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We've all known clowns with their big floppy shoes, broad oversized smiles and funky hairdos. Scary. Or those treacherous ones in horror flicks that wield smiles and knives. Doubly scary.
The more the merrier
as clowns seek others
to make people laughBy Nancy Arcayna
Special to the Star-BulletinClown fear is so real there's even a name for it, coulrophobia.
Professional clowns frown on the stereotypes and want to reclaim their image as happy-go-lucky entertainers. The Clowns of Aloha Club is offering free classes that emphasize proper clown etiquette.
Yona "Chocklette" Chock is the acting president of the club. "Clown classes were established so that organizations could find their own volunteers to train as clowns," she says.
"Organizations are always calling us to do wonderful charity benefits. We had to turn down many requests because everyone usually wants their party on a Saturday or Sunday. These are the days that pay for full-time clowns," says Chock, who got her stage name from her dad, who referred to all his daughters as "Chocklettes."
The organization last offered clown classes in 1999 and 32 people signed up; 29 stayed the full six weeks and graduated. Two Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus clowns assisted by teaching skits and juggling, Chock said.
The classes this year will cover clown history and character development, basic costume and make-up, introduction to balloon twisting, face painting and clown games, clown magic and props, parades and walk-arounds.
A clown who calls herself Mrs. Potts (the clowns wanted to be known by their stage, not real, names) and her family -- SpyKo, Mopesy, Daisy, Curly Dimples, collectively known as five Happy Thoughts -- took the free clowning classes offered two years ago.
"My son has always acted like a clown. He entertained other children and made people laugh. So we thought this would be a good opportunity for him. As a family, we stick together, so we all took the class," she says.
Clowning is one of the oldest forms of entertainment, according to Bruce Johnson, author of several books on clowning, including "Jest in Time," a history of the subject.
Through history, clowns served a special role. "The court jesters could criticize the kings through their humor when the kings wouldn't accept that criticism from anyone else."
But it's the tendency of clowns to operate outside of societal norms that causes some to fear them. "I used to think that clowns were weird and strange, that they were always eccentric or drunk," said Mrs. Potts.
One of the goals of the classes is to instill a respect for clowning. "They teach you to be a quality class act," Mrs. Potts said. "There are always a few clowns who are tacky or risque. We're supposed to be like live cartoons. Clowns are not supposed to eat or drink in front of people they are entertaining," to reinforce the non-human, cartoon image.
"For my family, it's not about making money ... it's about learning a trade. If someone learns to be a good clown, they could supplement their college (savings)," she said.
Mrs. Potts aspires to take her act to hospitals. "I'd like to make clay pots with goodies or seeds inside to give to the patients. The fun stuff in life makes the difference (in well-being). It is important to laugh everyday."
Before becoming a clown, Confetti the Clown ran her own architectural graphic design and woodworking businesses for 10 years.
"It's not like I ran away to join the circus. It's all related, in a creative way," she said. "I kinda fell into the profession backward. One of my kids was doing a show and needed help. It's amazing what your kids get you into ... you never know where you'll end up.
"My daughter was a clown with me for 10 years. Now that she's a teen-ager, she has retired, but still helps out with the face painting."
Confetti managed to introduce her pets, two dogs and two pigs, into the show. "(My daughter) always wanted a pet pig. We got one and I said, 'We need to put this pig to work.' All the other clowns have a rabbit. so why would I want to be normal?" asks Confetti.
"My pigs play the piano, dance and toot horns. Just like me, they're cute," she says.
"I love hanging out with the kids, doing the hokey pokey and singing keiki songs. The older kids are fun because they want to learn and sometimes we end up having a mini balloon-making class. It's so important for both the kids and adults to get personal attention."
Most of all, Confetti loves costuming. "I got a lot of experience when my daughter was growing up and by dressing up my poodle and pigs," she said.
She cautions parents not to force their children into a face-to-face encounter with a clown. She admits that clowns can scare children.
"Two-year olds seem to be the most fearful," she said. "As professional clowns, we are trained to watch for small kids that may be afraid. Some clowns jump out and like to scare people. A lot of kids end up with a lifelong fear of clowns, maybe because they were traumatized or forced by an adult to go see one of these painted adults. Then there are those stupid clown horror movies."
Put on a happy face
What: Clown classes, offered by the Clowns of Aloha Club
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