Buzz
Are you passionate about spreading joy and sharing laughter with others? Do you enjoy entertaining diverse audiences, whether it's children, adults, or patients in hospitals? Do you relish the opportunity to don quirky costumes and utilize an array of props? If yes, then you might just be destined for a career as a professional clown. But how exactly can you make it happen? Quit fooling around and heed these steps.
Key Steps
Preparing Your Performance
Gather your tools of the trade.
The Art of Ventriloquism
Acquire a clown outfit.
Apply your clown makeup.
Determine if you want a comedic partner. While many clowns work solo, some prefer to team up as a duo, trio, or join an entertainment company. If you're considering a partner, or envision being one, seek out a fellow clown to collaborate with.
- If you opt for a partner, consider your dynamic and your connection with the audience. Reflecting on status could be a helpful starting point.
Design your performance routine.
Incorporate magic into your routine (optional). If you're aiming to blend clowning with magic, consider mastering some simple magic tricks and gradually advancing to become a magician extraordinaire. Explore the array of Magic resources on Mytour, or enroll in a magician training program if you're truly committed to this aspect of your performance.
Hone your Slapstick expertise. Perfecting slapstick requires dedicated practice - few things are less amusing than poorly executed slapstick. Effective comedy often draws from real-life scenarios, such as workplace dynamics and domestic situations, resonating with audiences. Incorporate jokes that resonate with and amuse your intended audience!
Steer clear of typical clown stereotypes.possesses
Practice your routine. Once you've developed your act, scripted it, and gathered the necessary equipment, commence rehearsals. Mastering the timing of jokes and the ability to smoothly recover from mishaps is crucial. Begin by rehearsing solo and reviewing recordings for improvement. Then, enlist the help of a trusted friend for feedback. Finally, perform for family or a small audience of children to gauge your performance.
Exploring Job Opportunities
Determine your clown persona. Before seeking employment, it's crucial to define the type of clowning that aligns with your personality. This choice influences your performance style and target clientele. Whether entertaining hospital patients, children, or adults, tailor your acts accordingly. While versatility is valuable, always prioritize your audience's preferences. Consider venues such as:
- Kids' birthday parties
- Adult gatherings
- Children's medical facilities
- Circuses
Enroll in a clowning program. While traditional clown schools like Barnum and Bailey's have waned in popularity, opportunities for training still exist. Barnum and Bailey's, for instance, offers a one-year program for select candidates, albeit without a permanent location.
Participate in clown conventions and retreats. If formal schooling is impractical, consider attending clown conventions to learn from seasoned professionals. The Clowns of America International website, for example, promotes a 2014 clown camp in Orlando. Such gatherings facilitate skill enhancement and networking with fellow enthusiasts.
Seek guidance from experienced clowns. Explore Clown Alleys, communities where aspiring clowns can connect with mentors and peers. Contact established clowns to inquire about mentorship opportunities. Finding a mentor who shares your vision is paramount to effective learning. Remember, compatibility trumps greatness; ensure your mentor aligns with your clowning aspirations.
Market yourself like a seasoned professional. To establish your clowning business, invest in local advertising. Approach local newspapers and venues to inquire about poster and ad placement. Understanding local marketing and advertising strategies is essential for securing bookings and turning a profit in the clowning industry.
Start with modest gigs. Kick off your career by performing at children's parties or volunteering as a hospital clown. Even small-scale events provide valuable experience and insights into audience preferences. These early gigs also lay the foundation for larger performances and boost your confidence as a clown.
- Building a following begins with impressing even a single individual, as they may refer you to future opportunities.
Achieving Success in Your Profession
Explore membership in clown organizations or unions. These associations offer support, knowledge, and credibility, enhancing your professional profile. Network with local clowns to discover alley groups for skill development and networking. Consider affiliating with renowned organizations such as:
- Clowns of America International
- World Clown Association
- Clowns Canada
- Clowns International
Continuously refine your craft. Once you've established your act and gained traction in the industry, focus on ongoing skill enhancement. Whether it's juggling, storytelling, or magic tricks, strive for excellence and avoid complacency. In show business, there's always room for growth.
- Never stop pushing your boundaries; there's always room for improvement.
Enhance audience engagement. To excel as a clown, understanding and fulfilling audience expectations is paramount. Key areas for improvement include:
- Grasping audience expectations regarding performance quality and authenticity
- Confident public speaking
- Creating a comfortable environment for children
- Ensuring audience safety during performances
Explore circus auditions. Pursuing a career as a circus clown demands years of experience. Apply for circus clown roles as you would any other job, submitting a résumé, trick videos, and participating in auditions if required.
- Securing a spot in renowned circuses like Cirque du Soleil or Barnum and Bailey's is considered a pinnacle achievement in clowning. Persistence is key if success isn't immediate.
- Research application requirements for circus clown positions online for insight.
- In the UK, Chipperfields Circus is a prestigious option, while Continental Circus Berlin is prominent in Germany.
Helpful Pointers
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Embrace the clown persona! Infuse humor, wit, and most importantly, kindness and amiability.
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Encourage audience interaction whenever possible. Involving spectators in comedic scenarios fosters relatability.
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Exaggerate expressions! Play up dramatic reactions to minor mishaps, jovially celebrate mundane jokes, and theatrically feign shock at faux accidents!
Words of Caution
- Avoid risky stunts like traversing a high wire with an umbrella unless you're a trained stunt performer.
- Know when to call it quits! If a child gets scared or someone becomes upset, abandon the act and assist as a compassionate individual. Maintain a clear distinction between performance and reality.
Essential Supplies
- Appropriate attire - tailored to your character and audience interaction style
- Props - essential tools to enhance your comedic routines
- Resilience - the ability to rebound from criticism and keep the laughter flowing
- A keen sense of humor
