CLOWN CREED 2000 Clowning is a performance art. We exist to perform. Our obligation is to prepare ourselves for effective and entertaining performances. The primary expectation of our audiences is that we will bring humor into their lives. While delivering humor we can also do many important things such as teach lessons, praise God, help heal troubled souls, and many other worthwhile things. We do these things within the context of our art form and with the understanding that our primary purpose as clowns is to comically entertain. Clowns are of human nature. Clowns are not representations of fictional characters. Clowns are not figments of the imagination. We are human, we are real and we are alive. The clown is an essential part of our human soul. We nurture and care for the clown in us so that it always continues to grow. We respect and learn from clowning's rich past. We also understand that clowning has always changed and grown to adapt to the society of its day. we must not force artificial constrictions on the development and advancement of clowning simply in the name of tradition. Conversely we must not abandon tradition for the mere sake of change. Change should come as natural extensions and adaptations of our tradition. Makeup and costume are merely two of the many tools we use in our clowning. They are not what define us. Costume and makeup styles do change and evolve over the years and will contiue to do so. This is a sign of dynamic progress in our art form. No style of makeup or costume is ultimately right or wrong (except in a historical context.). Its ultimate criteria today is it's effectiveness in helping the clown comically entertain. Character development, thought patterns and styles of action are no longer predetermined by any particular makeup or costume design. Character development determines makeup and costume choices that highlight and augment character. Character development determines thought patterns and range of action appropriate to each situation. Individuals, alleys or clown orgganizations may freely choose to impose upon themselves restrictions concerning costume, makeup or action. Failure to adhere to these self imposed restrictions, however, does not preclude anyone from the enjoyment of participation in the art of clowning. Alley and organizational rules are applicable only to those who want to belong to that specific alley or organization and donnot speak for the entire clowning world. Clowning is one of the most free and open art forms. It can incoporate aspects of all other art forms. Clowns are free to show expertise or feign incompetence. Clowns are free to explore. Clowns are free to succeed or fail in their endeavors. Clowns ar free to laugh and cry. Clowns are free to relate to young and old. clowning is, and ought to be, inclusive and not restrictive. David "Mr. Rainbow" Bartlett Marcella "Mama Clown" Murad J.T. "Bubba" Sikes Carol "CLaroL" Crooks Steve "Peachy Keene" Long Bruce "Charlie" Hohnson Bob "Bunky" Gretton Teresa "Blinky" Gretton Randy "Simon de clown" Christensen A Clowns' CODE OF ETHICS 1. I will keep my acts, performance and behavior in good taste wihile I am in costume and makeup. I will remember, at all times, that I have been accepted as a member of the clown club only to provide others, principally children, with clean clown-comedy entertainment. I will remember that a good clown entertains others by making fun of himself or herself and not at the expense or embarrassment of others. 2. I will learn to apply makeup in a professional manner. I wil provide my own costume. I will carry out my appearance and assignment for the entertainment of others and not for personal gain or personal publicity when performing for either the National club or Alley events. I will always try to remain anonymous while in makeup and costume as a clown, though there may be circumstances when it is not reasonably possible to do so. 3. I will not drink any alcoholic beverage prior to any clown appearances. I will abstain from drinking alcoholic beverage and smoking while in makeup and clown costume. I will conduct myself as a gentleman/lady, neither molesting nor interfering with other acts, event, spectators, or individuals. 4. I will remove my makeup and change into my street clothes as soon as possoble following my appearance, so that I can not be associated with any incident, which may be detrimental to the good name of clowning. I will conduct myself as a gentleman/lady at all times. 5. While on appearance, in makeup and costume, I will carry out the directives of the Producer or his designated deputies. I will abide by all performance rules without complaint in public. 6. I will do my very best to maintain the best clown standards of makeup, costuming, properties, and comedy. 7. I will appear in as many clown shows as I possibly can. THE CLOWN'S PRAYER As I stumble through this life, Help me create more laughter than tears. dispense more happiness than gloom. Spread more cheer than despair. Never let me become so indifferent That I fail to see the wonder in the eyes of a child, or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged. Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, Make them happy, and forget; at least momentarily all the unpleasantness in their lives. And, in my final moment may I hear you whisper:; "When you made my people smille you made me smile. unknown author CLOWN'S PARAPHRASE OF 1 CORINTHIANS 13 If I have a unique voice, or even a sweet little voice, but do not have love, I might as well be a noise-horn or drum. And if I have the ability to juggle and know how to do great tricks and illusions,and if I have attended many clown seminars so I can impress people, but I do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my time to do free performances and give myself for every event that comes along but I do not have love, I am nothing. Love is patient with clamoring children. Love is kind even with those who are unkind, And is not jealous of other clowns and their ministry. Love doesn't brag and is not arrogant. Love doesn't act unprofessionally or unbecomingly, never seeks laughs at the expense of others, is not provoked, doesn't keep a list of wrongs suffered, isn't happy with bad things but is happy with the truth. Love doesn't quit,but it's faith, hope and patience never fails. It endures till the end of the parade. Where there are balloons, they will break. Where there are dusters, they will wear out. Where there are Kazoos, they will be silent. All the things we use to share the love of Jesus will not be needed someday. When I was a new clown, I talked, felt, and thought like an inexperienced clown, but now I do a better job. Just like that we only understand a little about what God is like, like looking at Him through a dark colored balloon, but someday we will see Him face to face, and we will understand all about Him and really know Him just like He knows us even without our makeup and sees our heart. Meanwhile three things remain: Faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Beverly Church- Alias "Polka Dot the clown" |
Clown Entertainment Jacksonville,North Carolina (910)-938-2033 |
CLOWN CREED 2000 Clowning is a performance art. We exist to perform. Our obligation is to prepare ourselves for effective and entertaining performances. The primary expectation of our audiences is that we will bring humor into their lives. While delivering humor we can also do many important things such as teach lessons, praise God, help heal troubled souls, and many other worthwhile things. We do these things within the context of our art form and with the understanding that our primary purpose as clowns is to comically entertain. Clowns are of human nature. Clowns are not representations of fictional characters. Clowns are not figments of the imagination. We are human, we are real and we are alive. The clown is an essential part of our human soul. We nurture and care for the clown in us so that it always continues to grow. We respect and learn from clowning's rich past. We also understand that clowning has always changed and grown to adapt to the society of its day. we must not force artificial constrictions on the development and advancement of clowning simply in the name of tradition. Conversely we must not abandon tradition for the mere sake of change. Change should come as natural extensions and adaptations of our tradition. Makeup and costume are merely two of the many tools we use in our clowning. They are not what define us. Costume and makeup styles do change and evolve over the years and will contiue to do so. This is a sign of dynamic progress in our art form. No style of makeup or costume is ultimately right or wrong (except in a historical context.). Its ultimate criteria today is it's effectiveness in helping the clown comically entertain. Character development, thought patterns and styles of action are no longer predetermined by any particular makeup or costume design. Character development determines makeup and costume choices that highlight and augment character. Character development determines thought patterns and range of action appropriate to each situation. Individuals, alleys or clown orgganizations may freely choose to impose upon themselves restrictions concerning costume, makeup or action. Failure to adhere to these self imposed restrictions, however, does not preclude anyone from the enjoyment of participation in the art of clowning. Alley and organizational rules are applicable only to those who want to belong to that specific alley or organization and donnot speak for the entire clowning world. Clowning is one of the most free and open art forms. It can incoporate aspects of all other art forms. Clowns are free to show expertise or feign incompetence. Clowns are free to explore. Clowns are free to succeed or fail in their endeavors. Clowns ar free to laugh and cry. Clowns are free to relate to young and old. clowning is, and ought to be, inclusive and not restrictive. David "Mr. Rainbow" Bartlett Marcella "Mama Clown" Murad J.T. "Bubba" Sikes Carol "CLaroL" Crooks Steve "Peachy Keene" Long Bruce "Charlie" Hohnson Bob "Bunky" Gretton Teresa "Blinky" Gretton Randy "Simon de clown" Christensen A Clowns' CODE OF ETHICS 1. I will keep my acts, performance and behavior in good taste wihile I am in costume and makeup. I will remember, at all times, that I have been accepted as a member of the clown club only to provide others, principally children, with clean clown-comedy entertainment. I will remember that a good clown entertains others by making fun of himself or herself and not at the expense or embarrassment of others. 2. I will learn to apply makeup in a professional manner. I wil provide my own costume. I will carry out my appearance and assignment for the entertainment of others and not for personal gain or personal publicity when performing for either the National club or Alley events. I will always try to remain anonymous while in makeup and costume as a clown, though there may be circumstances when it is not reasonably possible to do so. 3. I will not drink any alcoholic beverage prior to any clown appearances. I will abstain from drinking alcoholic beverage and smoking while in makeup and clown costume. I will conduct myself as a gentleman/lady, neither molesting nor interfering with other acts, event, spectators, or individuals. 4. I will remove my makeup and change into my street clothes as soon as possoble following my appearance, so that I can not be associated with any incident, which may be detrimental to the good name of clowning. I will conduct myself as a gentleman/lady at all times. 5. While on appearance, in makeup and costume, I will carry out the directives of the Producer or his designated deputies. I will abide by all performance rules without complaint in public. 6. I will do my very best to maintain the best clown standards of makeup, costuming, properties, and comedy. 7. I will appear in as many clown shows as I possibly can. THE CLOWN'S PRAYER As I stumble through this life, Help me create more laughter than tears. dispense more happiness than gloom. Spread more cheer than despair. Never let me become so indifferent That I fail to see the wonder in the eyes of a child, or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged. Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, Make them happy, and forget; at least momentarily all the unpleasantness in their lives. And, in my final moment may I hear you whisper:; "When you made my people smille you made me smile. unknown author CLOWN'S PARAPHRASE OF 1 CORINTHIANS 13 If I have a unique voice, or even a sweet little voice, but do not have love, I might as well be a noise-horn or drum. And if I have the ability to juggle and know how to do great tricks and illusions,and if I have attended many clown seminars so I can impress people, but I do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my time to do free performances and give myself for every event that comes along but I do not have love, I am nothing. Love is patient with clamoring children. Love is kind even with those who are unkind, And is not jealous of other clowns and their ministry. Love doesn't brag and is not arrogant. Love doesn't act unprofessionally or unbecomingly, never seeks laughs at the expense of others, is not provoked, doesn't keep a list of wrongs suffered, isn't happy with bad things but is happy with the truth. Love doesn't quit,but it's faith, hope and patience never fails. It endures till the end of the parade. Where there are balloons, they will break. Where there are dusters, they will wear out. Where there are Kazoos, they will be silent. All the things we use to share the love of Jesus will not be needed someday. When I was a new clown, I talked, felt, and thought like an inexperienced clown, but now I do a better job. Just like that we only understand a little about what God is like, like looking at Him through a dark colored balloon, but someday we will see Him face to face, and we will understand all about Him and really know Him just like He knows us even without our makeup and sees our heart. Meanwhile three things remain: Faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Beverly Church- Alias "Polka Dot the clown" |
