Christian Clowning

ContentsChristian Clowning.............................................................................................................2

What’s What...................................................................................................................2Who’s Who.....................................................................................................................2

Gospel Clowning................................................................................................................3Why Christian Clowning?................................................................................................3Essence of the Clown.....................................................................................................3Creating Your Clown.......................................................................................................4

Being a Clown.............................................................................................................4Appearing as a Clown.....................................................................................................5

Clown Types................................................................................................................6Make-Up..................................................................................................................... 6Props...........................................................................................................................7Giveaways.................................................................................................................. 8The Naming of Clowns................................................................................................9Doing Clowny Things..................................................................................................9Styles of Visual Humour............................................................................................10

Gags, Giggles and Gimmicks.......................................................................................10Balloons....................................................................................................................10

Balloon Olympics..........................................................................................................12Balloon Bust..............................................................................................................12Balloon Soccer..........................................................................................................12

Face Painting................................................................................................................12Face Painting Kit.......................................................................................................13

Juggling........................................................................................................................15How to Juggle...........................................................................................................15Juggling Antics..........................................................................................................16

Magic............................................................................................................................16Gospel Magic............................................................................................................16Disappearing Clown..................................................................................................17

Mime.............................................................................................................................17

Skits, Antics & Routines................................................................................................18Some Clown Antics...................................................................................................18

Story Telling..................................................................................................................20How to Create a Story..................................................................................................21

Limericks...................................................................................................................21What to do with a Crowd?.............................................................................................21

Suggested Programme For a Festival......................................................................21Gathering a Crowd....................................................................................................22

Entertaining the Crowd.................................................................................................23Farewelling a Crowd.....................................................................................................24Where to Clown? - Anywhere!......................................................................................24

Olympics...................................................................................................................25Special Occasions.....................................................................................................25Swimming Pools........................................................................................................25

How to be a Clown........................................................................................................25Cross Cultural Clowning............................................................................................26

RESOURCES...............................................................................................................27Clowning & Clown Ministry - Books..............................................................................27Clowning & Clown Ministry - Films & Videos................................................................29Clowning & Clown Ministry - Gear................................................................................30

Balloons and Bubbles...............................................................................................31Costume & Make-Up.................................................................................................31Face Painting............................................................................................................31Juggling.....................................................................................................................31Magic........................................................................................................................ 31Mime.........................................................................................................................32A Few Final Giveaways.............................................................................................32Story Telling...............................................................................................................32

Footnotes......................................................................................................................32

What’s WhatChristian Clowning is a resource that aims to help Christians reach out into the community so they will be touched by the love of God. Clowns add life and fun to outreach. Where do you begin to clown? How do you reach a crowd? This simple guidebook intends to show Christians what is needed to train clowns and let them loose to create fun and community spirit in outreach.

This manual is a revision of an earlier Fusion manual by Greg Hawkins and Dale Woodward. Their names are noted where their material has been included.

Who’s WhoGraeme Frauenfelder is a Global Gypsy wandering the world doing storytelling, clowning and teaching creative performing arts.

Contact Address: PO Box 312 Toronto NSW 2283, Australia Email: creative_graeme@hotmail.comLynda Ward is an Information Detective (Librarian) at Tabor College Sydney during the week. On weekends she is Esther Bags, community clown, found at churches, markets, parties and anywhere.

Work: TABORCOLLEGEPOBOX1015,Miranda,NSW,1490. Phone: 02 9522 9300 Fax: 02 9522 9800 Email: sydney@tabor.edu.au

Knock! Knock!Who’s there?NathanNathan who?Nathan will separate us from the love of God!

Who is the shortest man in the Bible?There are three contenders ...1. Knee High Miah (Ne-hi-miah)2. Bildad the Shu-hite3. Peter who slept on his watch

Gospel Clowning

Why Christian Clowning?

A merry heart does good like medicine. Proverbs17:22

The clown shows people that they are important and lovable. The clown expresses the joy of love from heaven. Clowning Ministry gives people the opportunity to laugh at themselves and to recognise that they are not alone in their troubles. Clowning can be used in relationship building; church work evangelism and outreach; mission promotion and pastoral care.

Essence of the Clown

The clown is a spontaneous inner child within each of us. The clown is one of the most effective communicators to all ages and cultures. For example, the circus clown, Charlie Chaplin and Mr. Bean are appreciated worldwide. The clown is able to reveal and open doors that have previously been closed. The clown gives license for the harmless expression of otherwise pent-up emotions. All emotions are valuable. The clown is childlike, emotionally honest, exaggerated, full of joy, imperfect, very human and without masks. The clown has awe, wonder, and a sense of forgetfulness. Clowning is more than entertaining. Clowning can bring healing to the heart, the mind, the soul and strength.

Floyd Shaffer, founder of clown ministry since the sixties, relates this incident. Following a clowning workshop the participants visited a nursing home. One girl who was apprehensive about clowning was asked about the visit. She did not feel she had been very useful.

She said “I met an old lady, who thought I was her granddaughter who had come to visit.” “What did you do?” Shaffer asked. “Oh“, she said, “I just became her granddaughter and sat beside her holding her hand the whole time.”

Go into all the world and preach the Gospel and if you have to, use words. Francis of Assisi

However the girl was more valuable, than she had thought. A held hand message can communicate more than a wordy gospel message. The elderly woman heard and felt the important message.

“I am loved; I am a person of worth”1

Creating Your ClownBeing a Clown

Putting on clown clothes and make-up makes you look like a clown. However it takes more to be a clown, than just a human in a clown costume.

Pray: Pray about every aspect of your ministry.

Forget: Forget the adult world and all its unwritten rules of how to act and think. Forget being logical and serious, and making sense. Try flapping your arms. Let them become wings. You can fly. Who cares that you feet are still on the round. Express surprise if someone thinks you aren’t airborne. What is wrong with their eyes? You know you are flying, so you are!

Remember: Remember what it was like to be a child. Live in the moment. Become excited about little things. Find wonder and awe in everything. Be petty. Stamp your feet. Fight and make up. Sulk openly and then forget why, when something fun comes along. Dance, leap and skip for joy. Be shy, curious. Show everyone your discoveries.

Watch & Mimic: Observe children playing. Just watch and see what they do and how they react. Try to copy them. It gets easier with practice! Better still, be a kid with them. After they get over the shock they will laugh and love you to bits. Act and play like a child with another clown or two.

Exaggerate: Make your movements and gestures really big or really small. For example Walk differently. Take giant stride or tiny steps. Notice how you normally walk. Exaggerate your normal movements. Be aware of what your body, limbs, hips and head are doing. Watch and copy different people. Then exaggerate their movements. Exaggerate with words. Make an ordinary story into a tall story.

Feel: Be in touch with your feelings and let them show. When your clown is sad, be really sad. A clown can even be angry. Act really angry, but not so much that you scare the children. Point your anger at an invisible or inanimate object. If you are tired, make it show. If something interests you get really excited and try to show everyone around you. If you are feeling uneasy or embarrassed about being a clown, or what it is your clown is doing, use that as part of the act and LET IT SHOW.

Experiment: Try things out. Do things you’re never done before. Watch others and see if what they do works for you. Be creative. There is no right or wrong way to clown. Find what you enjoy and what works for you. Your comfort zone expands as you practise and get experience. Don’t feel silly if you try something and it doesn’t work. Move on to something else.

Lighten Up: Loosen up and see the funny side of things. Be naughty (but not bad)! Tell silly jokes and riddles, and find them funny. Laugh for no reason at all. Tickle yourself. Pull faces in the mirror. Make fun of how adults take things so seriously.

Move: Use your body. If you feel restless, then be restless. If you are happy then dance. Run. Fly. Swim. Stamp your feet. Be expressive. Move your face muscles, pucker your lips and/or wiggle your ears.

Play: Have fun. Fun is contagious. Play games. Pretend others are playing even if they are not!

Soon they will be. Play Hide and Seek or Peek-a-boo. Enjoy yourself. Clowning is NOT serious business. Play games and fool around with children and adults.

Speak: Record your voice on cassette recorder. Experiment with different volumes and pitches. Exaggerate the inflections of your voice. Whisper and shout. Try being dumb, then charming, then excited, speak fast and slow. Experiment with different accents and invent your own accent. Get a puppet and be its voice as it talks to people. You will only find your clown voice if you try a few on for size. Experiment and have fun then create a clown voice that is easy and doesn’t strain your voice, or irritate the listeners. Don’t use your regular human voice because you are no longer a regular human!

Imagine: Imagine that you are a different person. Invent a name and all kinds of things about you. What do you do all day? What has happened in your life? What family do you have? Who are your friends? How old are you? What do you like? What do you hate? Where do you live? What mannerisms do you have? What are your favourite foods? Dwell on this until it becomes real for you and you can believe it’s for real when you are clowning. It’s just a game so enjoy it. Believing you really are this clown character helps you to act naturally. Pretend you are really to be somewhere magical. Be in places that no one else can see. Imagine it and act as if it is real. Then others can and will enter your imaginary world.

Be Gentle: You want to touch people’s lives; put a sparkle in their eyes and love in their hearts. Take it easy. Show kindness and love in ways that get through to them. Some children are scared of clowns. If they are scared of you, back off and find another way to reach them. Get down to the child’s level. If the child is crying sometimes if the clown cries as well, the child wants to comfort the clown. Some adults like to give clowns a hard time. If you are not getting through to them, move on. There are plenty of others who would love your attention.

CAUTION: Being a clown is not about being stupid, although you may do silly things. Be childlike, rather than childish. You can be childish occasionally for laughs. If you overdo it, you will probably stir the children up and soon they will be acting up. That’s when you will want to run for your life.

Appearing as a ClownPrayerPrayer is an essential part of a Christian’s life. It should be the foremost in your group’s thinking and planning. Prayer is one of the ways you can centre your thought on the task at hand, instil in the team a real group spirit and keep everyone’s thoughts in the right direction. (Dale Woodward)

Character, Costume, MakeupOver the centuries three classic types of clown characters have developed. Contemporary clowns are modern variations of these.

Clown TypesThe Whiteface Clown is the distinctive Pierrot, a harlequin clown. The face is completely white with markings. The costume is like that of the court jester. Dressmaker patterns are available. Make it colourful, showy, full, ample and baggy. The character is usually bossy, playing jokes on the clowns but quite dominating and takes the lead role. (Dale Woodward)

The August Clown is the typical clown featured in story books and circus posters. The face has a non-white base. Features include a large red nose, red mouth and shapes over the eyes, often half moons. The costume is too large or too small with wildly mismatched patterns. Suspenders, oversized shoes, ties, etc., are worn. Wild wigs with a tiny or huge hat. You may find some suitable clothes in charity or opportunity shops. The character is often the butt of most jokes but

occasionally gets his own back.(Dale Woodward)

Character Clown: There is a lot of variation within this type. She or he may be a sad face tramp or a happy character with a red nose, funny moustache, crazy haircut or costume, e.g., Charlie Chaplin. Comical figures can be developed using the professions, such as, doctors nurses or police officers, especially the London Bobby. Alternatively animals, ballet dancers, pirates or even Vikings can be clowns.

Make-UpMake up Kit: Cosmetic Pencils in a range of colours. WetOnes for mistakes & eventual

removal. Cotton Wool, Sponge Pads, Paper

Towels, Tissues. Wet Ones for mistakes & eventual

removal.

Cream - Barrier, Moisturiser, (e.g. Vaseline).

Sun Protection. Theatrical make-up in a range of

colours. Powder & Powder Puff/ Socks.

Step by Step Application(Dale Woodward)1. Wash face. Men need to shave close to make-up time.2. Apply a small amount of cream or moisturiser as a base, five minutes before applying make-

up. Be sure to wipe off the excess.3. If Whiteface, apply white base. This can be done with your fingers or damp sponge. Try to

apply the base in flowing lines to suit your face. Next, with your fingers pat your entire face. 4. Powder face. Optional at this stage. 5. Outline the shape of your mouth with a makeup pencil. Look closely at the width of your jaw

and width of your mouth shape. A narrow jaw does not take a wide mouth shape. A wide, expressive mouth does not need extensions at the side.

6. Colour in the mouth area with a brush. Avoid colouring the area above the lips as this area has little expression.

7. Outline the shapes above the eyes, on the nose and other parts of your face. 8. Colour in these areas with bright colours to suit your complexion.9. Powder the face liberally. A large powder puff is best, but an old sock is just as good. Don’t

worry if the powder cakes in spots. Leave it set for about 2 minutes.10.A large brush can be used to carefully brush off the excess. I personally prefer to use cold

water splashed on my face and dried with a paper towel. The latter method will leave your face beautifully white and fresh. Your make-up will last all day even in hot weather.

CAUTION: Sensitive Skins: Make-up may cause irritation to some sensitive skins. Test on the forearm before face. Avoid applying over any form of abrasions, allergies, cuts, dermatitis, flaky skin, sores. Special non-allergenic make-up is available. Acquire make-up from a reputable theatrical suppler.

PropsEvery clown in every age has at least once used a “prop” to help make people laugh or cry. What is a clown “prop?” It is any object used by the clown to assist him/her in a comical situation. It can be as simple as a hankie or as complicated as a wilting flower. Greg Hawkins

Props are essential to good clowning. However if we depend on them alone for humour then we

BRIGHT IDEAS: You could choose to be one of these clown types or a combination of two or even three clowns.

have missed the timing of the comical situation. A prop alone is not funny. Take for example, juggling balls. By themselves they are lifeless, without humour, however in the hands of a juggler they become a source of great entertainment. The same can be said of a puppet or a magic wand. (Greg Hawkins)

Walk around Props: Visibility is important. Verbal banter and setting up an actual situation in- creases the effect of the banter. It is usually performed quickly and then the clown moves on to the next group of passers-by. (Greg Hawkins)

Visual Puns: A visual pun relies on an alternate meaning to what is seen. For example place the letter “j” in a bird cage, paint it blue and there you have a “blue jay,” etc. (Greg Hawkins)

Balloons: Balloons are fun. Paint them. Fill them with water and throw them on hot days. Recycle many ball games using balloons. Give them away - helium filled, blown up or not blown, up with or without printed messages. Sculpture or model balloons. (See Balloon Section)

Balls: Balls of all shapes & sizes from the tiny bouncing balls to giant earth balls can be fun to play with.

Bubbles: From small bottles that hang around your neck, to bubble guns and machines, to large containers from which you make giant bubbles with a wand to set the mood of fun or mystique.

“Break Away” Props: As the name infers these props break away when you touch them or when they are triggered. The classic break away is the black wand Magicians use. In the magician’s hand it is erect and solid, however when the child takes it, it breaks into several pieces. n reverse the clown could be holding a broken object such as a fan but when the child has it, it is fixed. (GH)

Jumbo Props: No prizes for guessing what this means. Large blow up objects, such as, baseball bats. Just about anything jumbo can be found in bargain shops, fun fares and shows.

Frisbees: Use either manufactured Frisbees or recycled ice cream lids. Clowns can conduct Frisbee throwing contests or use them in Silly Olympics.

Kites: Kites range from simple hand-made kites to huge colourful kites that can take you off the ground. Kites attract attention. They work well on beaches, or in large parks or fields.

Music Instruments or Noise Makers: Bicycle horns, clappers, harmonicas, tambourines, whistles, etc., are other attention grabbers.

Parachute: The Parachute probably produces some of the most spectacular fun and crowd attraction. All sorts of games can evolve when lots of people work together exploring how to play with a parachute. Parachutes (including ideas for games) can be hired from organisations like Scripture Union.

Puppets: See www.fusionyac.org for Puppet Manual.

Rope is very handy for scooping a crowd, tug-o-war, creating boundaries or a stage, or even tying up a pesky clown or troublemaker.

Squirting Props: Any container that holds water and when released unexpectedly causes a great deal of excitement. This prop can be as innocent as a squirting flower or as obvious as a bucket. Squirting props can be found anywhere toys are sold. However avoid water pistols, as guns are not fun or clowny.

Stamps: Newsagents, toy shops, supermarkets, or variety shops sell a wide range of self-inking

stamps with all kinds of pictures on them. You can even buy pens with a stamp on end and bubbles in the middle bit (the complete clown kit). Giving a child or an adult a stamp on the hand, arm, foot or leg will not only give them delight, it will remind you that you met them during the day.

Tricks and Gags: There are a variety of these available, some of which are very inexpensive. For more information see Magic Section.

GiveawaysOne thing Esther Bags has noticed people love receiving gifts. People often accept things from clowns or people in costume more readily than from people in ordinary clothes. It is published every year and is available in book shops. Reverse Garbage or Recycled Rubbish places have wonderful inexpensive ideas for things to give away too.

Badges (Badge making equipment can be hired from Scripture Union), Balloons, Balls, Band-Aids, Bibles, Books, Booklets, Bookmarks, Bread (Day old bread can often be obtained from Bakeries),Cake, Candles (for Carols by Candlelight) Cards, Cassettes, Chocolate, Certificates. CDs, Colour-In sheets, Comics, Cookies.Drinks (Cold, Hot Chocolate, Coffee or Tea). Edibles, Erasers or Rubbers Fans, Flowers (fresh, paper, plastic, silk) Finger puppets, First Aid (only if needed), Fridge magnets, Frisbees, Fruit (Cheap fruit can be obtained from Markets).Games, God’s Love. Hats & Caps & other Headgear, Hugs. Invisible things,Juggling Balls. Kites.Lollies.Maps, Medals, Meals, Musical instruments. Pamphlets, Pencils, Pens, Pictures, Post Cards, Posters, Puppets, Puzzles, Quizzes.Reverse Garbage, Rulers. Sandwiches, Sharpeners, Song sheets, Stickers, Sun Protection Cream (British Cancer Council may have samples), Sweets.Toys, Tracts, Tricks.Umbrellas for rain or sun. (Try opportunity shops). DVDs/Videos (The Jesus DVD/Video comes in over 100 different languages),Water.Yo-yos.

The Naming of ClownsThere must be thousands of suitable names for clowns. The name can mean something about your personality Bold or Shy. Your name could be a feature of your costume, such as, Pockets or Badges. It may characterise some you do or carry, e.g., Bubbles, Bouncy or Bags. Try to choose positive, happy, fun names. Here are some suggestions for clown names:

Able, Amber; Apples, Appliance, Badges, Bags, Bashful, Blue, Bluey, Bouncy, Belle, Bold, Bubbles, Bubbly, Cautious, Capers, Cauliflower, Creamy, Chatty (for a silent clown), Crazy Nose, Dolly, Daisy, Dozy, Doc, Dove, Eggs, Electricity; Energy; Ernest, Esther, Everest, Faithful, Fidget, Fleecy, Fluffy, Folly, Frankly, Friendly; Frothy, Fuzzy, Gags, Gaudy, Goalie Gosh, Hatty, Holly,Inky,Jolly, Joker, Josh, Joyful, Kip, Kit, Kite, Listener, Lively; Lolly,Mac; Mad, Melon, Meringue, Molly, Nelly, Nougat, Nutty,

Owl; Olly; Patches, Peace, Pockets; Polly, Quentin,Reality; Rolly, Shy, Sleepy, Snowy; Softy, Spry, Strings, Tackle; Tags, Tender; Tip Top, Tools, Troppo, Trixie; Ultra-violet,Violet, Wags, Wisdom, Xerox,Yak, Zac, Zany; Zap, Zip.

Knock KnockWho’s there? BessieBessie who?Bessie are the pure in heart for they shall see God

Doing Clowny ThingsRowan Atkinson has produced an excellent video on Visual Humour called Funny Business. He has cleverly pinpointed the things that make us laugh. Some of his suggestions could be used for clown acts. Here is a brief outline of what he said, written from a clowning point of view.

Body Parts: The body of the clown is the main tool used in clowning, whether it is short, tall, fat, thin or normal. Dressed in clothes too small or too large can make anybody amusing.

There is potential for humour in every part of the body. The face can give off a myriad of different expressions. The head can turn, flop, nod, shake and do other things. The arms can flap, rotate, extend, shorten, wave, fold, direct, etc. The hands can be used in a thousand different ways.

Sign language would be a handy skill for any clown. Legs can run, walk, creep, crawl, skip, jump, leap, balance and do dozens of other things. The bottom can wiggle and wobble. Let’s not forget the feet, knees, elbows, stomach. For further gestures and movements see the Mime Section.

BRIGHT IDEAS: Practice in front of a mirror pulling funny faces, doing silly gestures, using funny voices - with or without props.

Objects can be amusing in three basic ways.1. The object behaving in an unexpected way, for example, a horn sprouting flowers; a

saxophone blowing bubbles; a red nose lighting up; tie squeaking or a cigarette lighter spurting water.

2. An object found in an unexpected place, such as, a jack in the box; lollies in a tissue box; or a long red balloon in a sauce bottle; springs in a can of peanuts; a crocodile in a match box.

3. An object that is much larger or smaller than normal - giant scissors, big glasses, a little umbrella or tiny ringing telephone.

Styles of Visual HumourSlapstickThis is the oldest form of visual humour. It involves violent, exaggerated or overstated, or sometimes understated actions — blundering, bungling, collapsing, dropping, exploding, falling, plunging, sinking, sliding, stumbling, subsiding, toppling, The humour is in the over doing or the

Stretch and pull the nozzle Wrap it around the ends of two fingersInsert the nozzle under the loop. Pull on the nozzle, making a knot while slipping out your fingers.

under doing. The danger is that it may cease to be funny if it is overdone excessively.

IllusionThe magic and surrealism that a magician uses to astonish the audience, in the hands of a clown, amuses people. Sudden appearances and disappearances can be both astonishing and amusing. See more in the Magic Section.

Imitation & ParodyCopying or parroting the actions of others in some cases can be comical. Parody is imitating some- thing often very serious and making it look ridiculous. A common use of parody is taking a popular song and changing the words.

Mime & Body LanguageA major medium of communication in clowning is mime and body language. Gestures are used to interpret what the clown is either thinking or doing. Gestures can be exaggerations or caricatures of normal action. For some traditional clown movements, see the Mime Section.

Gags, Giggles and GimmicksBalloonsBalloons are colourful, unpredictable and versatile. They are used on grand occasions and in simple activities. They bring delight to all ages, especially when they are fashioned into a special shape like a flower, a fish, poodle or a pussy cat.

Balloon ModellingThere is range of books available demonstrating how to model balloons found in book shops, party shops and toy shops. Ralph Dewey has written a series of booklets on presenting the gospel with balloon sculptures. (See Resources Section).

The EquipmentThe most reliable modelling balloons are Qualatex. (No, we have not got shares in the company!) Special balloon pumps or inflators are available. Even experts use pumps. Check the phone book or internet to find out where there is a supplier in your area, to buy balloons and instruction books.

Balloon Modelling Step by Step Stretch the balloon. Inflate the balloon leaving a section about 12cm uninflated. This will allow the air move while

you twist the balloon. As the diameter of a modelling balloon is very small, you will find it difficult to inflate. If you are unable to blow it up yourself use a balloon pump.

Tie the balloon. Tying the balloon requires some practice, here is a simple way.

Balloon SculpturesAs an alternative to the special modelling balloons, use the ordinary round and long balloons to create different shapes. By using a rubber glue or masking one can make animals, futuristic sculptures and comic characters.

Balloon Group SculpturesThe Clown can organise groups of three or four, provided with a large number of balloons and masking tape to create most unusual and biggest costume on one of the players in their group.

Sample Balloon Model: The Dog

Inflate and leave 18cm.

Twist three bubbles about 5cm each.

Lock point A & B by twisting several times. Bubble 2 & 3 will form the ears. Bubble 1 is the head.

Make bubble 4, 5, & 6. As bubble 4 will form the neck, it should be slightly longer than the rest.

Lock C & D, bubble 5 & 6 will form the legs.

Make bubble 7, 8 9 & 10. Make bubble 7 slightly longer as this will form the body.

Point E & F by twisting several times to complete the dog.

Balloon OlympicsBalloon BustEveryone is given a balloon. The first person to blow it up, tie it and then bust it is the winner. Balloon Discus Standing behind a line or a piece of rope, each player tries to throw a balloon as far as possible. The spot at which it touches the ground is marked by a match stick with the thrower’s initials.

Balloon Ping Pong Teams line up at either end of a roped off area. The players bat a balloon from one end of the section to the other, using a ping pong bat.

Balloon SoccerEveryone is ties a balloon to one ankle with string. Everyone tries to stamp the other’s balloon. The winner is the only one left with an inflated balloon.

Face PaintingFace painting is a fun activity especially at festivals, and a great way to attract a crowd. It adds colour and life to an activity, and provides a kind of carnival atmosphere and an ideal skill for a clown at a festival. The following ideas are for situations where the clown will be inundated with kids and even adults.

Face Painting Kit Cosmetic Pencils in a range of colours. Glitter. Cosmetic Applicators, Cotton Buds, Paint

Brushes. Mirror.

Cotton Wool, Sponge Pads, Paper Towels, Tissues.

Rubbish Bag.

Cream - Barrier, Moisturizer, Sun Protection.

Sample Sheet of drawings.

Face Paint, Water-based (e.g. Vynol Derlvan).

Portable Bag or Box to carry it.

Hair ties and Cap for pulling back hair. Water & water holder. Stool /Chair (for yourself & sitters) & Table

(Optional). Wet Ones.

Tips for Quick FacesApplicatorsOutlining can really bring your design to life, either use the cosmetic pencils (which come in several shades ) or use paint with a fine-tip brush. Paint brushes are flexible & have various tips - pointed, flat, round. Wash brushes and cosmetic applicator in disinfectant after use. Cotton buds are inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes. Use a fresh bud for each child, for hygiene reasons. Separate used ones and dispose of them.

Basic ColoursWhite, Black, Red, Blue, Yellow.Water-based paint can be thinned with water and easily mixed to create more colours.

Colour MixingBlack + Red + Yellow = Brown Red + White = Pink Blue +Yellow=GreenRed + Yellow=Orange Blue + Red = Purple

Colour ContainersBuy big quantifies of the basic colours. Put your thinned & mixed colours into empty clear film canisters. Photo Developing stores will give away empty containers. Keep them all in a plastic box. So you can easily remove lids and avoid knocks and spills. Have spare containers of all colours in case you run out.

Sample Faces 2

Designs for Cheeks, Hands, Knees or Legs

JugglingHow to JuggleAcquire 3 Juggling Balls1. Take one ball. Toss it from one hand to the other. Move your left hand to the centre of your

body and throw the ball up in the air and over your right hand. After you’ve mastered the throws, and made sure that each throw went where it was supposed to go.

2. Pick up another ball and place one in each hand. In order to juggle two balls, throw one ball up and inside the first ball’s arc towards your other hand. Then repeat the process with the other hand. Once you are flawlessly with both hands, pick up a third ball.

3. To juggle 3 balls, put two in your dominant hand (right for most people, for most people), and one in the other hand. Throw one ball out of your dominant hand towards the other hand. Just after it peaks, throw up the ball in your hand in an arc under the ball. This frees up your hand to receive the ball that’s in the air. Now when this ball goes past its peak, throw up the one remaining ball in your dominant hand. Practice this until you can do it every time, then just keep going, exchanging the ball with the one in the air. Now you’re Juggling.

Why did the dinosaur cross the road? Because God hadn’t made chickens yet.

BRIGHT IDEAS: When starting out, use bean bags or nylon scarves. Once you have mastered juggling, try juggling different kinds of objects.

Juggling AnticsJuggling ShoesWith a group of 5 or more people sit or stand in a Circle. Toss a shoe from one person to another across the circle then keep adding shoes. You can also do this with balls or bean bags.

Juggling StatueWhile you are walking along you drop one item. Freeze and wait until a child or an adult picks it up and places it in your hand and then continue to juggle. With this you can speak or remain silent. (Greg Hawkins)

Juggling JittersSimilar to above except when the item is given back, you drop another and remain motionless. Continue to milk this as long as it creates interest in the people around you. Again it can be done with or without speech.(Greg Hawkins)

MagicEsther Bags once asked some children for a magic word and they suggested “please” and “thank you”. The form of magic clowns use is not to be confused with practices in occult or witchcraft, which the Bible condemns. However it does not condemn conjuring, illusion and tricks. The magic clowns use, mainly consists of gags and tricks designed to give delight and make people laugh.

Gospel MagicMagic can be used to illustrate the Good News of Jesus Christ. If you feel uncomfortable with the word magic use “trick”, “gag”, “illusion” or even “object lesson”. Without giving the trick away, at all times the clown maintains the idea that no special powers or spirits are at work. Indeed the clown reinforces that God is ultimate power and his Holy Spirit is at work in our world.

Performing MagicMagic is not difficult. Once you know how, it is really quite easy. You need special props, a “patter” and practise.

PropsA range of inexpensive magic tricks is available in toy stores and some bargain stores. The clown could use a very well-known trick get it back to front.

Game Shops and Magic Stores have some really fun gags and tricks, such as, the Breakable Fan, Change Bag, Colour Changing Hanky, Magic Colouring Book, the Magic Light Globe and the Wilting Flower. These can be expensive, so choose tricks that can be used over and over again.

PatterThe patter of a clown involves weaving a humorous story or message while demonstrating the props. The patter will need a punch line or morale.

PractiseBefore presenting magic, you need to practise your patter and demonstration of the prop. Practise in front of a mirror or a video camera. Correct your mistakes. Try it another way.

Old clowns never die. They just lose their props!

CAUTION: Avoid giving away the secret of the trick because it spoils the element of wonder. Often members of the audience will want to know how the trick is done. Simply say. “Can you keep a secret?” It they say “yes”. Then reply, ‘Well, so can I.” If they say “no”. Reply, ‘Well, I can.”

Magic AnticsThe magic performed by a clown needs to be comical or spoof magic. Spoof Magic can involve unbelievable acts, such as, presenting the impossible trick of finding the car keys at the right time, and then even more improbable finding the right car at the first attempt. This can be done in the manner of a grand magician. I said, “Magician, not musician!”

Disappearing ClownMake a grand announcement that the clown is about to disappear. Simply step out of your shoes. Point to the shoes and state. “Look there is no one in the shoes. The clown has disappeared. Alternatively throw a blanket over another clown and claim she has disappeared.

Disappearing CoinsTake two coins of the same value, e.g.10p. Hide one in each hand. Show the crowd one and announce, “The child who can guess in which hand I have this coin, may have it. ”Put both hands behind your back. Pretend to shuffle coins around. Bring your hands, each in a fist shape, to the front of your body. Ask a child to choose which hand the coin is in. “Left or Right?” If they say “Left”. Open the Right Hand and reveal the coin. Say sorry it was in the other hand. If they say “Right”, open the Left Hand and reveal the coin and say sorry it was in the other hand. Eventually let someone guess the correct hand and give them the coin. An alternative to coins is identical, small toys or wrapped lollies.

Disappearing ObjectsKeeping the persons’ eyes fixed on your eyes, show them an object. Lift the object out of his or her eye sight above your head and then throw it over your back. Get someone to catch it and run away.

Hanky PankyYou will need to prepare a handkerchief for this gag. Take a large hankie and sew a small bouncing ball in the middle of it. At any time when you need to wipe your brow, take out the handkerchief wipe. Then throw it to the ground where it will bounce back into your hands for you to put into your pocket.

Impossible TearYou need a piece of paper (several, depending on how many times you want to perform the trick). Fold the paper in half without creasing the centre. Make a small, vertical tear in the centre of the paper. Then unfold it and hand it to child and say, “I bet you can’t take this paper, with one end in each hand and pull it apart into three pieces.” When the challenger tries to tear the paper it will tear in two. Secret: The clown pulls the sides with both hands, and at the same time pulls the middle with the mouth. Viola, 3 pieces!

MimeWhether or not your clown speaks, one the chief means of communication in clowning is mime, which is acting without words. Gestures are used to interpret what the clown is thinking and doing. Such gestures are exaggerations or caricatures of normal action. For the clown all movements need to bigger than life .as make-up masks facial expression. Hence the body must be the interpreter. Some traditional clown actions include:

Anticipation: Gnaw fingernails. Clench and open hands lean forward.Fear: Cower, cover head with arm or hide behind a person or object. Shake and tremble. Bite

nails. Knock your knees.Happiness: Smile broadly, jump up and down, hug oneself or others. Even turn cartwheels.Heart: Take out your beating heart in your cupped hand (pulsating in and out to give the effect of beating). Show it to people. Give it away. Swap it with someone. Allow it to become weak, sick, hurting or even smashed. Give to God and allow to beat strong once more.Odours: Hold nose. Turn head away from the source of smell,Pain: If struck by an object, fall or jump in direction propelled by the instrument. If hit in the seat, arch body with head and legs extended backwards. I f struck on the head, stagger forward like a chicken trying to catch up to its head. Open mouth widely and yell, or act as if yelling, while placing hands on sore spot.Pleasure: Clap hands, click hands together, at same time jumping in air. For food - rub stomach, lick lips.Pride: Puff out chest, put thumbs in imaginary suspenders and spread hands, palms out. Claps hands.Rage: Jump up and down. Strike self on chest with fists or hit head against object. Running: Work arms like pistons, bring knees up to chest, pause to indicate breathlessness. Don’t cover too much space; run in place.Sadness: Sit down with the head between the knees, shake all over from sobbing. Finally, take out a huge handkerchief and start to blow the nose, only to discover there is a hole in the handkerchief.Smile: Catch it from heaven. Wipe it off your face, give it someone. Throw it away. Use it as a Frisbee.

Skits, Antics & Routinesby Greg Hawkins

Some Clown AnticsJust take a minute and remember the last time you encountered a clown. What sticks in your mind? Was it the clothes the clown wore? Was it the make-up that impressed you? Or was it lots of little things the clown did that made you laugh? Isn’t it true that the little things that we do make such a difference in life.

What follows is a compilation of little gags that I have used, seen and read about. Take the time to read them for in reading them it may trigger another idea that suits your clown personality. Always try to VISUALISE the movement and environment in which the gag is set. Use your IMAGINATION to capture the FEELINGS that will be evoked. Once a decision is made PRACTICE it until you are comfort- able with it. The power of the mind is a wonderful asset God has given to us to help us cope with new ventures. When this is wedded with the hard yakka of practice success will be yours.

Unveil the StatueA large sheet covers a statue. A person announces the unveiling of a new statue, the most life-like you have ever seen. With much pomp and ceremony the statue is unveiled. After a few seconds, it comes to life. (It’s you under there of course).

Story String-a-LongGather several children or adults. Put them in a line. Explain to them that they are going to help you. You begin by telling a story then point to one of the helpers to continue it. You should give the story some direction by having a turn regularly.

Growing Gloves

BRIGHT IDEA: Mime to a song, e.g., Ray Boltz’s Watch the Lamb.

Walk into the room or area, survey it, stick your nose up in the air and with style remove one glove. While holding the glove remove the second glove. Unfortunately, it takes three times as long (with exaggerated movements), because the sleeve is two or more metres long. Get others to help pull off the glove etc. (To gain the effect simply sew extra length on to the glove). When finally removed continue on, or with a huff leave the room.

Huge HankieVery similar to the previous skit, but the hankie is pulled from a pocket. When the hankie is about two metres in length. The crowd notices that your shirt is disappearing. It keeps disappearing until it appears on the end of the hankie pulled through the pocket leaving you only wearing a singlet. Wear a separate collar so that the tie and collar remain around your neck. To be daring, you could pull out your undies? If this choice is made. Make sure that it will not offend anyone.

Never Ending NecktieYou can do the same as the glove and hankie skits with a necktie. The necktie gets longer and longer. This involves a fake knot through which the long tongue of the ties is pulled. The tie itself is carried into a pocket in the back of the coat or costume.

Dog in SpaceHave a bag with the sign on it “FIRST DOG IN SPACE.” At the appropriate time open the bag in front of the crowd. When enough people have gathered, reveal a large sausage dangling on a piece of string or a Hot Dog. You could wear a space suit to add atmosphere. Bone Specialist: Like the one above it is a sight gag that lasts for but a few seconds. Have a bag with the words on it “BONE SPECIALIST.” At the appropriate time open the bag and reveal various bones - trombones, plastic, real lamb chops, wish bones, etc. A complementary costume could be a doctor’s.

RainstormThis is good for a large seated crowd. Divide the crowd into four sections. The first section rubs their hands together vigorously. The next section clicks their fingers. The third section slaps their thighs and the final sections stamp their feet. Wave your hand over the sections from one to four and if done correctly, it will sound like a thunderstorm.

Ding Dang DongAnother little routine, needing a small to large crowd. Divide the group into three sections and allocate their words DING, DANG, DONG. Of course, the aim is to get the group to sound like the ringing of bells. Use variety, start softly, gradually get louder and then fade. It is fun and sounds great.

Walking StickBuy a walking stick with a fish hook end. Brightly colour it with paint and tape. This helps create space. You can use it to point to where you wish people to sit or stand. With the stick you draw half a circle in front of you, indicating where you want the people to be, etc. When you add a few accessories to it, it will then become a valuable asset. Add to it bike horns, streamers or water squirting flowers. When the stick is not in use, simply hook it onto your pocket or belt.

Yo-yoMake an oversized Yo-yo from an old electrical cable reel. Cover in the ends with coloured cardboard and use soft white rope (thin gauge) as the string. It really works. It is also fun to hand over to children and allow them to have a go.

Old MacDonald Had a BandThis is a fun musical number, involving several children with a well-known tune. Invite six children on stage and line them up across the stage and give each child a musical instrument. You then sing the tune of “OLD MACDONALD HAD A FARM”. Only, you sing “OLD MACDONALD HAD A

BAND, E, I, E, I, O.. WITH A BANG, BANG HERE, AND A BANG, BANG THERE. HERE A BANG, THERE A BANG, EVERY WHERE A BANG, BANG. OLD MACDONALD, etc. ...

Do not use instruments that go from mouth to mouth for hygiene reasons. You could purchase cheap plastic instruments, which could be given to the child to take home.

Funny FaceYou need a picture frame large enough to fit over an adult’s head. Remove the glass & picture, and then stretch lycra material across the frame and tack it down. Next make a horizontal cut in the cloth about 15cm and one vertically the same length. When you have completed the frame you should have a canvas with a small cross cut into the middle of the material. You simply get the children to stick their heads into the frame and ask them to pull funny faces. As a competition, you get them to line up and the audience judges the funniest.

Story Telling 4The oldest art form is the story. Colin Pearce.

If you want people to remember what you say, package your information in some striking circum- stance or illustrate the point, use stories. Audiences enjoy stories, especially if they are funny. For example, think of how the television commercial gets across its message with a simple story.

Stories began with God. “In the Beginning” stories were used to explain why things have to be as they are - God made it that way. Over the centuries, people “changed the truth of God into a lie” and the stories were different.

Jesus told memorable stories. He used parables and allegories. “The truth embodied in a tale shall enter lowly doors.” A parable compares similar things, for example, the Good Samaritan. The parable is an extended simile. An allegory is an elaborate tale where all details compare to truth, such as the story of The Sower.

Stories are for adults, as well as kids. Until the twentieth century, children generally did not have education, hence there are not many children’s books or for that matter, children’s stories.

Presentation: First you must catch their attention, then hold their interest.

Audiences sit up and take notice when they see someone face trouble and deal with it. A story is not so much concerned with an incident as with someone’s reaction to that incident.

In the delivery of a story... Talk in simple sentences with familiar words. Do not talk down to children, or anyone else for that matter. Always extend yourself to find untapped resources. Take your listener there - to see, touch, hear, taste, smell, imagine. Seek the power of the Holy Spirit as you tell the truths of the Word of Christ to bring your

audience to know the Father.

How to Create a Story 5

Think in dramatic format Act 1: Get the people to like the hero. Act 2: Get the hero in a jam.

Why did the grandmother put wheels on her rocking Chair?

Act 3: Throw rocks at the hero.Act 4: Get the hero out of the jam.

Understand what sounds good to people. Know your audience. Pray. Pinpoint the purpose. Plan. Prepare. Practice. There needs to be a climax or tension. Make people laugh, cry and worry. Try a different perspective for the story. Collect bits and pieces. Be a reader Most Public or Educational Libraries should have books and probably videos on storytelling. Visit Scripture Union. See the Resources Section for some suggestions.

LimericksFrom BALIN, Roly & FORBES, Patrick - Clowning Glory London: National Society/ Church House, 1995.

Zaccheus of diminutive statureWas reduced to a state of high raptureHe climbed up a treeTook our Lord home for teaAnd gave more taxes back than old Thatcher

A millionaire Fred dead in bed Stashed all his cash in the shed But when came the dayfor which he saved all his pay They found poor old Fred dead in his bed

What to do with a Crowd? Gather a crowd Entertain a crowd Farewell a crowd

Suggested Programme For a Festival

Behind the scenes Pray Seat crowd down tightlyAppearance in public space Entertain Gospel messageGathering the crowd Thank sponsoring groupTwo games with children Announce next performanceChildren GO gather adults Farewell the crowd.One game involving all ages. Retire to hidden place for rest, review &

prayer.

The suggested total length of time, from the start of gathering the crowd to farewelling them, need not be more than 20 minutes.

Gathering a CrowdClowns may be used to gather crowds for their own performances or other purposes, such as, drama, exhibitions, films, puppets, etc. Here are the ingredients to gather a crowd...

CostumeWhat you are wearing will immediately attract attention. Wear clothes different from the norm of the crowd. People dressed as animals, huge objects, or giant size puppets will also draw fascination.

VoiceThe way you use your voice (projection, good breathing, variety) can attract or arouse curiosity. Use your own voice. Avoid using a style that irritates others, and is hard to maintain.

ActionsThis involves communication skills (how to handle hecklers, clinging children and crowd participation, etc.). Do not surrender your leadership of the moment to outside forces. One of the most difficult traits to learn is how to have authority while still having fun. (Remember this authority will serve you when the Gospel is brought into your routine.) Be aware of what is happening around you and use it to your advantage. The Crowd that has gathered (even it is only 2 or 3) is an important starting point to build upon. Simply start a game with action and noise, such as. Duck, Duck Goose, Ring-a-Ring- a-Rosy or the Hokey Cokey. Crowds attract crowds. You will be surprised how simply a group grows in size.

NoiseHonk a bike horn excitedly, ring a bell, sing, rattle, blow a whistle, create sounds - glass breaking, space ship taking off, bird calls, an elephant trumpeting. Almost anything is permissible as long as it gets people to look up from what they doing. Enlist the help of other people to achieve your goal. A distinctive sound will help create a window of opportunity to form a crowd.

InvolvementMultiply your presence by involving people. One way is to have three pieces of lightweight rope (5 metres). Flay the rope out wards to form a fan and ask kids to join the train for fun times ahead. Similar to what Scripture Union Family Missions use in scooping. Once there are enough people, stop gather the rope and commence the activity. (Get someone else to collect the rope.)

Games with KidsThere is many hundreds of games, that you can play with the children. The important elements to remember are:

Involve everyone doing something at the same time. Make it sharp, snappy, & pacey. Choose games that tire the children and use energy.

Reshape old games like ring-a-ring-a-rosy. Get children to hold hands in a circle. Announce that it is an old game and “we are doing it for the little children, so the rest of you be patient and we will play something more active in a moment.” Sing through normally the first time. Do an extremely slow version, followed by several incredibly quick ones. When doing the quick version, bait them that they are going quickly enough. It is simple and most effective.

Other Options to the above activities is to use parachute games. Fly balloons or kites or use bubbles.

Alternatively...

Ribbon Streamer ActivityRun with a bunch of ribbon streamers. (Attach 2 metre lengths of ribbon or streamer to small dowel handles.) Alternately give the ribbon to children to form a circle. If children are involved be specific in your request, that is, “I am giving them to people with big smiles...” Add importance to this activity and will carry on through the whole performance.

Direct with firm authority those still holding the ribbons to make a circle, or you may have to physically use them like building blocks to make a shape. Then create designs together at your request. Start with them still and work from there, small wiggles on ground, up and down strokes, circles in front of them, in the air as they turn around. I am sure you can add a lot more to this list. At the end, while still in the circle, delegate someone to collect the ribbons. Do not let the group break the shape and give it to you themselves as it is too difficult to regain control.

Children Gather Adults

At the conclusion of your initial games make sure the children are standing. Stand looking quizzical. Announce that for this next activity they will need to go and get mum or dad or adults. Send them off and encourage them to be quick because you will be waiting.

A Game for all AgesWhen they arrive back simply incorporate the adults into the circle and introduce next game. A good crowd game is hokey cokey. Get them to raise right hands in the air, then the left, then put them under their chins and turn around. Encourage them to make as much noise as possible . Get the group to clap hands and run into the middle yelling hokey cokey in time with the song. It Is fun.

Sit the crowd down tightly.Very simply, ask crowd to sit down in a half circle. Indicate shape and where you want them to sit with a wave of your hand. Ask them to be close together so that they won’t miss a trick.

Entertaining the CrowdThe crowd is gathered. Now capitalize on the opportunity Clowns can greatly assist in the work of Pre-evangelism.

There are several alternatives for this part of the proceedings. Either, hand over to a drama or puppet group, or present simple clowning routines, as suggested, in the Gags, Gimmicks and Giggles section.

When clowns help people laugh, they also relax. The more they relax the freer the Spirit is. Clowns help pull down the barriers of prejudice and bigotry which are attitudes hindering people from hearing the gospel. As we clown around together, we lift the veil that separates people from being friends with God, so that God can do His work of rescuing.

When was baseball first played in the Bible?In the big-innings..., Eve stole first Adam stole second Gideon rattled the pitchers, Goliath was put out by David and the Prodigal Son made a run home.

When was baseball first played in the Bible?In the big innings ... Eve stole first, Adam stole second, Gideon rattled the pitchers, Goliath was put out by David and the Prodigal Son made a run home.

Farewelling a CrowdThanksAt the close of your performance, thank the sponsors, especially God.

PromotionPromote your next performance. State when and where it will be. Those who liked you will come

When was cricket first played in the Bible?When Peter stood before the eleven and was ‘bold’ (bowled).

CAUTION 1: Avoid using Churchy Stuff. That is, do not have testimonies, spiritual role plays, a preacher doing a sermonette, a bible in hand, etc., Keep it light hearted and let the Spirit move through enjoyment of activity.

again and they will tell others to come too.

Farewell SongSing the farewell song from the Sound of Music by Rogers & Hammerstein.

Saying GoodbyeMexican Wave: Sections of the crowd take turns in standing and then sitting with the hand above their heads. If it is too awkward to get up and down they can just raise the hands up and down from a sitting or standing position.

Wave RoundAlternately the crowd could be split into sections and get each section to wave at another, then at the clowns, to give a sense of finality to the performance segment. Thank them and wish them God’s blessing. Then back away gracefully and retire to a hidden place.

When was tennis first played in the Bible?When Moses served at the court of the Egyptian Pharaohs, and later when Daniel served at the court of Nebuchadnezzar.

Where to Clown? - Anywhere!Anniversaries; Baby Showers; Birthdays, Carnivals, Celebrations; Churches, Clown-O-Grams; Events; Festivals; Fetes; Hospitals; Hotels; Markets; Nursing Homes; Parks; Picnics; Playgrounds; Preschools; Queues; Restaurants; Schools; Shopping Centres; Shows; Streets; Sunday Schools; Theme Parks; Transport Terminals (airports; bus stops; ferry terminals; railway stations); Weddings; Zoos.

Olympics Queues — entertain people waiting to get into events or at transport stops. Conduct Crazy Olympics 6 — present some rip-off versions of the events. Outside the sporting pavilions there may be crowds to watch events on big screens. Between

events you may have the opportunity to entertain.

Special Occasions National Days (Can you just write here your countries national day) Easter Christmas Special Holidays

Swimming PoolsYou may not be able to wear make-up but you can wear red noses, coloured zinc cream, weird glasses and plastic ears.

Ideas to be used at a pool include: Splash disappearing ink on each other. Use bath pens and crayon soap that acts like face paint. You can write all over your face, arms

and legs and when you jump in the water it comes off. Make use of foam noodles, large blow-up pool toys, boats and furniture to create funny

swimming carnivals.

How to be a ClownConduct a series of workshops on different skills. Use the ideas from previous sections in the book.

Being a Clown JugglingCharacter, costume & makeup MagicProps MimeBalloon Modelling Skits, Antics & RoutinesFace Painting Story Telling

Ideas for Workshop SessionsGet together regularly. Charge a small fee to cover cost of equipment. In each session incorporate the following:

1. Have available on display Clown Stuff (balloons, face paint, juggling gear, magic, make-up, wigs) and equipment for people to use, revise and practice, when they first arrive.

2. Play games. Teach each other a new game.3. Teach a new skill and practice it.4. Allow for a formal time of practice. Revise a skill from the previous workshop.5. Allow time for brainstorming and experimenting. New Balloon Creations, Make-up Ideas,

Mime, Skits and Routines may emerge especially if it is in a judgment-free relaxed atmosphere.

6. Show and tell. Everyone in the group shows some of what they did in step 5.7. Work on material for an up and coming project.8. Finish with a group activity ritual, game chant or cheering.

Field Trip: Once your troupes of clowns have an understanding of what it is to be a clown take them out into the streets - to a fete, to a market, or to a shopping centre. With a little side coaching let them loose. Guide them to be aware of things like space or a child’s reaction. (Are they welcome? If not, then back away.) Gestures, smiles and gentle touches are all that are often required. Forget gimmicks. Get them out to enjoy clowning.

Cross Cultural ClowningSome thoughts by Dr. Patricia Harrison Head of Intercultural Studies department, Tabor College:

Potential ProblemsIf you are clowning cross culturally at such events, like expos, multicultural festivals or an Olympics, there are potential problems if the clown gag depends upon

1. Word Puns in English: Puns are not understandable without an excellent knowledge of colloquial English. People from a non-English background would not understand their humour.

2. Local Cultural Knowledge: Knowledge of the local culture or even knowledge specific to the English speaking world in general is not understood without an excellent knowledge of colloquial English, and again the comedy of the situation would be lost.

3. Funny Voice: If clowns speak in a deliberately funny voice, it is difficult for overseas visitors to understand what the clown is saying. Mumbling and fast talking are not easy to comprehend.

4. Magic: Christians from some Third-World countries are likely to have some difficulty with Christians using magic. Unless they are quite clear that these are fun tricks, they may read all

CAUTION: Where ever you go make sure you have permission to be there. Remember you are there to entertain and create a sense of fun not as a pub-lic nuisance.

BRIGHT IDEA: Watch DVDs & check the internet about clowns and circuses, i.e., Circus Oz, Cirque du Soleil; Funny Business Rowan Atkinson, Patch Adams (about a doctor who uses clowning as medicine)

kinds of pagan meanings and be horrified.5. “Christian Clowning is Irreverent”: Christians from the Third World and also from some

traditional European churches (e.g. Orthodox and Rural Roman Catholic) will probably find the connection of Christianity with clowning incomprehensible and irreverent. Non-Christians from these countries may also find this very puzzling. Some may even think you are making fun of Christianity, if they don’t understand it all. Children will take it a face value, but not grasp the message at all if they don’t speak English.

Some Solutions1. Mime: to overcome some of these problems, mime is the oldest form of communication.

However mime is only useful if the actions are cross-culturally meaningful and there are plenty of helpful props to clarify context.

2. Slapstick: Humour is one of the hardest things to communicate cross-culturally. However slapstick is one form of humour understood universally.

3. Signs in Simple English: Context can be helped by using a few large signs to indicate what is happening in the skit, location, activities, etc.

4. Information in Other Languages: If you have a tent booth, etc., it would help to have a general sign in several languages saying something like “Clowns with a Christian Message” or “Fools for Jesus” or “Jester Like Jesus”. This will help people to understand who you are and what you are doing. Probably many folk will only stop by briefly so it’s important to help them get the picture quickly.) Greetings on signs, tracts, Bibles in other languages would also be useful. Perhaps you could learn a few words in several different languages.

5. Establish who is Your Audience: If clowning at the Olympics or other multicultural events no doubt there’ll be plenty of children. Find out from the organisers how many children to expect and what sort of age range to expect. What were the figures at previous events? Research thoroughly the event. Find out with nationalities will be at the event.

RESOURCESFinding available resources for clown ministry is not easy. This listing is by no means exhaustive. It is intended to help clown groups develop their resource files from sources in their own area. The following are some possible places where you may obtain Clowning resources. Check the internet, your phone book and local newspapers for places near you.

Car boot sales, garage sales. Carnival & Novelty Suppliers Charity, Church or Opportunity Shops Christian Book Shops & Organisations supply books & equipment for clowning Fancy Dress - Retail or Hire Drama Schools & Drama Depts. in Schools, Universities, etc., may have courses on clowning.

The drama teachers may be able to provide tips & advice.) Games & Toy Shops & Suppliers Fairs, Fetes Markets, Shows Libraries have books & videos for loan on clowning at Dewey No.791.33 Party Hire Performing Arts Book Shops & Suppliers Recycled Clothes and Second-hand Shops Supermarkets(Party & Toy Sections) Theatre Companies (Sometimes sell off old costumes & props).

BRIGHT IDEAS: Check out the Internet for everything you want to know about clowning including Christian Clowning. There are even websites for Cirque du Soleil and Patch Adams.

Clowning & Clown Ministry - BooksThe following books may be obtained through libraries, Christian book stores or write to the given addresses. Many of the following books can be obtained through email from Amazon Books. Order from amazon.com

BALIN, Roly, Fools rush in: a call to Christian Clowning, London: Marshall Pickering, 1993 (Autobiography of an Anglican vicar who set up the Holy Fools association for Christian Clowns in the UK.)

BALIN, Roly & FORBES, Patrick Clowning Glory London: National Society/Church House, 1995. (Resource book for would-be clowns of all ages. With over 200 tips & ideas from acrobats to zoo games, this A-Z of clowning provides a wealth of material for use in churches, youth groups, children’s clubs and street theatre. Contains useful addresses for the UK)

BILLINGTON, Sandra, Social History of the Fool. UK: Harvester, 1986 (A scholarly book tracing the evolution of the Fool in English culture from medieval times to the 19th Century. Includes the rise of the clown.)

BOLTON, Reg Circus in a suitcase. Bath: Butterfingers, ND BOLTON, Reg New Circus London: Gulbenkian Foundation,1987

COX, Harvey, The Feast of FoolsNewYork:Harper&Row,1970

DE KLOWN, Happy Punny Stuff Available from Happy De Klown 3930 Capri, Corpus Christi Texas,78415

DEWEY, Ralph. Dewey’s Clown Clip ArtDewey’s Clown Gags and Giggles Dewey’s Clown Skits 1&2 Dewey’s Klown KomedyAvailable from Ralph Dewey 1202 Wildwood Dr.Deerpark,TX77536 USA

FIFE, Bruce, Creative Clowning, Colorado Springs: Java, 1988.

FROST, Michael, Jesus The Fool, Sydney: Albatross, 1994

HAYS, Edward. Holy fools and Mad Hatters, Kansas: Forest of Peace, 1993

HARISCH, Karl, Introduction To Clowning, Available from Clowns of American Inc. PO Box 3906, Baltimore,MD21222,USA.“Whitey” the clown looks at all aspects of clowning — make-up, clown characters, costuming gestures & acting. It also includes important business aspects such as how to get started, contracts, booking agents and pricing.

HENSMAN, Stephen, Clowning as a Christian Ministry, Auckland: Source, 1984(A handy booklet on the theology, history, operations & experience of clown ministry from New Zealand.)

HOLDEN, Robert, Laughter is the best Medicine, London: Harper Collins, 1993.

HYERS, Conrad, The Comic Vision and the Christian Faith, Available from Pilgrim Press 36- 01 43rd Ave., Long Island, NY1101, USA. (Interpretation of the Christian dimensions of laughter, humour and comedy)

Living Word - Creative Mission

Have Clowns Will Travel (1995), Available from Harvest School of Ministry, PO Box 42, Ashgrove, Qld, 4060, Australia (Includes info about creating skits make-up hints, naming of a clown, skits, testimonies.)

McVICAR, Wes, Clown Act Omnibus, ColoradoSprings,CO:Merriweather,1987

MILLER, Samuel Howard, “The Clown in Contemporary Arts” in NZ LISTENER, September 13,1980. JOHNSTONE, Keith, Impro, London:Methuen,1981 (A classic on improvisation & entertaining to read. The sections on Status, Spontaneity & Narrative Skills have exercises relevant to the clowning process.)

LIEBENOW, Mark, Is there fun after Paul? California: Resource, 1987

LITHERLAND, Janet, The Clown Ministry Handbook, Colorado Springs, CO: Merriweather, 1989 (Comprehensive text on clowning ministry)

LITHERLAND, Janet Everything And Who’s Who In Clown Ministry Colorado Springs, CO: Merriweather,1993 (Profiles of clown ministry around the world plus 75 skits for special days.) (An issue devoted to the clown. Excellent reading. May be traced through State Libraries.)

MOODY, Raymond. Laugh after Laugh (The healing power of laughter.)

NOUWEN, Henri JM, Clowning in Rome. NewYork:Doubleday,1979

PERRONE, Stephen F. SPATA, James P. Send in His Clowns Colorado Springs, CO: Merriweather, 1987 (A manual for training clowns)

PURKIN, Turk; CHRYNWSKI, Walt; REED, Chris, Be A Clown With A Red Nose Workman, 1989

ROBERTS, Jim Strutters Complete Guide to Clown Make-up Piccadilly Books, 1991 ISBN 0941599108

SAMRA, Cal, The Joyful Christ, New York: Harper Collins, 1986

SHAFFER, Floyd & SEWALL, Penne. Clown Ministry Loveland, CO: Group Books, 1984(A how-to manual and dozens of skits for service and worship)

SHAFFER, Floyd, If I were a Clown (1984), Available from Augsburg, 426 Sth Fifth St. Minneapolis, MN55415.USA (Easy reading look at the theology, history, application & happenings of clown ministry.)

STOLZENBERG, Mark, Be a clown, New York: Sterling, 1989.

STOLZENBERG, Mark, The Clown for Circus and Stage, New York: Sterling, 1981.

TOOMEY, Susan Kelly, Mime Ministry, Colorado: Merriweather, 1986.

WALTERS, Dianne Bodein, Becoming your clown.(1997) Available from Dianne Bodein Walters 7 Dalkeith Ave., Dover Gardens, SA, 5048, Australia (A workshop manual with scripts. Costume, Entrances & Walks, Expression, Games, Movement, Mime, Names, Nose, Performing)

Who is the biggest woman in the Bible? The woman of Some - area (Samaria)

Clowning & Clown Ministry - Films & VideosThe following titles unless otherwise stated are available through specialised Christian DVD and film hire ministry.

The Box, 16min. Mass Media.The Box situates its episodic expression in an invisible container that comes to symbolize any restriction on the growth of human spirit. A mime’s action ‘s portray lifelong attempts to be truly free.

Bulk Leaves, 3min. A unique Australian production of a mime based on John15.

Cirque du Soleil Videos, 84002ndAvenueMontreal,Quebec,Canada. Phone:(514) 7222324 Fax: (514) 7223692 Website:www.cirquedusoliel.comThis company has a number of exciting videos on their various troupes and shows.

Clown, Learning Company of America,1968A story without words of a small boy and his faithful dog who live in the streets of Montmartre. The two become separated, and after a long search the dog is finally found leading a blind man.

A Clown is Born, 15 min. Mass Media.

Clown of Freedom, 27min.A powerful film concerning clowns in a South American country suffer for their style of ministry.

The Clown of God, 10min WestonWoods,1982 Available in public or municipal libraries.Tomie de Paloa’s picture book version of the legend of the Little Juggler translated in to animated children’s film.

Clowning Around, 4hrs. Available in retail stores & public or municipal libraries.The story of an orphan who can’t stop clowning, based on Clowning Sim by David Martin

The Complete Show Off, 45min.London: More Balls than Most,1992How to juggle with balls, diabolo & sticks plus unicycling. Clear fun demonstrations.

Funny Business 60 min. BBC 1993. Available for purchase or hire from video stores. Rowan Atkinson’s analytical but funny look at the techniques of comedy.

Godspell, Available from video stores. Motion picture based on a musical portraying Christ as a clown. Useful for costume, make-up & movement ideas.

Illusion and Reality, 45min. Mountain View, CA:Cornerstone,1992

The Mark of a Clown, 15min. Mass Media. Shows Floyd Shaffer’s concepts of the use of clowns in worship.

More than a Champion, 58min. 1980. Evangelistic story featuring a rodeo clown.

The Parable 22min. Protestant Council of NewYork,1964. A white face clown join a circus parade, takes upon himself the burdens of the lowly, the abused and the humiliated and is rewarded with

Who is the straightest man in the Bible? Joseph. Pharaoh made him a ruler

death in harness as a human marionette.

Patch Adams. True story of a US doctor who used clowning as part of the healing process. Available on video and DVD.

Clowning & Clown Ministry - GearThis section lists resources concerning the specialised stuff a clown may use -- Balloons & Bubbles; Costume & Make-up; Face Painting; Magic; Mime; Props & Give-aways; Storytelling

KLUTZ PRESS publish a lot of how-to material and often have samples of the equipment with the book. Order their free mail catalogue.

The Klutz Flying Apparatus Catalogue from Klutz Press 2121 Staunton Court, Palo Alto, CA 94306 USA415424—739

Balloons and BubblesCASSIDY, John & STEIN, David, The Unbelievable Bubble Book Klutz Press.Equal part science and fun, along with instruction on how to create six-foot rainbow bubbles. (Buy it on line at amazon.com)

DEWEY, Ralph - Available from Ralph Dewey, 1202 Wildwood Dr. Deer park, TX77536 USADewey’s Balloon & Clown NotebookDewey’s Gospel Balloon RoutinesDewey’s Zany BalloonsFive or more other instruction booklets available.

HARDY, Marvin. Qualatex Balloon Magic, Wichita, Kansas: Pioneer Balloon Company, 1991 Instruction book for modelling balloons, sold separately or part of kit including balloons and pump.

LEACH, Andy& LUMBY, Ted. Funpax Christmas Balloons Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP121AN, England: Funpax1998. Activity pack including balloons & small pump demonstrating Antler Hat, Angel Gabriel, Christmas Candle, Christmas Tree, Festive Wreath Reindeer, Red Nosed Rudolph, Star. Other packs available.

Costume & Make-UpDress up for Kids, (Family Circle) Sydney: Family Circle, 1994Colourful children’s costume book including make-up face painting. Great ideas for adults. Patterns included. Available through newsagents & libraries Dewey No. 646.47806

ROBERTS, Jim Strutters, Complete Guide to Clown Make-up, Piccadilly Books, 1991 ISBN 0941599108

Face PaintingFace Painting by editors of Klutz Press. A fully photographic how to paint on kids’ faces. Includes a set of water-based Kyolan face paints. (Buy it onlineatamazon.com)

JugglingCASSIDY, John RIMBEAUX, B.C. Juggling for the Complete Klutz, Klutz Press. This is the flagship title of Klutz Press (over 2 million copies sold). Every one of them packaged with 3 aerodynamically-sound bean bags. (Buy it on line at amazon.com)

The Complete Show Off, 45min Colour London: More Balls than Most,1992 How to juggle with balls, diabolo & sticks plus unicycling. Clear fun demonstrations.

MagicKids magic books are the best to get because there a lots of pictures and easy to follow instructions. Coin Magic by editors of Klutz Press24 of the best coin tricks on the planet, complete a very sneaky double-headed quarter. Master these moves, you’re guaranteed a little magic in your pocket at times. (Buy it online at amazon.com)

CASSIDY, John; STROUD, Michael. The Klutz of Magic. Klutz PressKlutz-proof instructions to some astonishing tricks, along with five props: a silk scarf, nylon rope, & two… so secret that we’re sorry, but we can’t talk about them here. (Buy it online at amazon.com.)

DOHERTY, Paul; CASSIDY, John. Magnetic Magic. Klutz Press. Nifty magic tricks that rely on the deceptive use of magnets, complete with 10 magnets and one magnetisable coin. A seamless blend of Klutz goofballism, MIT physics, and some very sneaky magic. (Buy it onlineatamazon.com)

MimeTOOMEY, Susan Kelly, Mime Ministry, Colorado: Merriweather, 1986

A Few Final GiveawaysThe Klutz Yo-yo Book, by editors of Klutz PressA complete compendium of yo-yo tips and tricks, from “Rock the Cradle” to “Shoot the Moon” revised and updated under the supervision of world champion Dale Oliver. It’s also a fully illustrated history of the toy. Packaged with the book is a screw apart yo-yo. (Buy it online at amazon.com).

Stop the watch: book of everyday, ordinary, anybody Olympics, by editors of Klutz Press. Some spectacularly ordinary Olympic events - like switching your shoelaces - done for time. Packed with a battery-included stopwatch. (Buy it online at amazon.com).

TORRES, Laura, Friendship Bracelets, Klutz Press. Shows you how to make friendship bracelets and provides a starter kit.

Story TellingBARRETT, Ethel, Story Telling

BROWN, Jeanette Perkins, The Story teller in Religious Education, Wallington: Religious Education Press, 1951.

PELLOWSKI, Anne, The World of Story Telling, NewYork:RRBowker,1977.

WARNE, Clifford, How to hold an audience without a rope, Sydney: AIO Press, 1982.

WARNE, Clifford, The magic of storytelling, Sydney:Anzea,1971.

Final conversation between the authors...Lynda: “Graeme did you know there were cars and trains in the Bible”Graeme: “Are you sure?”Lynda: “Yes there were trains ‘cause God made every creeping thing…. and there were cars because Moses roared up in Triumph in the desert. And later, the disciples prayed in one Accord”Graeme didn’t say anything after that.

Footnotes1. SHAFFER, Floyd & SEWALL, Penn. Clown Ministry. Loveland, CO: Group Books, 1984 p.5.2. TROUPE FISH, Fast faces on tidgets.3. McVICAR, We. Clown Act Omnibus. Colorado Springs, CO: Merriweather, 1987.4. PEARCE, Colin. The Art of Storytelling (Video 1) Adelaide: Tabor College, 198?5. WARNE, Clifford. The Magic of Story Telling Sydney: ANZEA, 1971 p23.6. See Stop the watch: book of everyday, ordinary, anybody Olympics, by editors of Klutz Press.

There are some spectacularly ordinary Olympic events - like switching your shoelaces - done for time. Packed with a battery-included stopwatch. (Buy it online at amazon.com)