soot deposited on the face from
the coal and wood-burning trains their originators rode. The eye and mouth
areas were wiped clean of soot in order to see and eat. White makeup is
used in the eye and mouth areas to exaggerate this cleaning process. The
upper face is a blend of flesh tones to reflect the outdoor look. The
beard line of the male is black or shades of dark gray to reflect the soot
and beard, feathered into the upper cheeks and down under the chin. A
ruddy nose is used. A little red shading in the cheeks can help create the
sunburned look. The difference between the types of tramp characters is
generally depicted by the shape of the eyebrows and mouth, either up or
down to reflect happy or sad.
- Costume: Usually a dark suit, tuxedo, tail or just shirt and
pants made to look old and worn for the male, and an old worn-out dress
and/or coat for the bag lady. These could be well patched with rags or
other materials, with uneven stitching or held together with whatever
available. A dark, battered hat, tattered shoes and socks, worn shirt and
tie will exaggerate the character. Gloves are generally old and worn. In
keeping with the unemployed status of the Tramp, this character would not
wear expensive watches, rings, or new belt, shoes, or socks.
Character Clowns
| |
|
