Hickory's Clown Alley - Getting Started

I frequently get asked from new clowns, what are some things that they should do. Because everybody's situation and experience level's are different, there is no set answer. What these basic steps represent are my own personal opinion and I'm sure every working clown can add to this list. However, if you follow these concepts, you have a good foundation to work from. If you're going to be working in clown ministry, one very important thing to remember is you must be a good clown first. The first bits of advice applies to all clowns, with a section for clown ministry that follows. Also on this page, are some experiences that visitors to Hickory's Clown Alley have shared.

Find a Mentor: It is very important that you find somebody who can help you with your clown. The more experience this person has, the better. Most clowns are willing to help you grow - they want you to succeed so you can work with them. Besides, clowns are caring folks who like to give of themselves. The best place to find someone is in your local clown alley. Clowns of America or World Clowns Association are two international associations that support and encourage alleys. If you can not find an experienced clown, find someone who will be honest with you, someone who will critique your routines with an honest opinion. You might try a drama teacher at a local school or an actor. Don't try to do it alone, if at all possible.

Educate Yourself: Obviously you are trying to do that right now. This site is designed to help clowns learn more about clowning. There are many wonderful people who contribute to this site. But there are several books and videos and conventions that you should use. Again, a local clown alley will have educational guests who will share things with you. Hang out at your local clown supplies store - or visit them online. Learn about new skills, magic tricks or skits. Learning new stuff not only allows you to perform for the same people more than once, but it keeps your clown interesting.

Practice - Practice - Practice: Prepare your routines and work at them. Practice facial expressions in front of a mirror. Practice in front of a video camera, taping your routines. Practice in front of a group of friends, or other clowns. Practice until you do it right, and continue practicing until it becomes second nature. Practice in full costume, because sometimes your costume will hinder your movements or get in the way of your magic routines. The important thing is to practice. Remember, when you're performing you represent the entire clowning profession, do your best. Did I say you should practice?

Makeup: There are three basic types of clowns; White Face, Auguste and Hobo. I will not attempt to describe them here since there are dozens of books on the market that can help you with that. But make sure your makeup is applied smoothly. Rules of thumb, if it is so thick it looks like you applied it with a trowel, it's too thick. If you can see your skin through it, it's not thick enough. Many professional clowns in the U.S. apply the makeup to their necks and ears. This covers all your skin and creates the illusion that you are a walking cartoon character. In Europe this is not always the case, as many clowns there try to be more of the common person. In hospital clowning, very little makeup is used. I did one outdoor flea market with no makeup on, only my costume. I heard several kids say, "Mommy, look at the clown!" Confusing? Sure. But the point is, there are no rules. I prefer to cover my ears and neck, but do what works for you.

Costumes: Each type of clown has a particular style of costume associated with that makeup style. Again, there are books to help you with this. The only point I will make here is the costume should be clean and well cared for. If you're a hobo with ripped and tattered clothing, don't have food spilled on the front. Keep your costume clean, patches sewn on without holes where hairy legs or jiggling bellies can be seen. If your costume does have holes in it (like a hobo) wear something underneath it so natural body parts do not show.

Character: Probably the hardest thing to come up with, is the character you want to portray. Are you a child? A cowboy? A person down on their luck? Maybe an adult? Give that character a name, write a biography from birth to present day, that will give you a life to draw on when people ask you about your clown. "Why do you have a rainbow on your head?" "How old are you?" "Do you like to go fishing?" These are all questions you will be asked (if you have a rainbow on your head). Your character will be stronger if you have a life story to draw from. What about a voice, should you change your voice? I don't, but I know people who do. I change the rhythm of my speach, the words that I use and a whole different level of energy, but I couldn't keep a different voice for very long - I'd probably hurt myself. But other people do a marvelous job. Again, no rules, just what works for you.

Props: Props are expensive. Take care of them. I recommend you always have two of your favorite props, just in case one gets lost or stolen. Again, practice with your props so you know how they work. The old adage, "packs small but plays big" is something to strive for. If you need an 18 wheeler to carry your props to a birthday party, you might want to rethink what you're using. Again, make sure they are clean and in good working order.

As I mentioned above, before you can be a good clown minister you must be a good clown. But working in a house of worship, or at a religious educational or social event, carries additional responsibilities.

Be Considerate/Be Respectful: Be on your best manners, but more important, respect the beliefs of others. You may be asked to perform at a church who's beliefs are different from yours. There are dozens of Protestant faiths, each with a unique perspective on points of doctrine. Go over your routine with the head of the church or the person making the arrangements. Ask them if there is anything offensive in your routine. Some denominations will throw you out if you do "magic", but if you perform "illusions" they may accept them, especially if you explain to the audience that you are not performing "magic, only tricks." Also, respect the religious icons, statues or fixtures in a church. Don't splash your face from the baptismal font or do a dance with the Virgin Mary, you will offend some people.

Give Advance Notice: If you are going to perform during a worship service, let people know ahead of time you will be there. Put posters around, have it announced in the newsletter and bulletins. This does two things: advertises that you are coming but also warns people who don't think "clowns belong in a house of worship." No Surprise Visits!!!

Pray - Pray - Pray: Regardless of your religion, pray for Divine Guidance. My shows are always better when there is help and inspiration from God. Make sure you are doing God's will. You are there as a servant, an educator and an entertainer. You can't do it alone - ask for help.

Here are some experiences that visitors to Hickory's Clown Alley have shared. If you would like to share your story with others, please send an e-mail to hickory@webclowns.com and I will add your experience.

Our church started a clown troupe that toured around to different churches to conduct worship services. This was not your typical Sunday Goin' to Meeting service - not by any stretch of the imagination. Each portion of the liturgy was presented as a skit, accompanied by powerful music. The clowns didn't speak since the music and their performing said it all. The Joyful Joeys presented their inaugural service on a Saturday night, and I was so moved by the service that before the cheering and applause subsided, I was at our minister's side begging to get in. I'd never clowned before, and in fact, I had a real aversion to clowns. Caught up by the Holy Spirit I was an immediate convert, and have been clowning ever since. The experience has been a major influence on my life, and among other things, led me to forming "Hickory's Clown Alley". Good luck with your clowning, and remember to always have fun with your clown so others can have fun watching you have fun with your clown.

To explain how I got started in clowning could take a 3 page e-mail, however here goes. I wanted to be a clown after making a balloon delivery to a client in an old beat up Halloween costume. The woman's face lit up light a x-mas. tree. It gave me great personal satisfaction to see her so happy. I was also playing Santa at the time. I am only 5ft. 1inch and 110 lbs, but that didn't stop me. I stopped in a candy store to buy supplies and told the clerk I was a wanna be Clown. She said great we need a clown for a Christmas Party. Me and my big mouth I thought but Something inside me could not turn her down. And so I charged her $30:00. I went home and used the busn. to busn. phone book to try and locate a Prof. Clown There were no listing in my area. and I needed help fast. I called Boston Ma. and help arrived. This show was 3 weeks away.Yeeks! He gave me a phone number to a supplier. I got the catalog and ordered all gag stuff. The show went really well because I messed everything up and my face showed it all. From that day on I knew there was a Clown inside. At that time I was using grease paint. Didn't even know there was special makeup. I finally met a great clown that helped me find my way. She helped me with basic balloons and introduce me to an alley. Now I don't suggest that anyone start out that way, but people who really know me say I couldn't have done it any other way. I got my Clown name by running a contest for children. I made up some poem about a Clown without a name. The winner receive a free B'Day show and a bunch of balloons. I saw the little girl who won the contest and she isn't so little anymore, she recounts that day to perfection. What a nice feeling to have given such found memories to a child. Being a clown provides me with great personnel satisfaction Remember you have a great influence over children and we also learn allot from them and their world. Children are great there world is very different. If us clowns acted as we do in costume, out of costume they would lock us up and throw the key away. What a great way to keep in touch with your own inner child. If you have ever noticed allot of adults forget how to play.

I followed my wife, Senorita Soto, around for about a year or so as she was performing and attending conventions and seminars. I was having lots of fun and whenever asked, I told people that I was an audience.

One evening at a Northeast Clown Convention I met two gentleman and we talked, laughed and goofed for hours. These two gentleman were Frosty Little and Shorty. They told me that they felt I had some natural talent that should be developed, if I so desired, and that I should get to a clown class. I did, enjoyed it and it has gone to about 150 performances a year from there.

Clowning is a great escape from the pressures, trials and tribulations of the real world. I enjoy working, but, I enjoy all the charity work that I do the best. Performing allows me to express a completely different side of myself and the ability to reach out and make somebody smile, laugh, or just have a good time for a couple of moments it a great internal reward.

I got started the day I was born. Trouble is that I took a detour for nearly 20 years, hiding my clown self behind my magician character. My character got sillier and sillier, while magic was getting (still is) more and more melodramatic. In order to more accuately sell my act I started telling people that I was really a clown, but dressed as magician. Then it dawned on me...duh! Dress the part. I did, kind of. I tried make-up but was unhappy with it, especially since I had a reputation of nearly two decades. When I show up people are paying top dollar and expect ultimate professionalism. I couldn't get my make-up to that level fast at all, so I started going naked. (no make-up that is!) My business shot up 300% in one year, but better yet I had finally found my true self....I am a clown.
Chad Currin
Mr. Twisty
http://www.fun101.com

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