Hi jumping jack! and Welcome the the clown-forum.!
Check with
www.coai.com. The clowns of America International. They have a scearchable page that you can use to find clowns and alleys in you r area. This might be a halp to locate a Place to learn. May alleys also offer training for Jr. Joeys (clowns). In fact, after twenty plus years as a clown, I have to take clown training again, since I am planning on Joing a red cross clown group and they require it for membership. So, I gues the "old Dog" will learn some new tricks.
You might also explore 4-H. This was how I got involved in Clowning when I was fourteen.
Characters, names, faces, costumes, mannerisms ALL CHANGE. It is a continuing process. I've been working on changing my eyes slighty to make up for the wrinkles a bit.
Never be afraid to experiment and try something new. I started out as an Auguste named Rusty, when I was 14 years old. Ashes has given you some sage advice, which I reccommend to any clown regardless of experience. Write an Autobiograpy for your characater. This will help you keep your stores straight when dealing with kids. Things like I'll use my Character for examle : name, Throckmorton J. Whoopde-doo, But I preferr Scruffy! Place of Birth : "Just over the Bridge" (AS in the Big Mac) I've adopted sort of a "Yoopers" accent. Date of Birth. 10/31 A long time ago. (Note: I chose this date because it was the first time I tried a Tramp -style makeup. Pets, an Elephant named Smedley.... Place I live, The Circus--Where else do Clowns Live? Favorite food.A Really Good Hot Dog!... You get the idea. Don't be afraid to start and stop this and rewrite it until you like it.
Also check you local Library. Many books can be gotten through inter-library loan. A couple to buy when you can are:
Creative Clowning by Bruce Fife
How to be a clown by Turk Pipin
Strutters guite to clown Makeup by Jim Roberts.
While there are others to read. The first and third should be on your shelf at home. I also reccommend looking for old silent movies to rent and watch. look for Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and Harold Lloyd. Also any films by Mack Sennett which feature the keystoe cops, Or really, any of his films period. Also Look for Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges, The Marx Brothers, the little rascals,Joe E. rown, and Of Course Red Skelton!It will give you a good foundation in how to be funny and above all, Clean. A true clown never works "Blue". And, if you intend to do parties, then It's best to sell your self as such.
And, Lastly, don't forget this board! We love to help First of May clowns to find their way.
Good luck!
Scruffy