I'm just starting out in the clowning business. does anyone have any good tips for newbies? i'm planning to do b-day parties, grand openings, sell balloons in parades, and anything else i can (will try to break into prevention / awareness clowning in school settings after a while.......)

I'm sooooooooo excited. (used to be a social worker - lol - major burnout) i've done a few free gigs. but i need to make $ too.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. i'm not trained - but i do have 7 grandchildren from age 2 through 8 that are very good consultants :-)

Bubblegum

happy clowning !

Welcome to the world of clowning

I have only a little advice for you. 1st go and soak up as much clown training as you can. Attend any clown workshops in your area. Also, there are many good clowning books and resouces available online and in book shops.

I have a free e-book which is designed for people thinking about becoming a clown. If you visit my website at http://www.truth2tell.co.uk and join my quaterly free puppetry and clowning e-newsletter. You will be given a password which gives access to my members area. In that area you will find the e-book. You will probably find the newsletter archive helpfull as well.

I wish you every blessing as you step into the world of clowning


Gilbert (Clown name)

Truth2tell Puppets and Clowns
http://www.truth2tell.co.uk

Playing with the grand kids is a good start but
I agree with Gilbert. Get as much training as possible - the more workshops you attend the better. Practice, Preactice, Practice - on your family and friends anyone who will listen and watch and give loving criticism or in front of the mirror till you get a good feeling of who your clown is and how they move. Hint don't play around with changing your voice to something unreal or too high to mantain for long periods of time - cuz if you are doing a couple hour promo or convention you could hurt your vocal cords trying to maintain it too long. - And if you drop out of character early by chaning voices it isn't so cool.

Pellie

Hi here just starting out. you and i are in the same boat. I played with the grand kids too but I also have worked with children before this having run a summer day camp for several years.

I am reading everything and have found a wealth of information on the web that I do hope will help. I have lost of nieces and nephews and I am doing one of their 4th birthday's in late April. It will be my first clown gig. I am so excited. Any tips hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I plan to do storytelling and puppet play, some parachute games and dancing to some kidsounds. I have a mouth puppet for myself and hand puppets for the children to use in the story play. I do some balloon twisting and just got into face painting. I know one or two simple magic tricks and I love kids. Think I'm ready? :-) sure hope so :lol:

Practice, practice, practice
your reputation sells it self, It's not that you need to know alot of magic or stunts, balloons, but need to know a few and be able to do them well before you do a show, people are quick to recommend and just as quick to complain. We've all seen people who dress up as clowns and their make up is horrible and all they really know is balloon animals. You want to give your best impression the second they see you

Check out the book, "The Birthday Party Business-How to make a living as a Children's Entertainer", published by Piccadilly Books in Colorado.

Like you I am just starting out as well. I agree there is tons of info out there on the web and in books. one book i found helpful was creative clowning.
That and it may also be helpful to find a more experienced clown in your area to giude you.
One thing i found helpful to get in touch with my "inner clown" was not only to practice on ppl i know but to do short trips in my character. ie go to the grocrey store, take my dog for a walk or take my child to the park. you can do this in costume or not just be sure your bravior is clown apporite while your in costume. When i do this i don't practice magic balloons ect. i just give out stickers and focus on staying in Charater.

hope this helps

Wobbles

Oh good you have been reading "Creative Clowning." That is a very good all round book of information.

I agree with Fitzwilly. I read Creative Clowning when I started clowning and it was awesome.

Darrell