The Circus Clown

• Age level: young children (or adults who want to explore play)
• Number of participants 20-40
• I came across this game in a book entitled "Two Hundred Games That Teach," published in 1923, which I picked up at a garage sale for 25 cents. Most of the games deal with teaching young children colors, seasons, numbers, and things like that. But a few are actually applicable to theatre for dialogue. I'm quoting the book verbatim, so please forgive the quaint language and the gender discrimination.

"The children stand in two rows opposite each other. They choose a boy for the "Clown," who gives them names of animals. They sing, marching forward and back, to the tune of 'Lucy Locket:'

"The Circus Clown has come to town,

He came to town this morning,

The Circus Clown has come to town,

We give you all fair warning.

"The Clown now marches through the lines and says: 'The elephants are out,' or 'The monkeys are out,' The children bearing the names of either of these animals in each line change places.

"The Clown tries to take the place of one of them. In case he succeeds, the remaining animal of that name becomes the Clown. If the Clown cannot take the place of either animal in the line the song is repeated and he comes through the line calling for other animals.

"He may call for any animals he wishes to change places.

"The game should be played in a lively manner."