Thought For The Week August 3, 2009

"Clowning is something that must come from within ones own personality. I well recall when first donning the hood and grease paint, being told that it takes more than a painted face and fancy costume to become a clown." - Raymond L. Bickford, The Circus Review, 1957

Clown appearance has evolved in the last half century. I think it is interesting that Bickford considered the skull cap of a white face clown a better symbol of a clown than a red nose. However, the basic foundation of clowning has not changed. Bickford's comment is as valid today as it was over fifty years ago.

Not only has clown appearance in general evolved over time, but a particular clown's appearance can evolve. When I first met Kenny Ahern, he was touring with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He had the exaggerated Auguste make up and costume that was common to many of the clowns touring with that show. Over the years, he refined his make up until now he has a very naturalistic appearance. (I have done drawings of his appearance in 1986 and in 2003. Those drawings are included in Creativity For Entertainers Volume Two) Kenny is still the same clown character, and sometimes performs some of the routines he developed in the circus, because his personality is the same. He has developed new skills and routines which fit with his old routines because they are all based on his personality.

When Carole returns from clowning at a hospital she often shares her experiences with me. Often she says an interaction was successful only because of using her personality and experience as a grandmother. For example, last week she said, "There were two little boys that I just knew would be trouble. I knew that if I let them run around they would be into everything. So, I told them, 'you sit down right over there and I'll show you some magic.' They sat right down and they were fine." Carole often comments that it took her a long time to realize that it is her personality that makes it possible for her to accomplish what she does as a clown. She said that is something people can try to explain, but you really don't understand it yourself until you have experienced it.

When I became more involved in using clowning as a teaching tool as a part of clown ministry I was concerned about being inconsistent during a show. I realized that to be effective I needed to speak and be serious at moments to insure that my message was understood. The majority of my performance is silent and humorous. I wondered if the two approaches were incompatible. Audience feedback seemed to indicate that it was working. I asked some other entertainers who saw me perform, and they told me that it seemed to fit together. Then I began thinking about Red Skelton. He was extremely funny, but he could also include serious thought provoking routines like his explanation of the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. In the "silent spot" on one of his television shows he performed a wonderful, powerful anti-war pantomime in partnership with Harpo Marx. I have realized that the two different types of routines work together in my shows because my personality is the common thread tying everything together. I try to be careful with how I make the transition between types of routines. For example, after a serious routine I sometimes say, "Now it is time to have a little more fun." I think my gentle style of comedy helps keep the transitions from being too jarring. Over the years I have started adding more spoken inspirational routines to my performances, especially when I am on staff for an educational program. It seems to work for me. For me the clown appearance is a tool that I use, but that is not what makes me a clown. My sense of humor, personal philosophy, and way of interacting with others is the basis for my clowning.

What makes you a clown? What role does your personality play in your clowning? How can you make your clowning more of an expression of your personality?