My first gig! - Page 4

Snickers the Clown · #31 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitzwilly

That is great Snickers. Is the owner paying you or are you working just for tips? It is really fun to work in restaurants and it really keeps you on your toes. You have to learn at least one thing new almost every week to satisfy your regulars. Do you have a following already Snick?

I'm just going for tips. I'm also doing face painting now, and there aren't many 'regulars' who think they're young enough to enjoy clowns. I know you're never too old, but they seem to think otherwise. Oh well. At least they aren't afraid of me.

Fitzwilly · #32 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 10:28 PM

Learn to make a variety of flowers and then just stand near a table and make one. When you are done hand it to the man and tell him to give it to the lady "when the moment is right, or when you need to apologize."

Bonkers #361 · #33 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 07:42 AM

I have started wearing some of my pins off my costume I have one that says OFF DUTY CLOWN I had a person I know ask me when I was going to grow up I told them I dont know maybe when I get OLD MEAN AND GRUMPY like YOU! Then I had to run. When you grow up you loose something. What is it? The FUN in your life. You forget about what it like to be carefree. So even if you have someone say that they are to old to enjoy a clown give them a hug or a high 5 and move on. I guarantee they will smile. My Grandfather was with me one time on a trip to Opryland. The Honey Nut Bee came around the table he was was being a grumpy when the bee grabbed his napkin and shined his head and the 3 year old came out of my grandpa and he had a smile from ear to ear. I do that allot to teenagers that think they are to cool I'll make them a hat and then hug them just to see their face turn red and then they push their friends over to me. Just read the person first because that could backfire. Keep up the good work and keep those gigs coming once you start the'll keep coming. Congrats

Lilly_A_Clown · #34 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 10:17 AM

Congrats that you got the gig. How did you get the gig? I have been trying and I havnt gotten any luck

Snickers the Clown · #35 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 08:52 PM

I just walked in(regular clothes) and explained that I was a professional clown working my way through college, and would it be alright if I made baloon animals and face painting on weekends? And the guy said yes, and bring in a sign or something to announce my presence.

Hope that helps!

Fitzwilly · #36 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 09:35 PM

This is getting to be a tougher economic market than in the past so I will temper my remarks, but, In general it is not a good idea to work restaurants solely for tips. I have always made sure the restaurant pays to have me there. This does a couple of things:
1) I know what I will be taking home at the end of the night.
2) The waitstaff doesn't feel like my being there detracts from their tips.
3) Management looks at me with more respect because I act like a professional and I expect to be treated like one.

On the flip side I have to say I admire Snickers for going out so soon and making things happen. I was way to shy. My first restaurant gig came with the help of a Magician who was working a restaurant and needed a more flexible schedule, so I began to work when he didn't.