How to Become a Clown

Decide whether you need a companion or not. Most clowns work solo, but some are part of a duo, trio, or even an entertainment company. If you'd like a partner or wish to collaborate, look around to see if anyone could join you as your clown companion.

• If you truly feel the need, consider a performer who frequently performs and think about the impact you and that person would have on the audience. Reflecting on levels and positions can also be a wise starting point.

Include magic tricks in your act (optional). If you want to be a clown-magician, you should learn some basic magic tricks and strive to become an excellent magician if possible. Don’t forget to refer to articles related to Magic on the Mytour website, or join a magic training course if you're serious about this craft.

• If you aim to be a clown-magician, keep in mind that you'll need more props, such as a top hat, magic wands, colorful handkerchiefs, etc. You may have to spend extra money to purchase them.

Focus on refining your humor skills. If you want to use jokes to make others laugh – practice, practice, practice – because there's nothing worse than your comedy performance falling flat. The best comedic routines often mimic real-life events, such as stories about your boss, family life, and anything that everyone can relate to. Don’t forget to include jokes about things the audience can easily understand and enjoy!

Rehearse your performance. Once you’ve planned your act, don’t forget to write the script and gather the necessary props before you begin practicing. Develop your ability to pick the perfect moments to clown around and handle any hiccups smoothly. Start by practicing alone and recording your performance to track your progress. Then, perform for a trusted friend. Don’t hesitate to expand your audience to family or a group of children so they can give feedback on your act.

Make a clear decision about the type of clown persona you want to adopt. Before stepping onto the stage and looking for performance opportunities, it’s crucial to understand which clown persona aligns with your personality. This will influence how you adjust your daily routine and determine which type of audience you want to captivate. For example, you might perform different tricks depending on whether you're entertaining patients, children, or adults. Of course, you're welcome to perform a variety of acts, but remember to always prioritize the audience’s enjoyment. Here are some places where you can perform:

• Children’s parties
• Adult parties
• Pediatric hospitals
• Circus tents

Attend clown training schools. These schools were once very popular, such as the Barnum & Bailey Circus School in the U.S. that made waves in the '90s. However, if you want to improve your clowning skills, you can still find and attend a few training classes. For example, Barnum & Bailey’s still offers clown training classes for a year if you meet their criteria. However, these classes typically don’t have a permanent location.

Join clown-themed conferences or camps. If you don't have the time to attend a clown school or if there are none available in your area, consider attending large conferences featuring professional clowns where you can learn new tricks and routines from expert performers. For instance, the Clowns of America International website once promoted a clown camp for circus performers in Orlando in 2014. Attending a conference is also a great way to meet like-minded individuals and refine your skills.

Learn skills from other clowns. The CAI website also provides useful information about Clown Alleys or other places where you can gain experience from clown performers. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them and ask if they would be willing to take you on as a student. The best way to learn is by finding a mentor who suits your style. Remember, a great mentor may not necessarily share the exact same passion for your clown persona as you do.

Start small. Begin your clown career at a children’s birthday party. See if any hospitals are in need of a clown to cheer up patients. Or you could perform at a friend’s event. Performing for younger audiences will provide valuable experience and insights into what people enjoy or dislike. Moreover, it’ll help you understand how to adjust your performance for older audiences and boost your confidence for a successful career.

• This is a basic step in building your following. Even if you only impress one friend, that person could help you secure your next performance contract.

Consider joining a circus troupe or association. Becoming a part of a circus group can provide valuable support, knowledge, and credibility, which can also enhance your resume. If you know any local clowns, ask them if they are aware of any regional groups or troupes that can help you improve your skills and expand your network. On both national and international scales, here are a few reputable organizations you might explore:

• Clowns of America International
• World Clown Association
• Clowns Canada
• Clowns International

Keep honing your skills. By now, hopefully, you’ve developed your own unique act. It's important to climb the ladder step by step, working towards becoming a famous star and increasing your income, provided you are truly passionate about the craft. The sky's the limit as you perform everywhere! Always refine your juggling, comedy, storytelling, magic tricks, or any other skills that make your performance stand out.

• Never settle for what you already know. There's always something new to learn and improve upon.

Continue to improve your audience interaction skills. To become the best clown, you need to understand what your audience wants and how to meet their expectations. Here are some key points to focus on if you want to succeed in this profession:

• Understand what your audience expects in terms of performance quality and authenticity
• Improve your public speaking skills to present without fear or nervousness
• Enhance your ability to make children feel comfortable and entertained
• Ensure your performance is safe for the audience

Consider auditioning for a circus performance. If you aim to become a circus clown, you will first need several years of experience in the field. However, if this is the path you wish to pursue, you must apply for the clown role at a circus, just like applying for any other job. This means preparing your personal resume, a video recording of your performance, and being ready to audition for the role if asked.

• Auditioning for a circus is a great opportunity, as you may get to perform with a prestigious circus troupe. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed right away.
• If you're curious about what preparations are required for a circus clown role, try checking out a few job postings online to gather more information.
• If you’re from the UK, Chipperfields Circus is a great place to try; if you’re from Germany, Continental Circus Berlin could be an option. In the US, consider auditioning for Cirque du Soleil or Barnum & Bailey.

• Costume – The costume will depend on the type of clown persona you aim to create and your relationship with the audience.
• Props – You’ll need props to focus on the comedic elements of your performance.
• A thick skin – So you can quickly shrug off any disappointments or hurt feelings when someone criticizes your performance as unentertaining.
• A sense of humor.