Overview
Make 'em laugh! If you love to clown around, it's time to get serious about it.serious fun, that is. Being a clown means more than merely putting on silly makeup and jumping around. It's a wonderful form of self-expression that brings joy to yourself and to others. Take a look at the world's best jesters and expand your understanding of comedy. Here are the (literal) tricks of the trade: ideas for using cartoonlike imagery, choosing a distinctive costume, finding a comic rhythm, and mastering physical skills that will have people rolling in the aisles. Project the right raucous attitude, work in duets, and develop an irresistibly humorous "clown walk." Even say "Hello" in a way that gets your audience giggling immediately. Actual routines unfold in a series of photos and descriptions, with tips on selling them. From the "levitation gag" to "wire walking," to developing your own act, it's the perfect clown school!Author Biography: About the Author
Mark Stolzenberg has appeared in the feature films Her Alibi with Tom Selleck and Luggage of the Gods as well as on TV in ABC's "All M Children", CBS' "Dellaventura", and "Breakfast in Bed," which aired on HBO, SHOWTIME, and CINEMAX. He has toured as a clown with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, co-written and starred in the stage show Pierrot & Pirouette, which ran Off-Broadway, and written the feature length screenplay A Clown in New York and the book How to be A Mime. Most recently Mr. Stolzenberg has completed a new feature film script and written, produced, and starred in a short film. He teaches "Acting for Film and Television" at The New School inNew York City.
Use movement, makeup and costume, satire, and a character you've developed to make people laugh. In other words, "Clown around!" Whether you want to perform at parties, on film, or at a circus, you'll learn how to touch something deep inside your audience. While performing as a clown is fun, it's also a serious art form. With these professional routines, tips, and advice, you'll become a master, leaving any crowd in stitches.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Be a Clown by Mark Stolzenberg, photos by Padua Kassel, offers some seriously funny tips on the art of clowning around, including getting into character, mastering basic routines and creating a signature act. Color photographs offer step-by-step instructions, and a glossary and index round out the volume. (July) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.Children's Literature
Make me laugh! Some people may not understand this, but making people laugh is really an art that must be practiced and developed. This book about clowns teaches a novice everything there is to know about being a clown. Everything from famous clowns to warm-ups is covered in this book. This is almost a step-by-step guide to clowning around. After following the directions in this book, a person will be able to create his or her own clown identity including how to say hello, what to wear, and how to choose from several skits that are described in detail. The photographs in the book help to illustrate the actions, gags, and routines that are described in the book. The book contains one picture of a clown who does not have any clothing on (but is covered by a hat). Anyone who is interested in learning more about clowning around should definitely invest in this book. A teacher who wants to teach students a little bit about this art form should also invest in the book, as many activities can be done in the classroom. 2003, Sterling Publishing Co, Ages 12 up.—Nicole Peterson