(Introduction to Mastering the Art of Character and Clowning

Make no mistake, connecting with your audience and your character is vital in street theatre. Building trust and forming a bond with your audience is an art form in itself. If you are serious about street theatre, character development, practice, and study will be more than half the battle in creating a great street show.

Set aside any stereotypes you have about clowning, and I strongly recommend studying classic clown characters like The Whiteface, Auguste, and the tramp. Character development runs deep, and the world of mime and physical theatre is where acting meets the performer head-on. To become a great character, one must truly connect with themselves.

I’m going to ask you a series of questions, and I don’t want you to overthink your responses. Just say the first thing that comes to mind:

1. When you consider your own character, how do you see yourself?
2. What do you think the general public sees in your day-to-day character?
3. Does this perspective align with your own?
4. What do people who know you see?

In light of these questions, how would you describe yourself now?

Homework: Ask three people you know and trust—two of whom are not family members—what general impression they have of you. See if their impressions align with your own.

From my own experience, during the first three years of my street performing career, character and clowning development played a huge part.

(Developing your character will most likely go a lot deeper than you first imagine but stick with it even when it hurts it will be worth it in the long run)

A great place to start is looking for Inspiration around your character is to study various sources, such as iconic figures from black-and-white movies and modern comedy slapstick—Harold Lloyd, Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Robin Williams, Rowan Atkinson, and Tommy Cooper. Personally, I love Tommy Cooper and Robin Williams! They both had a rare ability to captivate an audience with simple actions. There personalise was endearing and admired, making him them my heroes.

Did you know that Robin Williams started his carrier off as a white face comedy street performer?

When developing a show, consider what complements the character you want to play. For example, I wear different hats for my street shows depending on the location. In Portugal or Spain, I wear a European hat that helps define my character and sets me apart. Alternatively, I use a bowler hat to evoke a black-and-white movie character, adding clumsiness and charm.

Consider your magic or day-to-day practice, whether at work or play, and reflect on how your character relates to and is involved in what you do. Being honest about yourself is the key to developing and fine-tuning your character.

Clothes or costume that reflect your character

The clothes you wear are important can play an inportant part in enforcing your charter. For example, for example I try to reflect my both Welsh and Spanish roots and at late I have classical celtic gypsy flair in my appearice and feel comfortable in them. You want to dress like the character you want to reflect. Be mindful about over-dressing—dressing like an Auguste clown with bright colorful waistcoats and a big red nose will diminish curiosity to a greater degree but if that’s you, run with it. Conversely, under-dressing can also be a negative impact. There’s a saying: if you dress like a beggar, expect a beggar’s wage. Dressing too smartly or in expensive gear can work for some street performers, but it depends on the character you are portraying. If it’s part of your character, people will understand. However, if you’re doing a street show and flaunt a Rolex watch and designer clothes, it may well backfire.

Ultamtly to portray your character it takes more than just your costume and hat as I mentioned above it takes charter development and fair bit practice, I can honestly say, clowning around is my most favourer part of me.

Enjoy character development and clowning. Never neglect it but let it be an integral part of your practice alongside your magic.

If you feel like I can be of service to this end do send me a PM

Kind regards

Mario Morris.

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