New Clown

[Plum]

I'm so excited to have found this forum. I will be retiring in a few years which I can't afford to do, so I decided to do something I always wanted to do in order to earn the money we will need and have fun, so I'm going to TRY to become a clown. I'm registed for basic classes at Clowfest in New Jersey next month and am trying to design my outfit and how I want my face to look or not. I ride a Candy Red Trike Motorcycle and plan to incorporate into my world of future clowning. Just sharing and if anyone wants to support my effort with any info I should have pleaes feel free to do so. I wonder if first volunterring myself would be a start to future income.

[GiGi]

Welcome Plum!!

Volunteering is a pretty good way to get your feet wet. You could try asking local nursing homes, hospitals, day cares etc. when you could come and spend some time with them. It's also good because you get to see what works and what doesn't and as far as the patients, children go - you will have made their day and that will make you feel good too.

GiGi

[ashes]

Be careful about volunteering.

"The only thing you get from doing a free show, is another free show."


Now, let me explain where I come from. First of all, I don't do
birthday parties, nor do I do any clowning for pay. Everything
I do, I volunteer for my city's Fire Department. I say that so
you know I have nothing against volunteering! Been doing it
for close to 25 years.

I say volunteer your time to worthy causes - hospital and nursing
home clowning. No problem with that. It not only feels good, it
will get your name and face out in front of the public.

But if you want to get into the BUSINESS of clowning, treat it as
a business. If you were going to be a seamstress, or a plumber
in your retirement you would charge for those services, right?

Budget yourself - look at how much startup money you want to
invest in your new business. Use that for initial costumes, makeup,
props, etc. But also use some to make business cards. Consider
a yellow pages ad, newspaper ads, web page (!) etc. Remember,
they can't hire you if they don't know you exist.
Word of mouth is a great advertising medium also, but you have
to get those first jobs to get even that ball rolling.

You are (will be) a professional clown, so charge a reasonable
fee for that service. Just like being a seamstress or plumber
you need to have the skills, so build the skills! Daily, if you
have the time, work on balloon animals, face painting skills and
research what kids are currently into - sponge bob, spider man,
etc. Know your audience.

Practice any chance you get on friends and family. Become comfortable
with your clown character and keep adding to their abilities - juggling,
simple magic, etc. Remember that your "act" needs to be more than
just a string of tricks. It helps for it to be interactive with the audience
and to have a purpose. Maybe have a recurring theme (like: why does
this red silk scarf keep showing up? Vanish it only to have it re-appear
later in the show. Do something else with it. Maybe it is a nuisance that
keeps on irritating you more and more all through your act.

Anyway, my main point is, treat the business of clowning like a business.
Otherwise, you might be better off financially to work at McDonalds or
some other part-time job.

Hope this helps,

Ashes

[saphireSue]

Welcome, welcome to our site. There are plenty of us here willing to help any way we can. We can also learn from you. Even if you're new.
Ashes gives good advice. When you get ready I'd suggest you call around to see what others charge in your area. Big cities will generally support a higher price, where as small economically depressed area can not and you may need to adjust your prices, by finding out what others charge you can stay in the right ball park. Again welcome, hopefully soon we'll have chat night back and we can all talk in real time. soon.

[Plum]

Ok so thanks so far, great advice and I'm printing the one from Ashes.

[Jamz]

Ashes advice is right on the money I myself do a lot of free jobs but Ialso run it like a bussiness you have to consider the cost of everything
I use the free jobs as a learning tool to try out new routines which benifits the charity and myself This lets you find tune things so the paying customers get their moneys worth
But I also feel if it was just about the money I wouldnt enjoy it as much

[ashes]

You're right, It isn't for the money. There are other
ways to make just as much or more money in an easier
fashion.

I think my post really says to remember the business side,
and don't let yourself be taken advantage of.

Clowns aren't the only group that aren't necessarily good business
people -- Doctors are notoriously bad business people. They
have a wonderful caring attitude and have spent a lot of years
learning to care for people, but they are under-trained in business
practices.

Ashes

[BIPS]

Hey there Plum!

Us other fruits here welcome you with open arms!

This place is awesome, just wish the doggone photo gallery was working, and the THURS CHAT was back, but other than that, it's great!

[hollywood]

I am new this forum. I primarily am a puppet builder but I would like to venture into clowning. I am interested in the Aguste type clown. I'm the type person I like to know what I'm doing before I do it. I am a moderator on a public puppet forum. I have learned from so many there and feel that this is the place for me to learn and grow. I have never been a clown other than at a costume party but really want to add it to my list of catering ,puppet building, I also want to learn balloon sculpting I just got my new vidieos and balloons. I have a idea of what I would like my costume to look like. I can use some advice as to where to start.
Hollywood :lol:

[saphireSue]

Welcome Hollywood, glad to have you with us. Anything in particular? I'm a bad speller and bad with names so I can't list books but Scruffy can help you with that. You can also check out your local library. If you can, try to attend a workshop, they are usually on the weekend and don't cost a lot, this I think is the most helpful because you see things in person and get lots of ideas. Check out www.clownevents.com.