Looking into becoming a clown.....

[Missy]

Hi everyone!

I'm Missy. My family and I are thinking into breaking into the entertainment business. We currently belong to S.A.M. and have been concentrating on magic, but I would like to add clowning to our list. My daughter and I would play the role of the clowns and we are currently in the process of trying to develop our characters. We are also trying to work-up some skits together. Eventually, we would like to get into clown magic! I am working on learning balloon animals, but my daughter (12) is already a great little balloon twister. She got into it awhile ago and has been doing it like gangbusters ever since!

Eventually, the whole family would like to do birthday parties. All of us would be involved. Dad wants to be a "regular" magician. My daughter and I would like to be clowns that do magic. We all want to do the balloon twisting.

Now, we just need to learn the basics and the business side of the entertainment business. So, I am really hoping I can learn more information here.

Oh, I guess I should say one thing. Or perhaps I should say, "ask". Is anyone else here quite shy? I am. But, I can be really silly around kids and I think that by "clowning" it will help me to overcome my shyness. Especially, in costume. Just wanted to know if anyone else was in the same boat?

Thanks everyone. Can't wait to learn from you!!

[ashes]

Hi, Missy -- welcome to the board. It's great to see a whole
family involved!

I started years ago as a magician, and also started my clowning
as a rodeo clown...

You'll find that magic and clowning are "sister" arts, and a lot that
you learn in either discipline will help you in the other.

I wouldn't say that I'm "shy" but I'm definitely not an "outgoing"
person, but something changes as I put on my makeup.

So, I say "Go For It" and if you have other questions (or your family members have questions!) bring 'em on!

Ashes

[saphireSue]

oh I think it's great every one want to be involved. My girls clown with me at times, my hubby jokingly states he'd join us, but well, maybe when he grows up a little.

I was practicing a new show for back to school in front of my family today.
Funny thing is, I get so nervous in front of them, but in costume in front of strangers is easy. How's that for shyness

[GiGi]

That's funny Sue! I'm the same way in front of my family!

Welcome to the forum Missy! I have to say, I thought I was shy until I put on the make-up and costume and amazingly enough, a whole different me emerged. It's so different with all of that on!

GiGi

[RedClownFred]

Hi Missy, welcome! Great to hear that your entire family is jumping into the clowning arena. If you are shy, it certainly helps to have the family by your side. I can still be shy (embarassed) at times, but I always keep in mind that no one can see you blush when you have the face paint on! And besides, a clown is usually given the benefit of the doubt when you may make a mistake or struggle. Carry a foam hammer with you and knock it upside your head when you flub something! Say "better knock some sense back into that brain"! If you need a little more time to regroup, walk around in a daze after using the hammer. I usually get laughs that way, and it will ease you back into your skit once you see how easy the group laughs along with you! Best of luck and God Bless! RED CLOWN FRED