Pinot &Augustine

Hylton PerformingArts Center

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 AT 11 AM

Well-Known ClownsJoseph Grimaldi: Was one of the greatest English pantomimes. His clown, called ‘Joey’, specialized in the classic physical tricks, tumbling, pratfalls, and slapstick. He was known for his expressive face and body, and unique sense of comic timing. He performed in full-length pantomimes and developed the pantomime character of Clown.

Charlie Chaplin: Joined the Karno Troupe working alongside his brothers Sidney and Stan Laurel touring the United States’ vaudeville circuit. He was known for

his stage performance as the tramp/hobo character clown. He left the stage to join Keystone Films Studio

where he starred in many short and feature length films.

Ronald McDonald: He is most known for being the mascot of McDonald’s. Inspired by the clown character Bozo the Clown, this lovable character clown has been known to put smiles on children’s faces every day and can be found everywhere around the world.

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin

Mark Jaster: As the Artistic Co-Director, Deviser, and Performer of Happenstance Theater, Mark has trained in mastering the skills of mime. In his three solo performances through Happenstance Theater, Piccolo’s Trunk, A Fool Named ‘O’, and The Maestro, he combines live music on unusual instruments and non-instruments, outrageous acrobatics, and hyper-advanced communication skills with an honest, gentle humor. He has frequent appearances with The Maryland Youth Ballet, The Washington Revels, and The Maryland Renaissance Festival. He also is a proud member of The Big Apple Circus’ Clown Care Program, performing at the Children’s National Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

Sabrina Mandell: She is the Founder, Artistic Co-Director, Business Manager, Deviser, and Performer of Happenstance Theater. She has written, produced and performed prolifically since the company’s founding in 2006. She performs regularly with the Big Apple Circus’ Clown Care Program in DC and Baltimore. She has also taught Theatrical Clown and Physical Comedy at the Shakespeare Theatre, Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, Round House Theatre, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Meet the Performers

Not all clowns look the same. There are different types of clowns that look different. What type of clown do you think Pinot and Augustine are?

Whiteface Clown: The oldest clown type. The whiteface clown typically performs pantomime acts and covers his or her face with white make up.

Auguste Clown: This type of clown wears a lot of make up to exaggerate their facial expressions and wears silly costumes that are too big like bowties and shoes. These were the first clowns to play jokes on others.

Character Clown: This type of clown plays a specific character (hobo, fireman) and often portrays that character as very silly.

What to Look ForA clown is someone who often plays jokes on others. During the performance you will see several instances where Pinot and Augustine play jokes on each other. What kinds of jokes do you see in this show? These are a few that you may see:

Pratfall: a fall on the buttocks

Slapstick: physical comedy involving exaggerated mischievous actions (throwing a pie in someone’s face) or

a stick used by clowns to make loud “slapping” noises

Types of Clowns

Mime: The art of performing using gestures without sound

Vaudeville: theatrical entertainment consisting of many individual performances like songs and dances

Pantomime: A performance that often involves slapstick comedy with noise.