Hello Traci!
Welcome to the world of greasepaint and funny shoes
Ashes advice is right on. Also check your library out. I got started right there in the public library, there were books about clowning and I read them voraciously. I was a teen when I started clowning and since our small town had a clown club in the 4-H program, I got involved there too.
A neat place to check out online is
www.clown-ministry.com they have a lot of info on clown history, famous clowns, skits,and info on different clown types. also You are more than welcome to hang out here with us. read through the archives, and maybe take a few notes. Ask us any question, even if it's been asked before!
Park your Kiester (Costume trunk) in the corner and make yourself at home!