Can you do this "part-time"?

[Goober]

After joining the forum, I decided that if I clown, I want to do it in a circus. I work better if I have other clowns with me, and I've never really been able to see myself doing parties. However, I don't have much of an intrest doing it for a living. I'd like to learn how and to preform, but only in my free time. I've heard that there are people who have other jobs but are parts of circuses, but I don'y know how it could work. I'd like to pursue another career, and clown on the side, but I don't even know if its possible.

[pixcoco]

To work with a circus you pretty much have to travel with them full time. You can be a shriner and clown with the local groups when the circus comes to town. There are some shriners on here who can tell you more about that. But with most shows, if you are part of the show they need you at each performance.

If you are creative you can creat a show for schools or libraries that would not feel like a birthday party. And you can partner with someone if you do not want to work alone. But you will have to write,produce, and book the show yourself. This is no small task.

You might enjoy working with a clown alley (clown club) if there is one in your area. Then you would be with other clowns and alley tend to perform at non-profit events. That might have the feeling you are looking for. The support of other clowns would be good if you arre new to this.

[tim]

Well, what do you mean by a "circus?" If you're talking about joining a traveling show, then yeah you'd probably have to stay with them full time. And, further, recognize that there isn't much in the way of clown alleys on these shows anymore, anyway. Except for Ringling, most shows are maybe one clown. Two or three at most. And the better shows are relying upon star power of experienced clowns rather than giving any newbies that much of an opportunity to get started out.

Now, if perhaps you were willing to find some sort of more locally oriented effort which perhaps plays school gyms and such on a basis of bookings, there might be an opportunity to split the difference somehow.

I guess the larger questions would be, "Why do you want to do circus?" "What else do you do professionally which may or may not conflict?" "How much are you willing to put into this in order to become a quality clown?"

[Fitzwilly]

Hey Goober, we need to find you an alley. An alley should fill most of your current needs. It takes time to develop a strong, well rounded character. Eventually you will be able to perform alone or with a team with equal ease. Even if there is not an alley nearby search out any clowns in your area that take clowning serious and see if you can learn from them.

[Goober]

I'd appreciate finding an alley very much, but I have a lot going on in my life now, and I can't even drive, so there's no rush. I can wait a while before starting to look for one. Is there a good website with lists of clown alleys in the US? I'm looking for one that focuses on younger clowns with little experience, because, sadly, I'm one of those people.

To answer tim's questions:
-I want to do the circus because I like doing gags and skits more than magic tricks and face-painting. Circus seems more interesting, too, and I want to experience it, at least a little.
-As of right now, I am unemployed, but my studies take up a huge part of my life and I am planning on getting a part-time job as soon as I can.
-To become a clown, I will sacrifice to an extent. I want to learn, but with college looming closer and closer, I may not be able to learn as much as I want too.

[tim]

Where in MA are you and how old are you?

What I'm thinking is that there may be some sort of circus arts program somewhere in your area that you might be able to get involved with on a more limited basis. Such could provide an outlet for your interest and an opportunity to meet like minded people while starting to learn and practice this kind of thing.

The alley route for clowns would also be a good option for your area of interest in skits and gags.

[Goober]

I live relitively close to Boston (about a 25 minute drive away), and am 15 years old. Like I said before, I'm just looking, so any suggestions at all would be very helpful.

[tim]

Alright. I'll ask around of some of my circus fan friends for information regarding what might be available in or around Boston for youth circus. In the interim, why don't you check out this site:

Circus 4 Youth

[Bookworm]

Hey Tim, could you maybe ask around for northern WI too.

[contrachapado]

Hey Bookworm,

Are you anywhere near Eau Claire? I just attended a clown-type class at our local children's theatre. They called it circus arts, but it was basically an introduction to juggling class. Maybe you could check into classes like that in your area.