I want to becom a proffesional Clown

[ClownCrabbo]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, dawgs. I want to become a clown when I am older. What courses at universtiy/college would you reccomend me taking? I mean so I can get, like a diploma and so I can say 'You should emply me for your kids party cos I got a diploma for clownography, and all those other yokels are just bozos (no pun intended :? 8) :lol: )". I mean, I know there are people who did go to college and succesed in being professional funny people like tha guy Joe Cleese who played the guy in Faulty Towers.

Also, does anyone know of a way I can convince my parents to accept that this is the road I want to travle down, cos like they're all 'dont be a clown get a real job' and I'm like 'you don't understand me' and then they take away my big shoes and wig and I end up not being able to do any clownings for like a whole DAYor more.

[Scruffy]

Acting, character development,phyis Ed./Gymnastics I don't think some dance stuff would be bad. You need to learn to do physical comedy; even if you don't do much You need to be in top form to do that. Don't end up in a position that when it would be needed you can't do it.
Also, you need a career you can fall back on. Take some business classes, maybe marketing so you can sell yourself and know how to promote what you do.

[Scruffy]

Regarding the parents;
I don't know what to tell you. I had the same problem with my own. Best I can tell you is make them happy but "To thine ownself, be true." Yes, learn a trade or a Career. It will carry you through the lean times and keep food on the table. But don't let the desire to do what you want die.
I am a guitar technician/luthier by trade. My parents said I couldn't make a living doing it. I have for the last ten years. Nine of those I ran a retail music store and established a clientelle. Now, After the store went under, I am on my own. I was umemployed for over a year and my repair business carried us through. It was tough and we still had food assistnce and unemployment for awhile. But, no one went hungry, and we never went without heat, lights, or water. Now I work at a nursing home. I clown, I do repair and I am making more in my repair busness then when I worked at the music store.
So, learn a trade. Be a Clown.
Do Both

[saphireSue]

Well you didn't say your age, but it is wise to have some thing to fall back on, many people make a good living from clowning, but it also depends on where you live, how far you're willing to travel as well as other things. I do clowning part time. At first even the best clowns have lean times before they become known. But if you're doing b-parties perhaps you can show your folks you can make some money now and if you go to college the clown work could help cover some of the cost.

[RedClownFred]

Hi Clown Crabbo. Would you be so kind to tell us why you want to be a clown? That always helps to know, especially when you are asking us for recommendations.

Listen to Scruffy and Sapphire Sue, they always give valuable, sincere advice. I cannot speak for every clown on this forum, but my bet is that the vast majority do clowning as a secondary hobby, stress outlet, fellowship, etc... I think you will find that we all have "regular' jobs, or are housewives in "regular" families. Maybe your parents will look at your desire a little differently if you approach clowning this way. And as scruffy said, you should always have some form of income to "fall back" on. Not to scare you off, but there are only a VERY small percentage of clowns who can make ends meet on clowning alone! I wish I could say I'm one of those...I am not! :wink:

God Be With You, and I would like to hear your progress!

Red Clown Fred

[BananaTree]

tricks (cards and coins are best) Make up some business cards for anyone that wants your number and BE PREPARED FOR THEM TO CALL.

Birthday parties will come from gigs like this, and they aren't as difficult as they appear at first. Other performances will also come as a result. (I recently did a preschool graduation in the local high school auditorium on a BIG stage...it was fun) Have a pre-determined performance ready for when people call so you know what you can do.

Keep a ledger of expenses and what you earn in tips and salary. Once your family see that it can be more than just silliness - that it can actually be a profitable hobby and possibly even a business - then they will get out of the "get a real job" mindset.

Funny thing is that MY family was perfectly content at my being an insurance agent and clowning on weekends until they realised I could make more in one weekend clowning than I did all week selling insurance. Funny thing though, it takes the same skills and commitment to make EITHER business successful. You have to prospect for new customers, you have to send out letters, you have to make phone calls, you have to keep records, and you have to network with other businesses in order to succeed.

Face it, we can't all be BOZO and live off the publicity of an afternoon cartoon show.

AS for college courses - any business courses you take will help - especially marketing classes. However, I know of nowhere you can get a "college degree" in clowning and Iv'e found the old saying to be true "people won't care how much you know until they know how much you care." You have to be a good clown before you can be a succesful clown - and that means being able to get inside people's hearts and minds and helping them forget the world around them if only for a moment.

Don't ever lose that desire to clown though - your alter ego will help you through hard times just by being there for you. I know it sounds strange, but trust me, you WILL understand some day if you don't already.

[Jamz]

I cant speak for anyone here but I am a full time clown and make a good living at it but it took time and a lot of hard work and is not something I would recommend for everyone
Only you can make that decision
Also I still do charity work because I feel if it was only about the money then it would only be a job but you also have to treat it like a bussiness if that is the way you choose to go
Ialso know a clown who is sixteen and has his money saved for collage which he made from clowning and plans on being a lawer
So it is up to you what you want to do
Good Luck

[BananaTree]

A Clown who is becoming a LAWYER....Oh, the puns I could come up with for THAT!!!

Although, that's the lawyer I would want...one as abnormal as I am.

[jumpin_jacks]

welllll i'm 13 and my mom is ok with it...my dad prob. will give me alot of stuff to help me (knowing him ) they are real supportive as long as im happy im aloud (and its safe)

they wont let me wear my clown shoes to school though..