Virtual SnooksVirtual SnooksLearning to Clown in the Learning to Clown in the

2121stst Century Century

How to use the Computer to How to use the Computer to Become a Cyber-Savvy ClownBecome a Cyber-Savvy Clown

• Research

• Shopping

• Communication

• Graphics

Using The ComputerUsing The Computer• Research

Definition of ClownHistory of ClownsSome Famous Clowns

Types of ClownsClown CultureClown Gimmicks

Research: Clown DefinitionResearch: Clown Definition• What is a clown?• According to the Encyclopedia Britannica,

a clown is "a familiar comic character of pantomime and circus, known by his (sic) distinctive makeup and costume, ludicrous antics, and buffoonery, whose purpose is to induce hearty laughter. The clown, unlike the traditional fool or court jester, usually performs a set routine characterized by broad, graphic humor, absurd situations, and vigorous physical action".

Research Clown HistoryResearch Clown History• The first documented professional

comic (clown) characters are the Dorian Mimes who started performing in Ancient Greece during the 7th century BC. -

• www.charliethejugglingclown.com• www.theclownmuseum.org

History - continuedHistory - continued• During the Middle Ages, jesters

adopted a standard uniform of bright green and yellow, and jingle bells. – precursors to Santa’s elves and maybe Santa, as well.

• www.sunniebunniezz.com

Research: Famous ClownsResearch: Famous Clowns• Emmett Kelly, Sr. – The Tramp• Charlie Chaplin – The Little Tramp• Red Skelton – Freddy the Freeloader• Bob Keeshon – Clarabelle• Ronald McDonald – Willard Scott• Patch Adams – Clown therapy• www.drclown.ca

Emmett Kelly, Sr.Emmett Kelly, Sr.

Self-PortraitSelf-Portrait

Emmett KellyEmmett Kelly• Emmett Kelly, Sr. (December 9, 1898 -

March 28, 1979) - Weary Willy• Emmett Kelly Sr., the most well-known of the

tramp clowns of the circus. His character, Weary Willy, was the perpetual underdog, who never gave up - and, because of it, occasionally won.  He was inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame in 1989.  In 2007, the Emmett Kelly Museum will celebrate its’ 40th anniversary with an attempt at breaking the world’s record for the largest gathering of clowns

Emmett KellyEmmett Kelly• Emmett Kelly Sr. died of a heart

attack on March 28, 1979, at his home in Sarasota, Florida, USA. He is memorialized by the Emmett Kelly Museum in his birth town of Sedan, KS.

The CircusThe Circus• The circus! The magical city

 That appears and disappears with the bat of an eye.

 A cathedral for children and adults

 Made of canvas and trimmed with red wagons.• A sunburst of wheel, pink lemonade and cotton candy.

 A temple housing the unity of man and beast...

 All performing for the good of their fellow man

 With shouts of glory.

Circus, continuedCircus, continued• The perfomers’ only reward is the echo of the applause

 And laughter of children. It cradles them to sleep. As the red wagons roll from city to city.

• The clown hides his sorrows behind a mask -- Sometimes grotesque, sometimes sad, but always with a whimsy that is an encouragement That makes any deformity of life seem minute.

Circus, continuedCircus, continued• A lesson in humanity, where man and beast risk life

 and limb for the meager reward of applause. How sad it would be if my youth would pass away And not see the beauty of the big red wagons, And taste the rare vintage of pink lemonade!

• Or become so blasé’ that I couldn’t offer a silent prayer For the man on the flying trapeze, Or sigh as I watch him swing to and fro.

Circus, continuedCircus, continued• I see my own life in motion like the pendulum

 On the huge clock that ticks away life. Oh, keep me young without prejudices. Without haste, so that I will be young. So that my heart will be filled with glee Next year, when the big red wagons roll in again!

• To me, a great clown said that—my Dad.• Red Skelton

Red Skelton as Freddy the Red Skelton as Freddy the FreeloaderFreeloader

Red SkeltonRed Skelton• "If some day you’re not feeling

well, you should remember some little thing I have said or done and if it brings a smile to your face or a chuckle to your heart then my purpose as a clown has been fulfilled."—Red Skelton

Red SkeltonRed Skelton

• . His most famous character, the tramp clown Freddy the Freeloader, awaited the advent of his television show in 1951.

Red SkeltonRed Skelton• Red had nurtured a lifelong interest in

painting, with individual paintings fetching in excess of $80,000—he estimated that he earned over $2 million per year from his lithographs of clowns.

• Red Skelton was inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame in 1989.

• He died of pneumonia on September 17, 1997 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, USA.

Research: Clown TypesResearch: Clown Types• European, neat whiteface

• Grotesque or Comedy White-face

• Auguste

• Character

White face clownWhite face clown

White-FaceWhite-Face• White-face clown is “straight man” to

the Auguste clown• Clothes fit very well and in proportion• All exposed skin is covered with

whiteface• May wear a tiny hat on top

Grotesque White-FaceGrotesque White-Face

Grotesque WhitefaceGrotesque Whiteface• The "Grotesque" Whiteface clown

exaggerates everything about himself, his pants, shoes, collars, ears, and wig are bigger, wider, or baggier than is usual. Grotesque Whiteface design may include large false eyelashes, a larger mouth design, a clown nose and other features on the face.

Auguste ClownAuguste Clown

Auguste ClownAuguste Clown• Auguste clown – Auguste means fool

in German• Clothes don’t fit properly• Shoes very large• Pretends to be not very bright• Most of makeup is flesh-colored, not

white

Tramp Clown (Character Tramp Clown (Character Clowns)Clowns)

• Only clown type created in America

• Emmett Kelly, Sr. Creator

• Similar to Auguste Clown

• Carol Burnett’s Charwoman same type

Naming Your ClownNaming Your Clown• Candy Kisses – gives out candy• Pickles – Just a silly name• Snooks – after a radio comic• Pockets – Lots of large pockets in

costume

Research: Clown GimmicksResearch: Clown Gimmicks• Magic Tricks• Skits• Balloon Animals• Clown Schools

• www.theclownmuseum.org

ShoppingShopping• Clown Makeup• Clown Costumes• Clown Accessories• Clown Gimmicks

• www.theclownstore.com

CommunicationCommunication• Clown Classes• Networking with Clown Associations• Advertising for Clowning Gigs• Advertising for Clown Accoutrements• www.clown-ministry.com• www.clownsforhire.com• www.clown-forum.com• www.charliethejugglingclown.com

GraphicsGraphics• To design Clown Face• No upper lip, for instance• To design costume• To use as props (Gallagher)