Downtown Clowns Blog: June 2015

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

That's All Folks!

Today was the day of the performance and I was exhausted by the time the day was over. It was challenging getting the props prepared for the show, as well as the makeup and costumes for all the performers. I commend Mr. Gallerani for managing to do all the line work for us and aiding us in gathering all the props. I was pleased with how I looked in my costume and makeup, but my face wouldn't stop itching and my clown nose's interior was covered in snot by the time the performance was over. The performance may have been delayed for numerous reasons, but the audience's laughter and reactions were worth it all. I struggled having to remove all the makeup I just put on and left my towel completely wet and dirty. All that was left, was to completely clean the classroom and store the props back in the closet. This spring phase went by fast, and it feels like only yesterday I was given the syllabus by Mr. Gallerani. I loved this class and all I was taught in it, thought there were less the stellar moments that I'd like to forget. It was an honor to be a part of the class and to entertain the students like the previous Downtown Clowns alumni. Thank you!

So today was the perfomance and I can actually say this was my favorite spring phase class in my four years here. Although, I was so nervous prior to the performance it was amazing and all worth it after the show. At this beginning of this course I never thought I'd actually like it. This turned out to be my favorite spring phase class where I learned how to make certain balloons and even sow. It actually became an experience to enjoy and I'm glad because this is something great to put on a resume. I'm grateful that I took this class and wish more people could take it. I admit it was very difficult at times but what isn't?

Congratulations to all of you on a job well done! I'm proud of each one of you for what you have accomplished!

Monday, June 1, 2015

Not too Shabby for the First Makeover

Although we won't be doing our own makeup on the actual show day, today we were given the opportunity to try and put on our own makeup as a professional clown would. It was an interesting experience and like the other things we have learned in class this month, it requires much concentration and precision in order for the face to turn out fine. After outlining and filling in spots with a brush using the wet makeup, we had to pat setting powder carefully all around in order to keep the makeup dry and shaped as it was. As seen here, we will only have the bottom half portion of our faces painted for the show. I look forward to finally putting this whole work of art together and presenting it to the school later this week.

Paint it Black.... And White - The Clowning Stones

Today the class had the opportunity to experience the difficulty of having to paint one's own face with clown makeup. Applying the white coat first was easy for me, and the only issue I had was the left and right sides of my makeup were not symmetrical. The powder was a little more difficult to apply because I smudged some of the makeup with the cotton pad. I spilled some of the powder used to dry the makeup on the desk and my towel, leaving a good portion of it white. The true difficulty began with outlining the area to apply the black makeup on my face. I kept bleeding into my white makeup while drawing the line, which ended with numerous inconsistencies with my line work around the jawline. I completely dirtied my fingers when filling in the area with black makeup, and bled into the white makeup again when I was filling the spaces near the white makeup with a brush. The worst part was getting the makeup off, as I completely neglected the towel in the beginning and left my hands completely gray. In the end, I spent a good ten minutes removing the remainder of the makeup from my face, cleaning my hands and nails, and cleaning the paint off the bathroom sinks. I am extremely worried to repeat this process again on Wednesday, but this time I will make sure to use the towel first!