![]() By nature he probably will be a loner, who is reflected in his determination to be silent, generally not talking to anyone but his peers. The classic Tramp epitomized by Emmett Kelly and Otto Griebling of circus fame is the forlorn and downtrodden character who has nothing and knows he will never have anything. There are some variations in this clown category. Regardless of the type of Tramp/Hobo, he/she is the one who is the brunt of the joke and will be on the receiving end of the pie, slap or kick from the Whiteface or Auguste. Other historical references indicate the Tramp makeup goes back to vaudeville and minstrel shows of the 1800’s and early 1900’s. ![]() Considered the only true American clown, some believe that this character developed from the days of the depression in the 30’s when men “rode the rails” looking for work. (ie., wrists, fingerless gloves, neck) ” ~ World Clown Association Tramp/Hobo/Bag Lady (Competition Judgement Criteria of COAI 2012)Ĭharacter: Red Skelton in his Freddie the Freeloader character, portrayed this type of character. Competitors may have skin not fully covered by makeup and/or wardrobe. Female Tramp could be a Bag Lady characterĮ. Tramp may wear old clothes that are more tattered, torn, and/or patched.ĭ. Hobo may wear old clothes that are neatly kept or bright and colorful.Ĭ. A dirty effect is sometimes created with the makeup.ī. Face has a flesh tone base that is accented with red, white, black, or gray. (Examples are Emmett Kelly, Otto Griebling and Red “Freddy the Freeloader” Skelton.)Ī. Tramp/Hobo (Competition Judgement Criteria of WCA 2016): It is my belief that this identity crisis needs to be addressed if we are to rightfully add the two characters to our clown hierarchy. Note that they do not all agree on the rules of the Tramp and Hobo. Below are the definitions and judging points that each organization uses to classify the Hobo/Tramp category. All three of these organizations through competition and definition have marked Tramp/Hobo clowns as a separate category from the Character Clown. There are three major clown organizations whose expertise goes beyond the circus: World Clown Association (WCA), Clowns of America International (COAI) and International Shrine Clown Association (ISCA). ![]() Historically speaking, Tramp characters have been instrumental in the circus, but they have have also formed a category of their own in competition. Hoh’s book also highlighted Michael Christensen, who helped found the Big Apple Circus, as another notable Tramp. Professor Emeritus LaVahn Hoh of the University of Virginia, a dear friend and teacher of the only circus history class at an American university, categorizes the Tramp clown as a breed of Character clown, his section on Character clowns in Step Right Up! The Adventure of Circus in America highlights Otto Griebling, Emmett Kelly, Red Skelton, and Mark Anthony, 4 Tramp clowns who were among the 6 initial inductees to the International Clown Hall of Fame in 1988. The distinction of the Tramp variety from the Career/Character clowns is well deserved. Pulled from the Red Skelton Museum and Education Center.Do Hobo/Tramp Clowns warrant their own category?ĭo Hobo/Tramp Clowns warrant their own category? Portrait of Red Skelton’s character, Freddy the Freeloader. For this “new” category to take hold, it is important to understand its murky rules and whether or not there is a distinction between the Hobo and the Tramp. Though it is a point of contention between historians and practicing clowns, it is my belief that they have earned their own category of clown through their contributions to the American circus and their recognizable roles in the clown hierarchical ladder. They are historically considered Character or Career clowns because they are inspired by real individuals, the homeless people of the late 19th century, according to clown historian Bruce “Charlie” Johnson. From this category, the Hobo and Tramp category has sprung. Instead, they model their look and action off of a personality or a type of job. Character and Career clowns are clowns that do not always adhere to the Whiteface and Auguste traditional looks or actions. The Auguste are the ones with large features that act as the fall guy in the duo. The Whiteface are generally more well kept and, in a duo with an Auguste character, they would be the straight-man. For now, we will discuss the ones that we encounter in the traditional circus. Clowns have been categorized as Vaudevillian, Singing, and Caring among others. I would note that these are not the only categories of clowning. For simplicity, it breaks down into three categories: Whiteface, Auguste, and Character/Career Clowns. Historically, in the circus and in competition, clowns have created a hierarchy of sorts that I will discuss in a later blog.
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