Though by day Tom Raymond is a web programmer, I’m not sure he is ever out of character. Raymond, better known as Raynbow the Clown, began performing 15 years ago. Like many clowns across Wisconsin, Raymond underwent training at Clown Camp in La Crosse. Raymond and his wife, also a clown, perform together at birthday parties, church functions and company picnics.
In between participatory warm-up exercises and balloon animal demonstrations, Raymond explained his signature look: a rainbow-colored get-up with the letter R stitched on both knees. Raymond tailors his makeup to the occasion, opting for more lavish makeup at events but toning it down for children’s birthday parties. Make up, Raymond explained, is not meant to hide the performer’s face but rather accentuate his or her features.
When asked why he clowns Raymond put it succinctly, “I collect smiles.”
Behind the Scenes Dispatch by:
Amelia Pisapia, a member of the EngageWisconsin team
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HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE: Were you -or- do you know of someone who is/was a Wisconsin resident and in the circus? If your answer is yes, please contact Amelia Pisapia to learn more about how you can get involved in WPT’s digital storytelling project, chronicling Wisconsin’s unique circus history. In particular, she is looking for Wisconsin residents presently or previously involved in clowning or other circus-related acts.
BIG TOP WISCONSIN: a Digital Circus Storytelling Project — Despite the advent of television, video games, and the internet, the circus continues to excite the imaginations of people of all ages. The PBS series Circus will provide a modern-day glimpse into the inner-workings of this unique cultural phenomenon. “Big Top Wisconsin” is inspired by Wisconsin’s distinct role in the development of the circus in the United States.
