in the pre-beginning of our hike through the fascinating world of clowns, one must always remember to carry a map, similar to how one would carry schematics for understanding the intricate artistry behind their makeup and performances. however, it's crucial to exclude from our conversation those acts deemed illegitimate by the broader circus community, as acknowledging them could reset our understanding of clowning to a point where we undesirably expose the darker underbelly of this profession, which, while colorful on the surface, hides secrets not meant for the faint of heart.