Is becoming a clown right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become a Clown
Becoming a clown typically involves a combination of education, training, and practice. Here are some steps you can take to become a clown:
- Research and Study: Learn about the history of clowning, different clown styles, and performance techniques. Watch videos of professional clowns, read books about clowning, and observe live performances to understand the art form.
- Take Classes and Workshops: Enroll in classes or workshops that focus on clowning, physical comedy, improvisation, juggling, or other performance skills. Many circus schools and performing arts centers offer programs specifically for aspiring clowns.
- Practice and Develop Skills: Spend time practicing your routines, facial expressions, gestures, and comedic timing. Experiment with different characters, costumes, and props to find your unique clown persona.
- Gain Performance Experience: Start performing in small settings, such as school events, birthday parties, local theaters, or community festivals. This helps build confidence, improve stage presence, and learn how to interact with different audiences.
- Network and Learn from Others: Connect with experienced clowns, join clowning organizations, and attend conventions or festivals. Learning from others in the field can provide valuable advice, mentorship, and performance opportunities.
- Continuous Improvement: Keep practicing, exploring new techniques, and seeking feedback to refine your skills. Clowning is an evolving art, and ongoing learning helps you stay creative and engaging as a performer.
Schools and Training Workshops
The following are just a few examples of the many schools and training workshops available for those interested in clowning. Each program has its own unique approach and curriculum, so it's important to research and find the program that best fits your goals and needs.
- Clown Conservatory at Circus Center in San Francisco, California: This program offers a full-time, intensive course in clowning, covering physical comedy, improvisation, and character development.
- The Second City in Chicago, Illinois: A well-known comedy institution that offers classes in clowning, physical comedy, and improvisation to help performers develop their comedic skills.
- Celebration Barn Theater in South Paris, Maine: A performance center offering workshops and classes in clowning, physical theater, and other forms of performance art.
- The Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp in Buffalo, Minnesota: A week-long training camp that provides workshops in clowning, juggling, magic, and other performance arts.
- The Clown School in Los Angeles, California: Offers courses in clowning, physical comedy, and circus skills for individuals and groups.
- New York Goofs Clown School in New York City, New York: Provides classes in clowning, physical comedy, and circus skills, emphasizing supportive training for aspiring clowns.
- École de Cirque de Québec in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada: A circus school offering programs in clowning, physical comedy, and other circus arts, focusing on developing well-rounded performers.