Virtual Snooks Learning to Clown in the 21 st Century

How to use the Computer to Become a Cyber-Savvy Clown Research Shopping Communication Graphics

Using The Computer Research Definition of Clown History of Clowns Some Famous Clowns Types of Clowns Clown Culture Clown Gimmicks

Research: 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 History The first documented professional comic (clown) characters are the Dorian Mimes who started performing in Ancient Greece during the 7 th century BC

History - 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.

Research: 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

Emmett Kelly, Sr.

Self-Portrait

Emmett Kelly Emmett Kelly, Sr. (December 9, 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 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 tramp clownsClown Hall of FameEmmett Kelly Museum will celebrate its’ 40th anniversary with an attempt at breaking the world’s record for the largest gathering of clowns

Emmett 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.Emmett Kelly Museum

The 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, 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, 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, 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 Freeloader

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

Red 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.Clown Hall of Fame in 1989 He died of pneumonia on September 17, 1997 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, USA.

Research: Clown Types European, neat whiteface Grotesque or Comedy White-face Auguste Character

White face clown

White-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-Face

Grotesque 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 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 Clowns) Only clown type created in America Emmett Kelly, Sr. Creator Similar to Auguste Clown Carol Burnett’s Charwoman same type

Naming 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 Gimmicks Magic Tricks Skits Balloon Animals Clown Schools

Shopping Clown Makeup Clown Costumes Clown Accessories Clown Gimmicks

Communication Clown Classes Networking with Clown Associations Advertising for Clowning Gigs Advertising for Clown Accoutrements

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