Jan_Feb_1997

January/February, 1997
Competitors find
changes in rules
By Leo Desllets
COAi Competition Chairman
After the 1996 COAi Convention in Puerto Rico, I took
a hard look at the competitions. I felt the makeup
competition needed some minor adjustments in two
categories.WHITEFACE and CHARACTER . THE COAi
Board, Calliope editor and I received many letters on these
two subjects , and at their Fall meeting, the Board took the
following action on these two categories:
+ Spllt the Whiteface category Into two
groups: :(a) Classic Whiteface and (b) Comedy
Whiteface.
+ Redefined the Character category, and
giving all qualified makeup Judges a refresher
course In this category.
If you are competing in either of the two Whiteface
categories , the competitor will have to make a decision in
which category he/she wishes to compete. Actually , COAi
has three different types of Whiteface clowns: Straight
Whiteface , Classic Whiteface, and Comedy Whiteface. But
they will be judged in two categories: Straight and Classic in
one, Comedy Whiteface by itself. In the rules for
competition that begin on page 38, you will find
"Competition Judging Criteria." This will help you decide in
which of the categories your character should compete.
So COAi makeup and costume competition in 1997 will
include six divisions: Classic Whiteface, Comedy Whiteface,
Auguste, Tramp/Hobo, Character, and Seniors. The overall
appearance of the clown, not just the color of the face
alone, establishes the appropriate classification. Here are
the criteria that COAi will use when judging
makeup/costume competition:
WHITEFACE CLOWNS: There are three types of
Whiteface clowns -- Straight Whiteface, Classic Whiteface
and Comedy Whiteface, but they will be judged in two
categories. Straight and Classic Whiteface will be judged
together and Comedy Whiteface by itself. Judges will be
grading the clown on how well he/she portrays this type of
clown.
CLASSIC WHITEFACE:
a. Character. Also commonly called
the Pierrott clown. An elegant clown, artistic, colorful, bright
and cheery. Its performance is highly artistic and skillful, but
done with a comedic or dramatic flair.
b. Makeup: All exposed flesh will
be covered with white makeup. Minimal lining color(s)
and/or glitter will be used to express the features of the
eyes, nose and mouth. A white skull cap would be worn in
lieu of a colored wig. The European Whiteface generally
does not wear a comedy nose, false eyelashes or large
ears.
c. Costume: Considered the "most
beautiful" of all clowns, it would be outfitted with the
traditional one or two-piece jump suit of white or colored
material to fit the character of the Classic Pierrott. The styles
may vary, but are generally roomy and well-fitted, and may
have a detachable collar. The tunic or blouse can be
straight, flared, short , medium or long with the long sleeves.
Buttons, pompons, piping and ruffles should be of a
contrasting color. The pants can be straight, flared , ruffled
or pantalooned. A clown hat should fit the clown's
character/personality (short or tall cone hat, short cup or flat
hat, or the typical Pagliacci hat). Gloves should cover the
hands and wrists and should be white or colored to fit the
wardrobe. Ballet or dancing slippers would be worn in lieu of
large comedy shoes.
Straight Whiteface
a. Character: The aristocrat of all
clowns. An elegant clown, artistic, colorful, bright and
cheery . In a setting with other clowns , the Straight
Whiteface would be in charge. Its performance is highly
artistic and skillful, but done with a comedic or dramatic flair.
When performing with the Auguste and/or Tramp/H obo,
this clown will remain in charge, setting up the routine ,
throwing rather than taking the pie, slap or kick. Although
more comical than the European Whiteface , this clown is a
bit more reserved than the impish and gregarious Auguste.
b. Makeup: All exposed flesh will
be covered with white makeup. Minimal lining color(s)
and/or glitter will be used to express the features of the
eyes, nose, and mouth. Varying styles and colors of clown
wigs are used in lieu of only the skull cap. The color of the
wig is generally chosen to accent another color in the
costume.
c. Costume: The costume will fit
well. Satins, sequins, rhinestones and theatrical fabrics
(shiny, flashy, beaded, etc.) can be used. A one or twopiece
jumper worn with a ruff is the most common Whiteface
costume. However, a two-piece suit or tuxedo style is also
acceptable. The costume, including the accessories,
should be color coordinated . Shoes can be large or small
but should be simple. Gloves should always be worn.
Comedy Whiteface
a. Character: As the Straight
Whiteface is the more "traditional" clown, the Comedy
Whiteface is today the most common Whiteface clown.
When performing with the Auguste and/or Tramp/Hobo,
this clown will usually take charge, setting up the routine,
throwing rather than taking the pie.slap or kick. Although
36 The New Calliope