need some suggestions

[Plain Old Jello]

hi again. A month ago I registered here and everyone welcomed me, that was nice! Then I got weird and couldn't get myself to come back. I think I was just a little overwhelmed with the amount of work I've got to do. Anyway, I'm committed to clowning and working for the next year or more to be a clown - but I feel lost now.

What's the first thing you would suggest to somebody starting up? I think I need a 1-2-3 list to get back on track

I can't do a whole lot physical for a couple months because I just had shoulder surgery, so right now I'm going slow.. but I did just find a 'fun shop' (jokes, gags, clowning, etc) near my physical therapy and I plan to go visit it shortly!

Anyway, this post is more for me than for anything else. I've been avoiding this site purposely for awhile, and I need to stop that!!

[tim]

Welcome back!

What's the first thing you should do? Whatever you like to do! Seriously, take up that which interests you most and just start working on it. Watch yourself grow! So if that's balloons, try some ballooning. Magic, jokes, makeup, character, comedy.... you name it. Just start trying things out and see what comes of it quite naturally.

[Plain Old Jello]

I've done some balloons, not that it's really what I want to "do" - but I do like to play Maybe I'll spend some more time starting with that for now. whee!

[Scruffy]

Read. Read everything you can get you hands on related to clowning, Physical comedy, and mime.

[Bumbles]

Go to your local library and check out as many books as you can find on clowning, check with your local Adult or Continuing Education classes some of them offer a clowning class and contact a Clown Alley in your area.

[tim]

Playing is good. A lot of what I did my first year was, essentially, just that. Messing around with people in various environments in order to find material and discover character. Sometimes clowns forget the wonderment of play, unfortunately. It's a good thing, though!

[Lolly Plop]

There is a lot of information and contacts to be found on this site. Read the articles section and archives. Find clown resources here for all kinds of clown info and contacts on the web. Each clown is different, with different talents and interests. So there is no 1-2-3 formula. A lot of clowns work on costume and character first and then branch out into what skills interest them.

[Sir Toony Van Dukes]

azzy, there is no right answer to your question. My life goes by too fast and I always wish I could do more. Just work in what time you find. It can be ten minutes of juggling or a few balloons. Here are some ideas:

Join a clown alley in your area and get to know the other clowns.

Look for classes on face painting, juggling, improv, or whatever you like.

Surf the internet looking for the best costume/makeup ideas and try them out.

Buy some books on being a clown, performing, etc.

[Duckie]

I think if you haven't tried some organized, training or classes yet, that is a good place to start. A little education is always a great base to start from. You can also get a lot of good direction from professional training!!!! Best of luck! Duckie

[Fitzwilly]

Welcome back Azzy. There is no reason to be scared of us. Yes there is a lot out there related to clowning that you might want to learn but it is not necessary to learn it all at once or even to learn it all, period!. Maybe you decide that you like face painting but not balloons, then as an entertainer it is your right to say "I don't do balloons." And we will be glad to help you in any way we can.

Bby the way you are invited to come to the Spring Fling in South Bend, IN March 28th - 30th if you can make it. No registration and the hotel rooms are only $65 a night. We will be working on balloons, a little face painting, make-up, juggling and a little bit of whatever else we can squeeze in.