Just a thought

[milo]

HI guys, I work as a loss adjuster in the insurance industry and spend most days arguing with people about the value of their household goods - Many of the people I deal with on a day to day basis think I'm already a clown!!! I'm in the early stages of leaning to be a clown, I'm researching my character, getting my look down and learning an act (with the help of my 6 year old son). If anyone here can help me to pursue a career as a professional clown I would love to hear from you! Tips, acts and advise on how to deal with the modern day "problem child" would be gladly received.

Thanks

Milo the (soon to be) clown xxx

[Paboberto]

Welcome Milo!

Sounds like a great transition: loss adjuster to clown. Actually it would be hilarious if your clown came in thinking he was a loss adjuster. Get a breif case and one of those big brain storm spiral chart books things for a note pad to pull out of it, and then start saying the random values (like: "this is worth five ham sandwiches") of random objects and people and "writing" it down, not paying any attention to what the kids are saying unless it has to do with value. Then make it all add up to you being there doing a clown show. Then be surprised and baffled. The shrug you shoulders and get on with the show.

Just an idea.

The way to deal with any problem child modern or ancient is be the most interesting thing around. Tricky? Yes! but that is why entertainers are paid the big bucks!

[Scruffy]

Welcome Milo!

We're glad that you have decided to join us in the quest for the motley and slap.
Cheers,
Scruffy

[milo]

You’re on to something there with the briefcase…… Once the lids up with the back to the kids there must be hundreds of gags I can use it for. It would be funny to come in looking serious (if that’s possible) and pretend to be a clown trying to live a normal everyday life and do everyday things after a hard day in the office, but stuff keeps going wrong!!! I could be really sad because everything’s going wrong then realise I’m a clown and turn my frown upside down!!!

Genius Snugglesnort! I like you!

[The_Princess_of_Bozonia]

welcome Milo! You've made some great posts already

[tim]

You seem to be off to a great start, already. Just remember, this is a long and arduous journey and your clown is you.

[Fitzwilly]

I would recommend looking into Clowns International Clowns International - Oldest World Clown Association - Home as well as Clowns of America International Clowns of America International for a bit of information. If you want to add some history to your knowledge base the try Pat Cashin's clownalley.net and Bruce Johnson's Home Page

[Paboberto]

Of course you can be serious! Infact it is entirely possible to do a whole show without ever once cracking a smile. You probably won't want to. But you could.

Also don't pretend to be a clown. Be a clown. Clowns are not ideas. Clowns are people who interact with the universe is a particular way. A clown is not conscious of being a clown. In fact that is the most basic joke of clowning: you are a clown, and eveyone knows it but you. You might know it vaugley intellectually, but you don't identify in your heart as one. It's what alows everyone to go along with you. Destroy that and you are merely a guy in a costume trying to be funny.

[milo]

You guys are great! I was on here from 10.30am yesterday until 2.00am this morning (of course I did take a couple of breaks for the toilet and to eat etc, oh and I watched labyrinth with my son too, great film). 6 Hours sleep and here I am again!

My head is buzzing with ideas about my character, act and even the layout of my website!

Thank you all for the friendly warm welcome!

[Scruffy]

Heres' another tidbit.A clown is never the master of his own surroundings. He might think that he is. But in reality every thing happens to him. Example., I carry a tiny 6" umbrella with me it fits inside my inner coat pocket.In the event of rain, I pull it out of my coat and attempt to protect myself with it. despite the fact it is much too small to do any good. IOW, I think I am in control because, technically, I have an umbrella.
My large umbrella is devoid of it's cover and has my drying laundry hanging from it.
Another example is sitting down to a table to eat a sandwich, and find that your arms aren't long enough to reach the table. You would attempt to move the VERY heavy table (And if it isn't you then fake it.)closer to your chair.
The more I think about it,Rowan Atkinson, pretty much has it nailed. Watch him and make notes.