I want to be a clown...but I need some advice

Anonymous · #1 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 01:49 PM

HI! My name is Shannon and I am 13 years old and homeschooled. For the past few days I have been interested in clowning.

I believe I have the ability: 1.) I love children (and am very social), 2.) I LOVE to make people laugh, and 3.) I have a greta sense of humor. Do I "have what it takes?" Also, I imagine that unless you are in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily Circus, clowning has to be a part-time job because it isn't a full time money-maker...correct?

I believe I know what kind of clown I want to be....an auguste. Question again, do they wear wigs, funny shoes etc?

If I could please have someone email me with more info, I would really appreciate it. My email is Dachsyluver@aol.com . Thanks!

-Shannom

PS, happy vday!!!

Anonymous · #2 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 01:50 PM

Hey Shannon, I know for a fact that clowning can be a full time endeavor. I myself do not do full time clown ministry, only because I prefer to do it as an expression of my heart in christian ministry. About your question on auguste clown dress, I'm a character auguste clown(little girl clown) and it's really a matter of your personal style. I don't wear floppy shoes, because for me they seem to hinder my act, I wear cute maryjanes and bobby socks. And I do wear bright colors/ makeup etc. It's about what you feel good in as a rule, as long as it is appropriate!

Petunia

Anonymous · #3 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 01:50 PM

Welcome new clown to be. As for your questions, you do not have to work as a circus clown to be a professional clown. I have many friends that make their living as clowns, and are quite well paid. Clowning is fun, but there are so many things that you can do in conjuction with clowning, that you can pay your way doing them. Whether it is costume design, entertaining, clown supplies- the list is endless.You can wear a wig, most clowns do, some do not. The shoes are a matter of preference. I have regular clown shoes, but sometimes I wear a pair of size 22 sneakers. you would not have to go that big, but something that exaggerates your shoe size. There are many tips on the old posts here at clown forum, browse thru them, and ask a lot of questions.good luck and keeeeeeeeeep clownin, tug

Anonymous · #4 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 01:51 PM

I am interested in info. on clown colleges. I understand there is one in Minnesota and Wisconsin.Do you have this info. So far on internet haven't been able to find. Thanks!

Sandra

Anonymous · #5 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 01:52 PM

For Shannon I would recomend a book called Creative Clowning. It has lots of helpful information on many facets of clowing. I make sure all my students read it.

For Sandra looking for clown collage, the Ringling clown collage has closed however there is many fine programs including week long clown camps and workshops all over the country. What area do you live in and I will recomend one.

Looney Ballooney

Anonymous · #6 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 01:53 PM

well,someone has beat me to this one..I have always wanted to be a professional clown..The smile on the faces of others and the sound of laughter..oh that's a big part of it..i work at a huge plant(frigidaire)and i'm always turning my cap sideways,crossing my eyes,making as funny a face and telling as many jokes as i can to co-workers..so i have been asked so many times.."why dont you do parties,or clownung?",,it has been swirling in my mind for two years now and i just think maybe they know something i have..heck,my family agrees and notices they same things as my co-workers...now,how do i get started?i am thinking...camoflage clothing(oversized,ofcorse!)maybe camo make-up?,loud pop gun,(i can see me bent over opposite direction,and another clown having one of my deer head mounts plowing meas if the deer hunter who got hunted instead of being the hunter..sound goofy?)or i have a great funny fishing routine i can do thats hilarious!..You guys think i should go for it?
sorry so long...

Anonymous · #7 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 01:54 PM

Well, Wildog, the name really sparked my interest when I saw it, I was wondering what you were going to say. As for your mindset, I think that you have already made up your mind, and have the right feelings for clowning.You pretty much said it all about entertaining, and as I tell others, Try it, if you don't like it you can at least know that you made the effort-- that question will not haunt you for ever. BUT, once you start, give it a little while to make sure (you may encounter a set back or two so don't give up too quickly)--stay with your clowning and reap the rewards. As far as where to start, read the other contributions in the forum as a guide,and follow the advice about learning to put makeup on correctly as well as spending some time in the design of your costume.Your are already started in your endeavor, it just needs to be finished up. Congrats and Best wishes in your future,and May God Bless and keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep clownin, tug

Anonymous · #8 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 01:58 PM

Priscilla Mooseburger has a Clown Camp. Visit www.mooseburger.com for details. To make money, check out the book, "The Birthday Party Business-How to make a living as a Children's Entertainer", published by Piccadilly Books in Colorado. This could be a great job for someone your age if you have someone to drive you to your gigs.-Binky :-)

saphireSue · #9 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 05:59 PM

Check out creative ministry workshops, they're usually on weekends and don't cost much $40. They offer many small classes with professional such as Freckles, Pinky, Bubba Sikes, Liberaty and Bell, and La La are justa few I've met at these things and All of them are willing to help and give great advice. For starting Young clowns check out Thrift Stores and Goodwill you'd be surprised at the things you can find for costumes and props. I used a Wedding Slip Cut down for my flounce under my skirt and we found a balance board kids love and my younger clowns, clown around on it.

Binky · #10 (**permalink**) 05-08-2004, 10:13 PM

An Auguste can definitely wear big shoes. Depending on how "professional" you want to be you should choose a wig that is in the range of a natural hair color (red, yellow, orange, etc.) rather than green, purple and rainbow. Also, each clown should have a hat or hairbow. (I'm still searching for the right hat!) Any "skin" should be covered by clothing or makeup as well. I've also heard that if your pants don't need suspenders, they are too small.