WRCA CONVENTION/COMPETITION RULES


I. Eligibility:

A. All clowns competing must be current members of the Western Region Clown Association and registered at the convention at the full registration fee.
B. All rules are subject to change and interpretation by competition committee and judges.
C. No members of the Board or Instructors of current convention are allowed to compete, except in balloons, paradibility and Masters Competition, if they meet qualifications.

II. Rules of Conduct:

Failure to comply with the following rules will result in expulsion from the competition.

A. All clowns will conduct themselves in such a manner as to be a credit and asset to quality clowning, as a fine art.
B. All clowns will totally abstain from the use of alcohol immediately prior to, or during competition, or while in makeup or costume.
C. While in costume and/or makeup in public view, clowns will refrain from the use of tobacco, and gambling in the casino.
D. All clowns will refrain from the use of any props or items, which offend a general audience or embarrass the WRCA.
E. Live animals are not permitted in any make-up category.
F. All ID tags, badges, or identifying patches must be removed or concealed. ID badges and tags are those that show your name, clown name, or alley name. General Major Organization patches will be allowed (COAI, WCA, ISCA, ETC.)
G. Contestants are not allowed to speak with judges, unless responding to questions or comments from the judges.

III. Competition Categories:

A. Makeup Competition

1. White Face
2. Auguste
3. Tramp
4. Character
5. Junior Clown (under age 13)
6. Teen Clown (ages 13-18 and or 11 & 12yrs. and won 1st place Junior)
7. Special Joey
8. Senior Clown (65 and older)

B. Skit Competition

1. Individual Skit
2. Group Skit

C. Balloon Sculpture Competition

1. Single Balloon
2. Multiple Balloons
3. Master Balloons
4. Junior Single Balloon (17 yr & under)
5. Junior Multiple Balloons (17 yr & under)

D. Face Painting Competition

1. Full Face
2. Tattoo Art
3. Air Brushing

E. Other Competitions

1. Master (see qualifications under Master eligibility)
2. Visual Walk-Around Paradeability
3. Working Walk-Around Paradeability
Revision 2002 WRCA COMPETITION

WHITE FACE MAKEUP

I. Description:

A. All white face with features such as nose or mouth painted in with red or black. Other colors may be used to add highlights and additional decorations. He or she is the more sophisticated of the clowns, and seem to generally be in control of situations.
II. Eligibility:

A. Clowns must meet the eligibility requirements as stated in Article I, page 1.
B. Clowns who have won a first place award in the white face category in W.R.C.A. Competition within the past three years may not enter this category. They may enter another makeup category or in the Masters category if they qualify.
C. Those who qualify as Master Clowns (previous first place awards in skit and make-up or those clowns whose experience or talents qualify them as professional clowns determined by Competition Director and judges) are not eligible to compete in this category.
D. A contestant entered in this category may not enter another makeup category or the Master competition.

III. Awards:

A. Awards will be presented for first, second and third place winners. If there are only three contestants one award will be presented.
IV. Judging Criteria:
A. Contestants will have all skin covered by self-applied make-up or costume.
B. Contestants are required to wear gloves.
C. Contestants will not be allowed to carry anything in their hands.
D. Contestants will be judged on make-up, costume, and a 15 second performance.
Revision 2002 WRCA COMPETITION

AUGUSTE MAKEUP

I. Description:

A. Face base color is basically a flesh tone with pink or reddish hues. Features are painted in or highlighted with red, black, or other colors. Features are also accented with white. This is a character clown, more comic face. He or she is more impish and slapstick, and actions are wilder, broader, and bigger and more prank like.
II. Eligibility: A. Clowns must meet the eligibility requirements as stated in Article I, page 1. B. Clowns who have won a first place award in the Auguste category in W.R.C. A. Competition within the past three years may not enter this category. They may enter another makeup category or in the Masters category if they qualify.
C. Those who qualify as Master Clowns (previous first place awards in skit and make-up or those clowns whose experience or talents qualify them as professional clowns, determined by competition director and judges) are not eligible to compete in this category.
D. A contestant entered in this category may not enter another makeup category or the Master competition.
III. Awards

A. Awards will be presented for first, second and third place winners. If there are only three contestants one award will be presented.

IV. Judging Criteria:

A. Contestants will have skin covered by self-applied make-up or costume, and are required to wear gloves.
B. Contestants will not be allowed to carry anything in their hands.
C. Contestants will be judged on make-up, costume and 15 second performance.
Revision 2002 WRCA COMPETITION

TRAMP/HOBO MAKEUP

I. Description:

A. Face with flesh tone base that is accented with red, white, black or gray. A dirty effect is sometimes created with the makeup. He can be a sloppy character who frowns and is very sad. He can be a down and out character with an optimistic outlook on life. He can wear old clothes that are neatly kept. They may be bright and colorful. This clown may be either sad or happy.
II. Eligibility:

A. Clowns must meet the eligibility requirements as stated in Article I, page 1.
B. Clowns who have won a first place award in the tramp category in W.R.C.A. Competition within the past three years may not enter this category. They may enter another makeup category or in the Masters if they qualify.
C. Those who qualify as Master Clowns (previous first place awards in make-up and skit or those clowns whose experience or talents qualify them as professional clowns, determined by competition director and judges) are not eligible to compete in this category.
D. A contestant entered in this category may not enter another makeup category or the Master competition.

III. Awards:

A. Awards will be presented for first, second and third place winners. If there are only three contestants, one award will be presented.

IV. Judging Criteria:

A. Contestants must at least have one half of face covered by self-applied make-up or costume.

B. Contestants are required to wear gloves. (Cut-off fingers are accepted)
C. Contestants will not be allowed to carry anything in their hands.
D. Contestants will be judged on make-up, costume and 15 second performance.
Revision 2002 WRCA COMPETITION

CHARACTER MAKEUP

I. Description:

A. The clowns competing in this category must depict a specific type of person, i.e., baseball player, football player, cowboy, Indian, artist, organ grinder, etc. Makeup must compliment the character. II. Eligibility:

A. Clowns must meet the eligibility requirements as stated in Article I, page 1.
B. Clowns who have won a first place award in the character category in W.R.C.A. competition within the past three years may not enter this category. They may enter another makeup category or in the Master category if they qualify.
C. Those who qualify as Master Clowns (previous first place awards in skit and make-up or those clowns whose experience or talents qualify them as professional clowns, determined by competition director and judges) are not eligible to compete in this category.
D. A contestant entered in this category may not enter another makeup category or the Masters competition.

III. Awards:

A. Awards will be presented for first, second and third place winners. If there are only three contestants one award will be presented.

IV. Judging Criteria:

A. Make-up coverage depends on the character being depicted and must be self applied.
B. Contestants will be allowed to carry props in their hands.
C. Contestants are not required to wear gloves.
D. Contestants will be judged on make-up, costume and a 15 second performance.
Revision 2002 WRCA COMPETITION

JUNIOR CLOWN MAKEUP

1. Description:

A. Open to clowns under age 13. Clowns will be judged on makeup and costume. Makeup must be self-applied in the presence of a judge or competition official. White Face, Auguste, Tramp and Character clowns will compete together.
II. Eligibility:

A. Clowns must meet the eligibility requirements as stated in Article I, page 1.
B. All clowns must be under 13 years of age.
C. Clowns who have won first place in this category must wait one year before competing again.
III. Awards:

A. Awards will be presented for first, second and third place winners.

IV. Judging Criteria:

A. Make-up coverage depends on the character being depicted.
B. Contestants may or may not wear gloves depending on the character being depicted.
C. Only Character clowns will be allowed to carry props that are appropriate to their character.
D. Contestants will be judged on make-up, costume and a 15 second performance.
Revision 2002 WRCA COMPETITION

TEEN CLOWN MAKE - UP

I. Description:

A. Open to clowns from the age of 13 – 18 (or 11 and 12 if they have won first place in junior make-up) Clowns will be judged on makeup and costume. Makeup must be self-applied. White Face, Auguste, Tramp and Character clowns will compete together.
II. Eligibility:

A. Clowns must meet the eligibility requirements as stated in Article I, page 1.
B. All clowns must be 13-18 years of age. (Or 11 and 12 if they meet above qualifications)
C. Clowns who have won first place in this category will either wait one year or may compete in regular make-up categories i.e. whiteface, auguste etc.

III. Awards:

A. Awards will be presented for first, second and third place winners.
IV. Judging Criteria:

A. Make-up coverage depends on the character being depicted.
B. Gloves may or may not be worn depending on the character being depicted.
C. Only character clowns will be allowed to carry props that are appropriate for their character.
D. Contestants will be judged on make-up, costume and a 15 second performance

Revision 2002 WRCA COMPETITION

INDIVIDUAL SKITS

I. Description:

A. Individual skits will consist of one clown. The clown may be a White Face, Auguste, Tramp or Character.
B. One performer only on stage for the entire performance.

II. Eligibility:

A. Contestants must meet the eligibility requirements stated in Article I, Page 1.
B. Those who qualify as Master Clowns (previous first place awards in skit and make-up or those clowns whose experience or talents qualify them as professional clowns, determined by competition director and judges) are not eligible to compete in this category.

III. Awards:

A. Awards will be presented for first, second and third place winners. If there are only three contestants, only one award will be presented.

IV. General Rules:

A. The drawing for the performing order will take place right before the start of competition. Once your number has been recorded by the Competition Directors, no exchanging of numbers is allowed.
B. Contestants must perform in order according to the number drawn. if contestants are late for their turn, they will be disqualified.
C. All contestants will have one minute set up time and one minute clean up time; this includes the cleanup of any liquids left on the floor. If time limit exceeds one minute, 10 points will be deducted from total score.
D. Each contestant is responsible for his/her set up and clean up. No assistance is allowed, unless approved by Competition Director.
E. Performance time is limited to three minutes or less. Any contestant whose performance exceeds the three minute limit will lose 10 points. At 3 minute 15 seconds they will be disqualified from competition.
F. One minute before the time limit will expire (2 minutes into the skit) a whistle will blow to inform the performer of the one minute time remaining A second whistle will sound if the contestant has exceeded their time limit and are disqualified.
G. All skits will be in good taste and in no way offensive to the general audience.
H. Any act which causes injury to a spectator will be disqualified from competition.
I. A cassette/CD player and operator will be provided by WRCA, to play any cassette tape or CD the contestant provided before the performance. Tape/CD must be present and ready to play. Tape/CD must be clearly marked with your competition number on it.

V. Judging:

A. All contestants will be judged according to the score sheet as follows:
1. Has the skit been well rehearsed and well presented? (1 - 20 points)
2. Skit in good taste? (1 - 10 points)
3. Broad crowd appeal? (1 - 20 points)
4. Participant fit the character, make-up and costume? (1 - 20 points)
5. Accessories compliment skit. Such as music, props, etc. (1 - 10 Points)
6. Originality? (1 - 10 points)
7. Overall rating? (1 - 10 points)
B. Each contestant’s score sheet will be available to him/her after the awards have been presented.

GROUP SKITS

Description:

A.Group skits consist of more than one clown. The clowns may be a White Face, Auguste,
Tramp or Character. Clowns may be novice or master.

II. Eligibility:

A. Contestants must meet the eligibility requirements stated in Article I Page 1
B. Contestants may perform in only one Group Skit during the convention.

III. Awards:

A.Awards will be presented for first, second and third place winners. If less than four
sign up for this competition only one award will be given. If less than three groups sign up,
we will go to a point system.

IV. General Rules:

A.The drawing for the performing order will take place right before the start of the competition.
Once your number has been recorded by the Competition Directors, no exchanging of numbers
is allowed.
B.Contestants must perform in order according to the number drawn If contestants are late for
their turn, they will be disqualified.
C. All groups will have one minute set up time and one minute clean up time; this includes any liquids
left on the floor. If time limit exceeds one minute, 10 points will be deducted from total score.
D.Each group is responsible for their set up and clean up. No assistance is allowed unless
approved by Competition Director.
E.Performance time is limited to five minutes or less. Any group whose performance exceeds
the five minute limit will be disqualified from competition.
F.One minute before the time limit will expire (4 minutes into the skit) a whistle will blow to inform
the performers of the one minute time remaining. A second whistle will sound if the contestant has exceeded five minutes and is disqualified.
G. All skits will be in good taste and in no way offensive to the general audience.
H. Any act which causes injury to a spectator will be disqualified.
I. A cassette/CD player and operator will be provided by WRCA, to play any cassette tape
or CD the contestants provide before the performance. Tape/CD must be present and ready to play.
Tape/CD must be clearly marked with your competition number on it.

V. Judging:

A. All contestants will be judged according to the score sheet as follows:

1. Well rehearsed and presented well? (1 - 20 points)
2. Skit in good taste? (1 - 10 points)
3. Broad crowd appeal? (1 - 20 points)
4. Participants fit characters, make-up and costume? (1 - 20 points)
5. Accessories compliment skit. Such as music, props, etc.? (1 - l0points)
6. Originality? (1 - 10 points)
7. Overall rating? (1 - 20 points)

Revision 2002 WRCA COMPETITION

MASTER CLOWN

I. Description:

A. Competition in this category is limited to a one clown performance.
B. The clown will be judged on make-up, costume, and performing theatrical ability displayed in a five minute performance. White face, auguste, tramp and character clowns will compete in this category.

II. Elibibility:

A. Those who qualify as Master Clowns (one who earns a substantial portion of his/her income through clowning, certain active semi-professional clowns, or those clowns who’s experience or talents qualify them for this distinction. If a question arises, Master Clown status will be determined by the Competition Director and/or the panel of judges.

III. AWARDS

A. Awards will be presented for first, second and third place willers. If less than five sign up for this competition, eligibility for an award will be given on a point system.

IV. General Rules:

A. The drawing for the performing order will takeplace before the competition begins.
B. Contestants must perform in order according to the number drawn. If contestants are late for their turn, they will be disqualified.
C. Contestants will have one minute set-up time and one minute clean-up time. If time limit exceeds one minute, 10 points will be deducted from total score.
D. Each contestant is responsible for his/her set- and clean-up. NO ASSISTANCE IS ALLOWED, unless approved by Competition Director.
E. Performance time is limited to FIVE MINUTES OR LESS. Any contestant whose performance exceeds the five minute limit will be disqualified from competition.
F. One minute vefore the time limit will expire (four minutes into performance) a yellow light will go on to inform the performer of the time remaining.
G. All skits or performances will be in good taste and in no way be offensive to the general audience.
H. Any act which causes unjury to a spectator will be disqualified from competition.
I. A cassette player and operator will be provided by W.R.C.A., to play and cassette tape the contestant provided before the performance. Tape must be present and ready to go. Tape must be clearly marked with you competition number on it.

V. Judging Criteria:

A. All contestants will be judged according to the score sheet as follows:

1. Is the make-up well applies and well designed? (1 - 10 points)
2. Are the costume and accessories consistent with the character? (1 - 10 Points)
3. Has the routine been well rehearsed and well presented with good timing and direction? (1 - 20 Points)
4. Does the routine have broad crowd appeal? (0 - 10 Points)
5. Does the participant fit the character being portrayed? (1 - 10 Points)
6. Do accessories such as music, sound effects, scenery and props compliment the action of the routine? (1 - 10 Points)
7. Does the performance show originality? (1 - 20 Points)
8. What is yur overall rating? (1 - 10 Points)

Revision 2002 WRCA COMPETITION


VISUAL PARADEABILITY

I. Description:

A. Open to all clowns types. Clowns may be novice, master or instructor. One
or a group of clowns can perform as a single entry in this competition, but
only one award is given per group.

B. Visual- is a sight gag that would be understood by the crowd just by seeing
the gag- no interaction with the audience would be necessary to understand it.

II. Eligibility:

A. Clowns must meet the eligibility requirements as stated in Article I, page 1.
B. A contestant may enter only one time in this category.

III. Awards:

A. Awards will be presented for first, second and third place entry winners. If
less than four entries sign up for this competition only one award will be given.

IV. Judging Criteria:

A. Entries will have 15 seconds to perform before the judges. Exceeding that
limit may cause you to be disqualified.
B. DO NOT HOLD UP THE PARADE, you must keep moving.
C. Props or gimmicks may be used.
D. Performances will be in good taste, in no way offensive to the general audience.
E. Any performance which results in an injury to the spectator will result in the
disqualification of the entry from competition.
F. All entries will be judged according to the score sheet as follows:

1. What is the overall appearance of the entry? (0 -20 points)
2. Are parade props or gimmicks original, clever and well presented? (20 points)
3. How does the crowd react to the entry and the performance? (0 - 20 points)
4. What is the overall rating of the entry and the performance? (0-20 points)

Revision 2002 WRCA COMPETITION

WORKING PARADEABILITY

I. Description:

A. Open to all clowns, White Face., Auguste, Tramp and Character. Clowns may be novice, master, or
instructor. One or a group of clowns can perform as a single entry in this competition, but only one
award will he given to groups.
B. WORKING- is a gag that you need to interact with the crowd to make the gag work and understood.

II. ELIGIBILITY: A. Clowns must meet the eligibility requirements as stated in Article I, page 1.
B. A contestant may enter only one time in this category.

III. Awards:

A.Awards will be presented for first second and third place entry winners. If less than five
entries sign up for this competition only one award will be given.

IV. JUDGING CRITERIA:

A.Entries will have 15 seconds to perform before the judges. Exceeding time limit may cause
you to be disqualified.
B.DO NOT HOLD UP THE PARADE, you must keep moving.
C.Props or gimmicks may be used.
D.Performances will be in good taste, in no way offensive to the general audience.
E.Any performance which results in an injury to the spectator will result in the disqualification
of the entry from competition.
F.All entries will be judged according to the score sheet as follows:
1. What is the overall appearance of the entry? (0 - 20 points)
2. Are parade props or gimmicks original, clever and well presented? (0-20points)
3. How does the crowd react to the entry and the performance? (0-20 points)
4. What is the overall rating of the entry arid the performance? (0-20 points)
Revision 2002 WRCA COMPETITION

GENERAL BALLOON RULES

A. Contestants must meet the eligibility requirements stated in Article I, page 1.
B. Contestants who have won lst place in this category must wait one year before entering this category again.
C. Each competition requires the contestant to submit one entry in that category, except Masters
which requires one single balloon and one multiple balloon sculpture.
D Awards will be presented for first, second and third place winners. If there are only three contestant only one award will be presented. In Masters category, if in the judges opinion, there are no entries worthy of the Masters award, no award shall be given.
E. Any balloon may be used, printed or plain as long as commercially produced and commonly available. i.e. No special order private balloons
F. No foreign substances or material may be used i.e. glue, tape etc. except for the use of markers or paint pens which will not be judged. Use of markers should enhance not make it. If you need the marker to tell what it is, consider a different sculpture.
G. A time limit will be imposed and announced prior to competition. Usually 15 minute for single, 45 minutes for Multiple and 1 hour Masters.
H. Balloons may be inflated by mouth or with a pump during the competition but not prior to start of competition
I. If a balloon breaks or leaks after submission and prior to judging, the creation will be judged as is.
J. Spectators, at the Proctors discretion, may observe the competition; however, may not converse with contestants at anytime during the competition.
K. Sculptures may not be touched by any individuals other than the creator and judges.

JUDGING:

A. The judges will not be present during the creation period.
B. Neither contestants nor spectators may be present during the judging.
C. The contestants will be apprised of the rules prior to the judging and the decision of the judges is final.
D. The judges will score the contestant’s entry as follows:
(1) Uniformity: Proportions, length of legs, etc.
(2) Originality
(3) Appearance: Does it depict the object or character that is being created.

MULTIPLE BALLOON

A. General balloon competition rules apply.
B. A multiple balloon creation will consist of two or more balloons, any size or within limitations outlined in general rules.

JUNIOR MULTIPLE BALLOON

A. All rules for regular multiple balloon competition apply.
B. The contestant must be 17 years or under.

SINGLE BALLOON COMPETITION

A. General balloon competition rules apply.
B. All entries must be created with a single balloon.
C. Pieces of the balloon may be removed and reattached elsewhere, but the entire sculpture must be made from one single balloon. It is suggested that contestant advise proctor before removing and reattaching piece so proctor can confirm for judges that it came from the same piece.
D. If the sculpture pops during competition, the contestant may start over with a new balloon, but time continues.
E. During the competition time more than one sculpture may be constructed, but only one entry may be submitted for judges.

JUNIOR SINGLE BALLOON

A. All rules for regular single balloon apply.
B. The contestant must be 17 years or under.

MASTER BALLOON
(must have won lst in both balloon categories within a five year period or whose experience or talents qualify them for this distinction.)

A. General balloon competition rules apply
B. This competition will consist of two (2) entries: a single balloon creation, and a multiple balloon creation.
C. Both Sculptures must be constructed during competition time but percentage of time used on each is up to contestant.

FACE PAINTING COMPETITION

A. Contestants must meet the eligibility requirements stated in Article I, page 1.
B. Contestants who have won lst place in this category must wait one year before entering this category again.
C. Face Painting will be judged in 3 categories: Tattoo Art, Full Face and Airbrush. Awards will be given for all 3 categories and a person may compete in any one, two or all three categories.
D. Painter must be registered for the convention and is required to attend the Pre-competition meeting.
E. Painter is responsible for providing his/her own qualifying Paintee, who must also be registered for the convention. Painter and Paintee must be wearing their convention badges. Paintee or parent/guardian must sign release before being painted.
F. Painters are responsible for their own supplies. All paints must be made for use on skin.
G. Painting will be limited to the face, arm or hand.
H. Judging will be made on creativity and artistic ability.

Face Painters will compete during the "Hobo Stew" in a specified area with appropriate lighting.