Glossary of Clown Terms
By Michael Kent
Last Update: September 18, 2017
A Glossary of Terms for the More Common Clown Roles
The Auguste
The Auguste is the butt of jokes and usually the one who gets into trouble. Red noses for the Auguste are smaller than other clowns’. The Auguste is usually an every-man character, so he is not as comically exaggerated as other clowns. The things that make him funny to us are his actions and words. We can relate to him because he has a more human side to him. If one clown in a group will be portraying the Auguste, they should inform their fellow clowns so they know how to act around them.
The Whiteface (Tramp)
The Whiteface is more serious and refined than the other clowns, but he can be just as silly. Typically, this character’s makeup is white with no red on his face at all; however, there can be variations on this character’s makeup style and costume. For example, some Whitefaces may wear traditional circus ringmaster costumes like a top hat and tails or something similar. Some do have some red on their face, like lipstick or blush. This clown
The Twister or Whistle is a clown who blows a whistle to get attention. This is the guy who blows the whistle at the beginning of a clown act. When someone else’s act is getting too long, this is the guy who goes out and blows his whistle to get the audience’s attention back on your show.
He also often functions as a Master of Ceremonies or Emcee, who introduces each act and keeps things moving. A variation on this role is the Twister-Mugger, who does all that, but also goes out and mugs between acts, trying to keep the audience entertained when nothing else is going on. Another variation is the Twister-Barker, who does all that, plus tries to sell merchandise (in some venues). Most clowns try to avoid this role because it can be so difficult.
The Twister normally carries two whistles – one for himself, and another for anyone else who might need to interrupt an act or stop something that isn’t working. The other whistle is usually tied around his neck with a string or ribbon. If you’re watching a show, watch for the clown with two whistles tied around his neck. That’s probably The Twister.
The Twister typically wears
The It Clown: also known as the “red nose clown” or “sad clown”. The traditional clown. The It Clown is the one who loves to make people laugh, and is the first to do so. This clown is a lot of fun to be around, but can be sad when no one laughs at his jokes. This is the clown that most people are familiar with.
The Auguste Clown: also known as the “fall guy”, or “fool”. The Auguste Clown is a more modern version of the traditional It Clown. The Auguste Clown does not enjoy being laughed at, but rather enjoys making other people laugh. As such, this clown will often try to “top” other comedians, even if it means making himself look stupid in the process.
The Whiteface: also known as the “happy face” or “happy clown.” This is another modern form of clowning, wherein the emphasis is on making people laugh with tricks rather than by telling jokes. Whitefaces are generally very upbeat and happy and are almost always smiling.
Here is a list of common terms used in the world of clowning.
The role of the clown comes in countless shapes and sizes. No matter what a clown’s style, it is always helpful to have a working knowledge of the different roles a clown may play on stage, in the circus ring, or at any given performance.
The following are some generic descriptions of different types of clowns:
It Clown: A specific clown character, the It Clown (also known as the Simpleton Clown or the Goon) is a clown who is somewhat dumb and slow. They often lack self-awareness, and are generally unaware of their surroundings. They can be easily startled, and are often clumsy characters. It Clowns are often played by tall actors with large feet.
Whiteface: Whiteface clowns are the most common type of clown seen in circuses, parades, and other public venues. This type of clown typically has white face paint around their eyes and mouth, with a red nose and red lips. Whiteface clowns will also have brightly colored wigs, and striped clothing that uses a combination of loud colors and patterns.
Auguste: The Auguste is one of the two types of whiteface clown. In addition to having white face makeup around the eyes and mouth area, this type of clown will also have exaggerated eyebrows that meet in the middle of their forehead, as well as a curled moustache. Augustes will usually wear very colorful costumes with a lot of ruffles on them.
Tramp: Tramp clowns are also known as Hobo Clowns or Street Clowns. These types of clown wear baggy clothing
C lowns (from the Latin for “clod”, or “lump”) are a type of entertainer that have traditionally specialized in physical comedy and slapstick. They are generally characterized by grotesque makeup, exaggerated costumes, and colorful wigs. While the traditional clown is white-faced with a red nose, this has become less common in contemporary clowning.
Clowns often display one or more personality types, such as the Auguste clown (who is typically clumsy) or the Whiteface clown (who is typically pompous). Another common example is the Tramp Clown (who is often very sad).
Clowning is a form of performance art. The actor puts together different skills of acting, improvisation, mime, acrobatics, juggling and music to create an entertaining act that usually satirizes a particular subject or situation.
