Since ancient times, clowns have amused the masses, and they still do so today. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and temperaments, but the Whiteface clown is possibly the most recognizable of them all. Why is a Whiteface clown so unique? What is it? Find out by reading on.
Whiteface clowns have white makeup and frequently have exaggerated characteristics like red lips, black eyebrows, and a red or black nose. The audience is entertained by this type of clown, who typically acts as the group’s leader or is the smartest member of the troupe. The Whiteface clown is renowned for having a refined sense of humor that appeals to both children and adults. He is also regarded for being elegant, sophisticated, and proud.
The Italian Commedia dell’Arte, a type of theater that first appeared in the 16th century and featured stock characters like Harlequin, Columbine, and Pierrot, is where the history of the Whiteface clown can be found. In particular, Pierrot was a melancholy clown with a white outfit and makeup who frequently fell prey to the antics of the other characters. However, the American circus, which changed the Pierrot persona into a cheerier and acrobatic figure, popularized the Whiteface clown as we know it today.
How Much Should You Give a Clown? Although it’s not required, tipping a clown is a lovely gesture if you liked their act. The size of the tip is determined by a variety of elements, including the duration and caliber of the performance, the age and quantity of children in the audience, and your financial situation. A reasonable rule of thumb is to tip between 10 and 20 percent of the entire amount or to pay a flat rate of $10 to $20 for each performance hour. You can also inquire with the clown about their preferred tipping practices.
There are several clown schools around the world, but the École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, France, is without a doubt the most prominent and well-respected one. The institution, which was established in 1956 by famous theater director and educator Jacques Lecoq, provides a challenging and varied training curriculum with a focus on physical theater, mime, mask work, and clowning. Sacha Baron Cohen is only one of the well-known clowns and performers that attended the school.
Clowns often fall into one of three categories: Whiteface, Auguste, or Character. The Whiteface clown, the classiest and most sophisticated of the three, has already been covered. The Auguste clown, on the other hand, is the complete opposite; it has a huge red nose, a sloppy makeup job, and is frequently the target of jokes or the group’s prankster. A more specialized kind of clown is the character clown, which portrays a particular persona or line of work, such as a cowboy, chef, or magician. Where Can I Get Clown Training?
There are several of courses and programs that may help you hone your abilities and improve your style if you’re interested in becoming a professional clown. The Clown Conservatory in San Francisco, the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre in California, the Circus Space in London, and the École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris are some of the most well-known clown schools in the world. In order to network with other clowns and gain knowledge from their experiences, you can also go to clown festivals and conventions, like the World Clown Association Annual Convention or the International Clown Festival in Monte Carlo.
It is a custom that stretches back to ancient Rome for clowns to paint their noses red to indicate intoxication. This is why clowns wear red noses today. The red nose subsequently evolved into a hallmark of clown outfits, becoming a sign of laughter and amusement. The clown’s face is highlighted by the brilliant hue of his nose, which also contributes to the character’s outlandish aspect. The audience is also visually informed by the clown’s red nose that they can anticipate being delighted and amused by his antics.
I’m unable to give a definitive answer because the article is silent on the state of the clown market. However, it is possible to conduct research to see whether there is a high need for clowns right now.