How to Become a Professional Clown

Make a Profession Out of Making People Laugh

Feb 25, 2009 Denise Oliveri

Professional clowns are funny and entertaining. Have you ever wanted to be a professional clown? Find out what it takes.

Clowns are some of the most recognizable figures in the world. They are seemingly everywhere that has entertainment such as the circus, local fairs, and even birthday parties. Clowns are known to make people laugh and amuse kids and adults alike so much so that many children dream of becoming a professional clown when they get older. In fact, even some adults want to realize this dream and become a clown. But how does one go about becoming a professional clown?

Skills Needed for Clowning Around

Becoming a clown is actually harder than one may imagine. Not only does it take imagination and creativity, but it takes a great deal of skill. Anyone can try to make people laugh, but rarely do they succeed without a hefty dose of personality and enthusiasm. That is where becoming a professional clown really starts.

A clown has to be able to turn on the charm and energy every time he puts on his costume. He has to sincerely desire to entertain people and allow himself to be someone he may not be in real life. Being a professional clown, though, is more than just acting, it is a state of being. A professional clown is someone that enjoys children, loves adults, and wants to make everyone smile no matter what the cost.

Attending Clown School

The best way to become a professional clown is to actually go to clown school. There are clown camps, conferences, and workshops all over the world, as well as books to read, classes on face painting, and so much more. The true professional clown will study for years in order to become the type of clown he desires to be.

The initial training is what gives a trainee the fundamentals, but after that is over it is important to find a clown mentor that can really teach the tricks of the trade. It should be someone professional in her own right who can help develop character and teach skills that are unique to one's character.

Learning new skills never ends with a professional clown, as there are always new trends and exciting things to do to make people laugh. That is what really makes a professional clown. It is taking the position as a clown as seriously as if one would take being a CEO of a company. Professional clowns work hard at not becoming stale or run of the mill.

Learn the Ins and Outs of Professional Clowns

To become a professional clown one must learn the history of clowns, which actually dates back as far as ancient Greece. One also needs to learn:

  • How to apply makeup
  • How to a clown personality as a brand
  • What type of clown to be
  • What type of venue to perform in

A professional clown can work in a circus or a rodeo just to name a few. Some clowns travel the world as storytellers or are amazing balloon artists. Professional clowns can also be magicians or perform skits in a show. It is a good idea to try each one of these niches to see what is best-suited to the individual. If a clown is having fun and feeling relaxed, chances are he is in the right venue.

After learning how to be a clown, concentrate on how to put the new skills to work. Practice, practice, practice. A clown has to be funny and entertaining. To do this you must really become a performer. It may not be the easiest job in the world, but it is certainly one of the most rewarding. The respect one can garner as a professional clown, not only from those in the industry but those who watch the performances, is in the end worth every ounce of effort put into being a professional clown.

The copyright of the article How to Become a Professional Clown in Career Advice is owned by Denise Oliveri. Permission to republish How to Become a Professional Clown in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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