Next Step Workshop

This summer, I've sent off the article "Character and You" to the Fellowship of Christian Clowns magazine. It was based off a letter that a previous "Next Stepper" sent to me. Can you guess you sent the original letter?

Anyway, I've attached the article here (which includes my response) because I think that Next Steppers may enjoy some of the brief thoughts shared here.

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Prior to one of my “Next Step” clown ministry workshops, a participant wrote a letter to me about her clown journey and some of the questions and struggles she was having. I’ve changed the gal’s name since I have not checked with her about sharing our personal discussion. Here is what I wrote back to “Joanie.”

Hey Joanie,

In your letter you mentioned to me about how, "(I) need to be my character more intently. I feel sometimes I am 'Joanie dressed up as Smiley.'"

I understand what you are saying. We will talk about character growth some at the “Next Step” workshop.

Don't be discouraged by that sense of being "Joanie" more than "Smiley". You probably have read my blog article already, on "Are Clowns Actors?" If not, I encourage you too. You may find it at www.pastorclown.blogspot.com. (Go to February 2007 posting).

Really, the clown is more "you" than it is just some imaginary fantasy character. It's just "you" being let out in a more "concentrated" fashion. (Like orange juice concentrate). Does that make sense? The humor is more pointed than normal. The emotions are more distinct and clear. The compassion is shown in stronger open fashion. There is a stronger focus on the moments of interaction. The lines of differentiation are more marked. Comedy is broader.

Even in your clown image, the lines on the face are more distinct than normal. This is part of what makes the clown "bigger than life"...yet, it is inspired by the everyday life of the clown.

I believe that true clown character is not so much a departure from one's true character, but is a display of one's character/personality through a funhouse window. Some areas are more prominently displayed – exaggerated. Other’s are almost totally ignored.

I look forward to discussing this more with you in just a few weeks!

Seriously Clowning,

Randy Christensen

It seems to me that a person beginning clowning starts off in one of two ways:

First scenario - The person begins by working to create a separate playful personality—something that is totally set apart from one’s normal self. The person is acting the part of “a clown.” This may be uncomfortable for the person in make-up, not feeling natural, and may really emotionally stretch the person’s comfort zone. The starting clown may feel like a “fake.”

But, this is a necessary exercise in learning a new skill. It’s not comfortable when a person first tries to ride a bike. A person learning juggling will drop. An award-winning make-up artist only develops the skill by doing it over and over and over again. Honestly, this is also how a person learns his character.

Second scenario – The person begins by slapping on Halloween make-up, relying on the outward appearance to carry his complete credibility as a clown. There’s no character development, only a “clown appearance.” He’s a person simply wearing make-up.

This person would be wise to watch other clowns in action. Watch classic clowning on YouTube and other websites. Watch DVD’s of old circus and silent screen performers. My favorites are Fatty Arbuckle, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.

The person should think of the specific characters that makes him/her laugh. What is it about those characters that makes one chuckle? Find one or two things, and try to incorporate that thought process into your clowning. It will help your own clown character begin to develop.

Study character development. A host of material is shared in theatre training, but possibly my favorite place to learn about character is by studying puppetry and ventriloquism.

Somewhere in the middle – between imaginary comedy character and your own real personality – lives the clown. There must be enough “reality” in order for people to consider you to be real. Yet, there must be enough “fantasy” for people to believe you are more than just a person in make-up.

I’ve said for years, “Clowns develop much the same as Christians do. You read, study, pray, practice, and LIVE IT!”

Bless you as you continue to grow in your clowning, and growing in Christ.