Arabia Clown Jewels Apprentice Handbook

Arabia Clown Jewels Apprentice Handbook March 2009 1

This booklet is dedicated to all the Shrine Joeys, Zanies, First of Mays, and their ladies who have given of themselves to bring a smile to a child. 2

Table of Contents Page Preface 4 Introduction 5 Requirements of an Apprentice 6 Optional (Non-Required) Functions 8 Types of Clowns 9 Items for a Basic Make-up and Costume Kit 11 Basic Application Steps for Make-up 12 Tips, Etc. 13 Do s and Don ts for a Clown in Makeup 14 Apprentice of the Year Award 15 Miscellaneous Information 16 3

Preface The purpose of this booklet is to assist you and your lady during your apprentice year. There are many questions concerning policies and traditions of the Clown Jewels that we hope this book can answer for you. However, if you still have questions after reading through it, please be sure to ask your First Vice President or any officer. 4

Introduction Welcome to the Arabia Clown Jewels. We were formed in April of 1962 with the following objectives. 1. To create and maintain a clown unit for Arabia Temple. 2. To assist the officers of Arabia Temple in creating public interest and goodwill toward Arabia Temple. 3. To assist the Nobility in its efforts for charity and its objectives toward the welfare and good of all Masonic Orders. 4. To cooperate with the other uniformed units and organized groups to assist Arabia Temple. 5. To pledge the Arabia Clown Jewels to support of Shriner s, Orthopedic Children s Hospitals, Burns Institutes, the physically, mentally, spinal cord, and cleft pallet handicapped children, and other functions as directed by the Arabia Clown Jewels President and/or our Illustrious Potentate. 6. To promote good fellowship and social relations among its members. The name of the unit is Arabia Clown Jewels and Sorry is our unit logo. Members of Arabia Temple, in good standing, are eligible for membership. The unit is comprised of Apprentices, Clowns, Veteran Clowns, Life Clowns, Past Potentates, and Recorder Emeritus members. Members of the unit are called Clowns. Ladies of the clowns are referred to as the Jewels. 5

Requirements of an Apprentice An Apprentice must serve for one (1) year. They maybe voted in prior to the end of their term as an apprentice if approved by the Potentate and/or the Clown President and with the vote of the membership. However, these should be kept at a minimum and only under special circumstances. The Apprentice Clown should consult with the First Vice-President on his choice of makeup i.e. White Face, Auguste, Tramp, Hobo, and Character. The First Vice-President then will either instruct him or appoint someone to instruct him in the proper methods of applying the make-up and the proper costume for his choice. An Apprentice must participate in 50% of all scheduled functions of the Arabia Clown Jewels during his Apprenticeship unless excused by the President or First Vice-President. The President or First Vice-President must be notified before the event he is unable to attend in order for him to be excused. Failure to attend 50% of the functions makes him ineligible to be voted into the unit as a clown. However, he may make a request to the First Vice- President for an extension (normally 6 months) which then the membership at the next stated meeting would vote to give or not. At the vote to extend the apprentice will be removed from the room and the vote will be by secret ballot. If allowed to extend then he must participate or be excused by the President or First Vice-President in 50% of all functions. Failure to do so and it will be by vote of the membership whether to extend or not. Apprentices will attend 50% of the monthly stated meetings of the Clown Jewels. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. for meal and 7:30 for the meeting unless changed by the President and a majority vote of the members. At the meetings Apprentices are expected to set up the room, tend bar, and clean up after the meeting. Special Apprentice meetings may be called at the discretion of the First vice President for training purposes. Another requirement of all Apprentices is the Shrine Hospital visits, other charity or hospital visits, homes for the mentally handicapped, and retirement centers as scheduled by the Unit s Officers. Wives are welcome to attend all hospital visits with their clown either in or out of make-up. Also if his work schedule permits he should attempt to attend IHOP/Benefit Day. Circus is also a required function for Apprentices. He should plan to attend as many performances as his job will allow. All clowns are to be in make-up one (1) hour before the performance begins and out in front to greet the 6

children and sign their coloring books and circus programs. Never write on anyone s clothing or body. He should develop a special signature using his clown name that will be unique for him. He is also to be outside or in the arena during intermission and after the performance for the same purpose. Apprentices may take part in the skits during performances. Clown ladies and families are welcome at the circus. The families can be in make-up on Saturdays only. Clown Alley is the dressing room for the clowns and lounge area for the clowns and their families. It must be built before the circus starts and torn down the last day of performances. Apprentices should be present to help. Ringmaster s Club is a behind-the-scenes place for socialization for the Shriners and their ladies who have worked at the circus. While alcoholic beverages are served no children are permitted inside and no clown is allowed inside in make-up. Clowns must remove their make-up and change into casual clothes each evening before going into Ringmaster s. Throughout the calendar year the Temple commits to certain parades in and around the Houston area. When a parade is scheduled by the Temple it becomes a mandatory function for the clowns to participate along with other units in the Temple. In most cases it is up to the clown to provide his own transportation to and from the parade site. However, check with the President or First Vice-President to see if there are clowns car pooling to the event. Most clowns put on their make-up and costumes before leaving home as there is not always a place to dress at the parade. He should bring a change of clothes with him for after the parade and supplies to remove his make-up if he desires to. Wives and families are invited to attend and watch the parade. If the parade is not official then usually the wife and family can participate with their clown. However, first check with President or First Vice-President upon whether the parade is official or not. In some cases lunch is provided for the Shriners after the parade. Work parties are scheduled by the President and officers as needed for the purpose of making skits, practicing for skits, building props, or building floats. Work parties are a time for not only for work but to meet and socialize with the other clowns and their ladies. Apprentices are expected to be there to work on the projects as well as tend bar and help with clean up. 7

Optional (Non-Required) Functions There are other events that are important to clowns and should be attended if at all possible but are not part of the 50% mandatory attendance. The first of these is Texas Shrine Clown Association (TSCA) Midwinter, generally held in March. This is a convention of Shrine clowns from throughout Texas and provides a wonderful education in clowning. There are lectures and seminars on various aspects of clowning; vendors market for costumes, make-up, accessories, etc.; individual competitions in Whiteface, Auguste, Character, and Tramp categories; and skit competitions. There are also dinners and dances and a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, to see old friends, and to learn from other clowns with the same interest. Midwinter is held in various cities in Texas and TSCA state officers are elected at this time. Another convention is the Texas Shrine Association (TSA) usually held in June. This is a gathering of all the units of all the Texas Temples for unit competitions. Our clown unit will be competing against other clown units in skits, parade ability, costume, and make-up and overall presentation. There is also a breakfast held for all of the clowns and their ladies for installation of the TSCA officers. TSA is held in cities around the state with the home Temple as host. It is only mandatory for apprentices when TSA is held in Houston, but its lots of fun and there is lots of fellowship and should not be missed when it is out of town if at all possible. On an even larger scale is Imperial held in July. This is a convention of all Temples in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other parts of the world. There are individual and skit competitions. In order to participate in the competitions one must belong to the International Shrine Clown Association (ISCA). See either the President or First Vice for further details. Other socials are held during the year by the unit. This is a time to relax and have fun with friends. Apprentices are expected to tend bar and clean up under the direction of the Second Vice-President. 8

Types of Clowns There are four categories of clowns that are recognized by the International Shrine Clown Association. They are the White-face, the Auguste, the Tramp or Hobo, and the Character. The White-Face Clown: There are two types of make-up for the white-face clown; the simple, classic Pierrot or Harlequin and modern grotesque. The white-face has all the exposed flesh, including the neck, the back of the neck, the earlobes, and behind the ears covered with white make-up. The classic white-face s basic facial features are black or red with other colors used occasionally and his features are usually small and simple. He usually wears white skull cap with an appropriate hat. Large facial features, such as the mouth, eyebrows or eye area, with large clown nose are typical of the grotesque design. This clown s wigs are of unlimited styles and colors but should be color coordinated with the costume. The white-face clown s costume should be coordinated in color and material. The traditional costume of the basic white-face is a one piece jumpsuit with a ruffled collar. White-face clowns must wear white gloves. No flesh should be exposed by the costume. In character the white-face clown is always decent in manners. In the hierarchy of clowns the white-face clown is at the top. When performing with other clowns, the white-face always instigates and sets up the routine; he is always in command of the situation and usually does not get hit with the pie. The Auguste Clown: as a base, the make-up for an Auguste clown is flesh tones such as pink, reddish brown, or tan, rather than white. The eye and mouth areas are generally white and the features are usually exaggerated and black or red in color. A light to medium red blended into the flesh tones helps accentuate the white around the mouth. The mouth area is usually lined with black or red. Wigs, partially bald or full, are usually red, orange, or yellow to enhance the flesh tones of the make-up. A large clown nose, appropriate to the size of the face, completes the Auguste make-up. The Auguste clown s wardrobe can be described as a tailor s nightmare. Nothing fits, nothing matches in color or pattern; although, some care should be used here. Costumes can be ill fitting, too large or too small. 9

The Auguste is the most slapstick of all clowns; he is typified by wild actions and manners. In hierarchy of clowns, the Auguste is second to the White-face. When performing with White-face clowns, the Auguste is the brunt of the joke. With the Tramp, however, the Auguste becomes the instigator and controls the situation. The Tramp or Hobo Clown: The base color in the Tramp s make-up can range from the flesh tones of the Auguste to almost white. The mouth and eye areas are generally white, giving impression that he has just wiped the dirt or soot away from those areas. Black or gray is applied to the neck and chin and extended up to the normal beard line. Some red shading in the cheeks can give the sunburned or boozing appearance to the Tramp. A large red nose is appropriate. The shape of the mouth area and the direction of the eyebrows slant can be used to define the sad or happy character of the Tramp. The wardrobe for Tramp clowns is the easiest to make and care for. It is usually a dark suit which has been torn or patched, reflecting a shabby individual. The Tramp can either be a sad or happy character. In clown hierarchy, he is the bottom rung. Sometimes known as the fall guy. The Tramp clown always gets the worst of the jokes or routines. He is the clown who gets the pie, water, etc. He is the character for whom nothing goes right. The Character Clown: The make-up for the Character clown can be either White-face or Auguste but must fit the specific character being represented. Here is where any specific individual may be caricaturized or portrayed in good taste. The over-all effect of make-up, costuming, and performance must complement the character being portrayed. No Disney character or other copyrighted clowns can be copied or used in competitions, parades, etc. 10

Items for a Basic Make-up and Costume Kit 1. Theatrical Clown white make-up. 2. Baby powder. 3. Baby oil and baby shampoo. 4. Red special soft liner. 5. Black soft shadow liner. 6. Large powder puff or sock. 7. Powder brush. 8. Make up sponges. 9. Q-tips. 10. Soft paper towels. 11. Travel mirror. 12. Small spray bottle. 13. Clown nose. 14. Nose adhesive. 15. Case or bag to hold your make-up supplies. 16. Wig. 17. Clown or tennis shoes. 18. Gloves. 19. Hat. The above is suggested supplies. When you choose your make-up consult with the First Vice-President or his appointed representative on what is needed. 11

Basic Application Steps for Make-up 1. Shave then clean face with warm water. 2. For dry skin add small amounts of baby oil to your palm and smooth on to face. Blot off excess. 3. Use only theatrical grease paints. 4. Use a sweat band, shower cap, etc. to keep hair away from face. 5. Work in clown white in areas on you face according to your specific clown face. 6. Cut in white with Q-tip. Also use Q-tips to remove white from areas where different colors will be applied. 7. Apply other colors based on your clown face. 8. Dust face with powder on all areas that have make-up applied. 9. Brush off excess powder with powder brush. 10. Lightly spray face with water to set makeup. Glue on clown nose. 11. Always ask for help if you are experiencing problems. 12. Practice - Practice - Practice. 13. To remove make-up: Apply baby oil and wipe off with paper towels. Wash face with baby shampoo and cold water to remove the remainder. Remember to: Practice- Practice- Practice Tips, Etc. 1. Allow plenty of time. It may take as long as 2 hours when applying your make-up. 2. Liquefy clown white by rubbing your finger tips in your palm, heating make-up in micro wave, etc. Experiment and find what works best for you. 3. Trim fingernail before applying make-up. 4. Use different applicators for each color of paint you are using. 5. Eat carefully in make-up. Grease from food may remove make-up. 12

6. Try various brands of make-up to see what is best for you. 7. Best advice: Practice, practice, practice and patience, Your face may change many times before you become satisfied with your look. Do s and Don ts for a Clown in Makeup 1. Do not use stars, hearts, diamonds, balloons, trade marks, patented faces, or exactly copy the make-up of another clown unless you have their permission. 2. Do not smoke while in make-up. 3. Do not drink alcoholic beverages before an appearance or while in make-up 4. Do not appear in public without your complete costume (wig, gloves, shoes, etc.) Remember: Your clown costume is your unit uniform. 5. Do not hold hands with or kiss your lady or show other signs of affection while in make-up in public. 6. Do not try to force a response from children. Some are afraid of clowns so leave if you frighten them. Do try meeting them at their level; sit, stoop, or bend down to speak to the little ones. 7. Do not sign clothing or exposed skin no matter how much they insist. You may end up buying new clothes or being accused of causing an allergic reaction. 8. Do not use a retired clown name for your own. Check the by-laws for a list. Try not to select a name that sounds too much like another clown s name in our unit. It causes confusion. 9. Do have fun!!!!! 13

Apprentice of the Year Award Each year the President appoints a committee of himself and two (2) past recipients of the Apprentice Award to nominate Apprentices for the Apprentice of the Year Award. The unit votes at the November meeting by secret ballot and the results are kept secret by the committee until presentation of the award at the Annual Banquet in January. Every Apprentice or Clown who was an Apprentice for a period of more than three months of the calendar year is eligible. The award is given to the Apprentice that the membership feels has shown the most enthusiasm for the unit and has worked hardest for all required and non-required functions. 14

Miscellaneous Information At the stated meetings new information may be received, dates or times changed and activities added or deleted. It is a good idea for the Apprentice to bring a calendar with him to the meetings. Also monthly news letters with addition information or changes will be sent to him. We hope that this information will be able to answer the major questions you will have concerning your first year with the clown unit. Do remember that your officers, especially the First Vice-President, will be happy to help you in any way. 15