Be careful about volunteering.
"The only thing you get from doing a free show, is another free show."
Now, let me explain where I come from. First of all, I don't do
birthday parties, nor do I do any clowning for pay. Everything
I do, I volunteer for my city's Fire Department. I say that so
you know I have nothing against volunteering! Been doing it
for close to 25 years.
I say volunteer your time to worthy causes - hospital and nursing
home clowning. No problem with that. It not only feels good, it
will get your name and face out in front of the public.
But if you want to get into the BUSINESS of clowning, treat it as
a business. If you were going to be a seamstress, or a plumber
in your retirement you would charge for those services, right?
Budget yourself - look at how much startup money you want to
invest in your new business. Use that for initial costumes, makeup,
props, etc. But also use some to make business cards. Consider
a yellow pages ad, newspaper ads, web page (!) etc. Remember,
they can't hire you if they don't know you exist.
Word of mouth is a great advertising medium also, but you have
to get those first jobs to get even that ball rolling.
You are (will be) a professional clown, so charge a reasonable
fee for that service. Just like being a seamstress or plumber
you need to have the skills, so build the skills! Daily, if you
have the time, work on balloon animals, face painting skills and
research what kids are currently into - sponge bob, spider man,
etc. Know your audience.
Practice any chance you get on friends and family. Become comfortable
with your clown character and keep adding to their abilities - juggling,
simple magic, etc. Remember that your "act" needs to be more than
just a string of tricks. It helps for it to be interactive with the audience
and to have a purpose. Maybe have a recurring theme (like: why does
this red silk scarf keep showing up? Vanish it only to have it re-appear
later in the show. Do something else with it. Maybe it is a nuisance that
keeps on irritating you more and more all through your act.
Anyway, my main point is, treat the business of clowning like a business.
Otherwise, you might be better off financially to work at McDonalds or
some other part-time job.
Hope this helps,
Ashes
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