Just Clowning Around
of Northern Virginia

Become a Clown

Congratulations on your decision to become a clown. JCA is here to help you on your journey.

Tips, pointers, and good clown links are coming soon....

Types of Clowns

COAI recognizes five types of clowns: Classic Whiteface, Comedy Whiteface, Auguste, Tramp/Hobo, and Character. Each type has its own unique characteristics.

Whiteface clown

The Whiteface Clown is a direct descendant of the classic black and white Pierrot Clown. This clown is French in origin. The Whiteface Clown is the "smartest" of the clowns, in that he is always the instigator. They try to maintain their dignity at all times, but never the final brunt of the joke. His character is that of a prankster, a trouble maker, and trickster. The Whiteface serves as the straight man, in a talking skit he sets up the punch line and establishes the timing. He is clever and very witty, and is usually the most skillful of the clowns. His movements are demeanor can cover the range of quiet to flamboyant.

The Comic Whiteface Clown is a blend of the Whiteface Clown and the Auguste Clown. It stems from the development of the white face character in the circus atmosphere. The Comic Whiteface appears to be clever, and for the most part, avoids the brunt of the joke. However, he stumbles into many situations and can be the fall guy of his own mischief. His physical movements are more Auguste in nature, in that he too "trips" along his merry way. The Comic Whiteface is also porn to be flashy, sparkling in wardrobe and behavior.

The Whiteface Clown's face is entirely in white with the features, eyes, nose, mouth cheeks and/or dimples are highlighted in red, black or even blue. The features are enlarged to give a more comic look, similar to the Auguste Clown. The Comic White Face Clown usually opts to wear a artificial nose.

Auguste clown

The Auguste Clown is clumsy by nature and tends to trip over his own shadow. This clown can get involved in any activity, but "seems" to get things done by accident rather than skill. In truth, its skill that carries the character along. This clown is not dumb, yet naive and easily lead. The blow off of any situation is always a surprise to the clown, who has stumbled upon the answer.

The Auguste's Clown make-up is based on three or four colors; white, red, flesh, black, which serve to exaggerate or enlarge the facial features. White is used to create the exaggeration. Red and or black are used to frame the exaggeration by enhancing the muscle movement. Out lining is usually done in black. Eye accents can be done in either black or blue. Skin is covered with flesh colored make-up, accents the cheek bones and associated muscle movement. An oversized artificial red nose completes the Auguste look. Be careful that you face is visible behind your nose or that your nose is big enough to carry the exaggerated features.

Tramp/Hobo clown

The Tramp or Hobo clown is each really a character clown, but is considered a separate category. This clown character is the only true North American clown. This character grew out of the tramps and hoboes who rode the freight trains across the country looking for work. Each of these clown is unique, the main differences between them is in the areas of attitude and wardrobe.

The Tramp believes the world owes him a living; that his condition is caused by others. He wants and expects everyone to feel sorry for him. He does everything in his power to avoid work. This shabby vagabond is the individual for whom nothing ever goes right and is always the bunt of the joke, he just walks into it. He expects misery and usually gets all that is around.

The Hobo came about during the depression where he lost his job or was down on his luck. The Hobo wants to be a hobo; he may be down but he certainly is not out. He often appears to be happy. The Hobo clown is a proud character who usually will not ask for a handout, preferring to work hard for his meals and a place to lay his head.

The tramp or hobo clown face is colored to appear dirty and unshaven. Black is used to appear as if soot is all over the face and neck. Black or gray is blended into flesh color to look like a beard, but occasionally, the beard is the clown’s own. Red is added above the beard line to make the face appear sunburned, and the mouth and eyes are white where he has wiped away the dirt with the back of his hand. The eyebrows should be small and worried looking. The tramp expression is usually sad and soulful, therefore his mouth will be down and all outlines will be downward and drooping. The hobo is somewhat happy, likes what he is and who he represents. His mouth and outlines should be upbeat.

Character or Novelty Clowns

A Character clown is one who portrays an identifiable character and/or occupation, i.e., fireman, nurse, doctor, cowboy, hockey player, policeman, sailor, small child, etc.

A Novelty clown is one whose costume is primarily designed for a parade as a sight gag.

Other Characters

Many of the people who perform as clowns also have other characters including a Fairy Godmother; Santa, Mrs. Claus, or an elf; pirate or superhero.

Fairy Godmother

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Santa and Mrs. Claus are great characters for the Christmas season. They can perform together or alone.