inb4 the inevitable jokes, this is a genuine question.
I’m learning to juggle, I’ve got a lot of experience doing different kinds of presentations for children, I thrifted a guide to making balloon animals and will buy supplies to practice if I end up winning an Amazon gift card at work.
The other things I imagine I would need are getting the make up down. I’d love to go to Mooseburger, but financially not in the cards.
How does one start doing festivals? Making money would be nice, but I’d be happy to do things like kids hospitals for free.
It kind of depends on what kind of clown you want to be.
There are clown colleges that you can go to which will help you make connections that can lead to circus jobs. They also teach you about the different types of classic clown tropes, and will help you narrow down to the specific skill set that works for you. Here is a website that will help you find clown colleges:
https://clownswithoutborders.org/top-clown-schools-u-s/
Rodeo clowns are a different breed altogether. To become a rodeo clown, you need to be somewhat insane, have no fear of death by trampling, and then you need to hang out at rodeos to make the right connections. Finding some basic job at a rodeo would be a good start, and then you can work your way into the clown role once they recognize that you are completely bonkers and willing to stand in front of a charging bull.
Party clowns are essentially entrepreneurs. You need to develop the skills on your own, and then find someone to give you a shot at their kids birthday party. Relationships are essential—don’t be afraid to ask your clients for referrals, and make sure you are professional, personable, and entertaining at all times around them. It is a hard road, but like any freelance business, once you get the ball rolling in your area, you have the potential to carve out a decent career. It is especially important that you use your connections for a broader reputation among schools and churches because eventually the first wave of kids will grow up, and you will need to transition into the next generation.
My goal I think is to be a science clown. Balloon animals with a touch of biology, comedically “failing” at chemistry experiments, the physics of juggling. The goal has been percolating in my head for a few years, but now I’ve lost all sense of shame and feel like I could confidently fall on my ass and look like an idiot to entertain and educate.
That is going to be outside the scope of normal clown schooling. You may want to get an act together and approach an alternative freak show—I feel like that might fit well. Otherwise, it sounds like you’d probably be going the self employed route.
til there’s such thing as clown schools
Clown colleges. Some of the ones in France are downright prestigious.
I heard the ones in France are a bit funny with the rules. they don’t have rules against clowning around
Independent study is the cornerstone of any good education.