Code of Ethics
1. I have been accepted as a member of Coastal Caring Clowns Inc. (CCC Inc) to provide others with clean clown comedy entertainment of a G Rated nature and give respect whilst performing. When visiting hospitals, nursing homes or similar places I will follow the guidelines set down by CCC Inc.
2. I will abide by the by-laws as amended from time to time. When visiting hospitals, nursing homes or similar places I will follow the guidelines set down by CCC Inc.
3. When working with CCC Inc. I will perform for the benefit of others not for personal gain or personal publicity. I will try to remain anonymous while in costume and make-up, though occasional circumstances may not make this possible.
4. I will not drink any alcoholic beverages prior to or during any clowning appearances while in costume and make-up. I will conduct myself reasonably at all times, not interfering with other acts, events, spectators or individuals. I will not become involved in or tolerate any harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.
5. I will learn to apply my make-up, provide my own costume, and conduct my clowning activities to a standard acceptable by the committee.
6. While appearing in costume and make-up I will carry out the directives of the senior or lead clown for that event and will abide by all performance rules without public complaint. I will participate in a debrief after each activity and report any problems.
7. I will participate regularly in CCC events and attend as many monthly meetings as possible. I will advise the Activities Officer of any prolonged temporary changes to my circumstances that may obstruct the smooth running of event planning.
8. I will commit to upholding the good name of Coastal Caring Clowns at all times, to share ideas and to continue learning about the art of clowning.
Clowns in History
Buffoons, Jesters, Fools and Tricksters have been recorded since the earliest times.Egyptian Pharaohs and Ancient Romans were the beneficiaries of the healing effects of the injected comic relief which these silly characters introduced to the serious and/or tragic situations thereby assisting the people to regain a balance and perspective.
In Medieval Europe The Court Jester was the only person who was allowed to poke fun at the king without fear of being beheaded. His cleverness, insight and biting wit helped the king to remember his obligations to his subjects. He could be commanded to become the Court Jester.
In Medieval Europe The Court Jester was the only person who was allowed to poke fun at the king without fear of being beheaded. His cleverness, insight and biting wit helped the king to remember his obligations to his subjects. He could be commanded to become the Court Jester.
In the 1500's two types of fool characters emerged as central performers in Italian Theater. The harlequin was a trickster and the bumbler, also known as a Zanni, was the fall-guy. It is from these characters that today's White-face and August clowns have evolved.
Clowns are generally regarded as funny, silly, entertainers who have a wide range of special skills and talent, and many do have. But the word entertainment only means 'to hold the attention of'. A clown is someone who stands out from the crowd, is immediately recognised by the colourful clothes and exaggerated make-up as being a strange and weird, fantasy character. Often people smile at the mere sight of a clown.
Individual clowns have very different personalities. There are clever clowns, silly clowns, happy and sad clowns however they all hold the attention of the audience in their own unique way.