What's Your Costume?
Today we are continuing our new clown series. Today's topic is your Costume.
Like our Name, Character, Voice blog post this post also has a printable worksheet. You don’t need
to fill out any or all of it out, it is just a place to put ideas and keep track of them.
First, we will give you some tips to remember when coming up with ideas for your costume and then
we will go through the worksheet.
The first thing that we are going to cover is your costume. There are lots of things to think about
when you are creating your clown’s wardrobe. We have many tips for you. None of them are
requirements just things to keep in mind as you are putting together your costume.
The first tip we have for you is just a modesty rule, for the most part, cover your shoulders and
knees. This is not a requirement just a tip. (Remember not even Cupcake covers her shoulders all of
the time, but if you do, it can help with layering and hiding clip on microphones and many other
things too.)
The next tip is to keep it simple. Don’t go overboard. It makes it harder to get dressed and hard to
keep track. If you can, go with one or two major pieces and a few other pieces. For girls, you can do
a dress or skirt and shirt, and anyone can do overalls, or pants and a top. It does not matter too
much what you go with when it comes to the base of your costume but remembers to keep it simple.
After all you don’t want to forget something important in the pre-performance rush, and don’t worry
about it seeming too “normal” because with colors, cuts, and accessories to take into consideration
you can still be your own 3 ring circus if that’s what you want.
Our third costume tip is to layer, layer, layer. It is much easier to take off or put on a cardigan or long
sleeve shirt and still have the same look while still being able to warm up or cool off. If you live in a
colder climate this is crucial to your safety as well as comfort. If you will be performing in sub-
freezing temperatures it is nice to have a coat that you only wear when you are clowning. If you don’t
live in a super cool climate you may not need as many layers but some days will still get chilly so
make sure you have a few options. You can also have the same problem on the flip side: getting too
hot. We have quite hot summers where we live and we used to walk in a parade every year. Often
the day that we would walk in this parade would be upwards of 90° (and also raining) if you are
covering all of your skin you run the risk of overheating. It is for your safety that you are able to take
off layers to keep yourself more comfortable as well.
Our fourth tip when it comes to your costume is about your shoes. Make sure that your shoes are
quite durable or cheap and easy to replace as they can fall apart quite quickly. We have both had
shoes that have fallen apart and due to their uniqueness, we have found them quite hard to replace.
Our fifth tip although it may seem obvious is to keep in mind that you will be performing in these
articles of clothing, so you will want to make sure that they are comfortable, and fit well even when
you are sweaty. You want to be able to move and be alive. Another thing to keep in mind is that you
may be in this costume for upwards of 6 hours if that influences what you wear one way or the other.
Our last tip is to be flexible. You may have an idea for your costume, but when you go out to buy
your costume you may find a piece that would fit your costume perfectly so remember to stay
flexible. Things can change, just make sure it fits your character.
Our bonus tip is to look at thrift stores for costume pieces, or if you have the skills to consider
making parts of your costume. It is cheaper and you can often find what you are looking for if you are
willing to dig. There are some things you will have to buy new but at least take a look.
As we said at the beginning of the post none of these rules are set in stone just things that we have
found in our last 4 years of clowning, as we tweaked our own costumes.
Now we are going to go through the worksheet and explain all of the pieces. (You may want to go
through this worksheet more than once. The first time with what you think you want, and the second
with what you end up getting if they change.)
The first thing on the worksheet is what colors are you thinking about. With Dizzy, I wanted her to be
like a rainbow pinwheel and that is where my colors came from, and with Cupcake I wanted her to
stay in the pastels, mainly in the pinks and blues but think about your character and how your colors
can help make a first impression.
The next thing is your main piece(s). Like we said earlier, you want to keep it simple and this is
where you want to keep it simple. If your costume can be one or two main pieces that would be best.
That could be a dress, overalls, or a shirt and bottom combo or even something else if you can think
of it.
Depending on where you live the layering piece may look different. We have extreme seasons and
that is something we have to be prepared for. We have different pieces of our outfit that we can take
out if it is hot or add things if it is cold. So make sure that you do what is right for you and the climate
of where you live.
The fourth part of the worksheet is your shoes. And as long as you can perform in them, they are
comfortable, and easy enough to replace or a good quality, you should be good to go.
The last part of the worksheet is just a place for you to put other ideas down. Anything else that you
may want to look back on later.
(Cupcake and Dizzy)
Two clowns trying to spread God's love to everyone
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