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Whiteface | |
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Auguste | |
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Tramp/Hobo | |
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Character |
| Auguste | ||
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Character: The most comical of all clowns. He/she is impish, gregarious and thrives on slapstick. His/her actions are big, clumsy and awkward. He/she does not have much in common with the Whiteface except for the makeup and costume. His/her personality is that of a rabble rouser. When appearing with the Whiteface, the Auguste (German meaning "foolish") is the brunt of the joke. However, with the Tramp, he becomes the instigator in control of the situation. |
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Makeup: The Auguste has a highly colorful makeup with a base color of flesh tone (pink, tan, reddish brown) on the face and neck. The eye and muzzle area are usually covered in white to produce a wide-eyed expression and to accentuate the mouth design. Designs in and around the eyes and mouth are generally black or red, but other lining colors, in moderation, are acceptable. A red shadowing around the muzzle area is generally outlined in black (or occasionally red). This clown will normally wear a large comedy nose appropriate to the size of the clown's face. The Auguste will always wear a wig, but can choose from the many varied styles and colors to accentuate the costume and flesh tone of the Auguste. | |
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Costume: The Auguste clown has the widest variety of costume designs to choose from, except it would not wear the "traditional" jumpsuit of the Whiteface. The August could wear a jacket or coat, short, medium or long, with or without tails, or go without. The pants could be short, long, or oversize. It can choose from a wide selection of colorful plaids, stripes, polka dots, and checks, as well as solid colors. Commonly called "the tailor's nightmare", the Auguste's costume colors and patterns should complement the overall clown appearance, whether or not they are color coordinated or matched. Theatrical fabrics or sequins are inappropriate on the Auguste costume. He/she is usually a notorious prankster and may need a lot of pockets to carry gags and tricks. The costume can be complemented with outlandish accessories, like large or small ties, vests, colorful socks, large or comical collars, suspenders and many styles and colors of comedy clown shoes. These and one of the many hat possibilities, like skimmers, Irish derbies, bowlers, top hats, stovepipes, "madhatters" and "crushables" in various bright colors will enhance the Auguste clown character. White or colored gloves are also worn. Although the Classic European Auguste is used in skits, it is not appropriate for COAI competitions. Costuming does not vary much between the Auguste and the Whiteface female clown regarding style, but the Whiteface tradition of color coordination, sparkles, glitter, ruffles and ribbon remain. Even when using cotton fabrics, the total look would be pretty and elegant. The Auguste female clown may wear mismatched colors and be totally uncoordinated, but may also prefer to be a pretty clown. This is acceptable. However, the Auguste must never wear sequins and glitter or use theatrical fabrics. These belong only to the Whiteface beauties. The female Auguste may choose to be a bumbling, stumbling or slapstick personality, much the same as the male Auguste clown. | |
| Tramp/Hobo | ||
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Character: There are some variations in
this clown category. The classic Tramp epitomized by Emmett Kelly and Otto Griebling of
circus fame is the forlorn and downtrodden character who has nothing and knows he will
never have anything. By nature, he will probably be a loner, which is reflected in his
determination to be silent, generally not talking to anyone but his peers. His downcast
mannerisms and shuffling burdensome movements reflect his hard life. The vagabond, elegant or happy Tramp is the businessman, scholar or playboy who, being fed up with his life, walked out of society for the wanderlust of travel. He is king of the road, happy with what he has and does not expect much. His character may take on some of the characteristics of the Auguste. This type of character was portrayed by Red Skelton in his Freddie the Freeloader character. Considered the only true American clown, some believe that this character developed from the days of the Depression in the 30's, when men rode the rails looking for work. Other historical references indicate the tramp makeup goes back to vaudeville and minstrel shows of the 1800's and early 1900's. Regardless of the type of Tramp/Hobo, he is the one who is the brunt of the joke and will be on the receiving end of the pie, slap or kick from the Whiteface or Auguste. Both variations of tramps will be judged together. In addition, the "bag lady" would be considered the female version of a Tramp/Hobo. |
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Makeup: The makeup represents the soot deposited on the face from the coal and wood-burning trains their originators rode. The eye and mouth areas were wiped clean of soot in order to see and eat. White makeup is used in the eye and mouth areas to exaggerate this cleaning process. The upper face is a blend of flesh tones to reflect the outdoor look. The beard line of the male is black or shades of dark gray to reflect the soot and beard, feathered into the upper cheeks and down under the chin. A ruddy nose is used. A little red shading in the cheeks can help create the sunburned look. The difference between the types of tramp characters is generally depicted by the shape of the eyebrows and mouth, either up or down to reflect happy or sad. | |
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Costume: Usually a dark suit, tuxedo, tail or just shirt and pants made to look old and worn for the male, and an old worn-out dress and/or coat for the bag lady. These could be well patched with rags or other materials, with uneven stitching or held together with whatever available. A dark, battered hat, tattered shoes and socks, worn shirt and tie will exaggerate the character. Gloves are generally old and worn. In keeping with the unemployed status of the Tramp, this character would not wear expensive watches, rings, or new belt, shoes, or socks. | |
| Character Clowns | ||
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A Character Clown is one who portrays an
identifiable character and/or occupation, i.e., fireman, nurse, doctor, cowboy, storybook
character, policeman, sailor, small child, etc. Contestants must remember that this is a
clown competition; famous personalities, i.e., Charlie Chaplin, W. C. Fields, Col.
Sanders, etc., are not considered "clowns". Representations of animals or
cartoon characters, i.e., dogs, cats, Smurfs, etc., are also not considered character
clowns. On the other hand, a contestant who portrays a clown version of a famous
personality, i.e., Charlie Chaplin, would be considered a character clown. Rules regarding costumes would not necessarily be used in judging this category. Judges will grade the contestant on how well the costume helps to identify the character. When judging this category the judges will be evaluating the contestants' makeup according to the appropriate makeup guidelines. |
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