3 Ways to Become a Clown

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Do you like to make people laugh and have fun with others? Do you enjoy working with children, adults, hospital patients and a large audience? Do you love to dress up and work with lots of props? In this case, you might be perfect for being a clown. Like? Stop playing the fool and follow these steps.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Part One: Putting Everything You Need Together

Step 1. Get the props

The materials you use depend on the type of clown you want to be. There are generic ones that are always used, such as balls to throw in the air, balloons to shape, objects for magic tricks if you do them and other little things. You can start with the classics and become more original as you discover the clown in you.

• Find the right music for you.

  

• Part of your performance could include painting children's faces.

  

• If you're also a ventriloquist, get a puppet.

  

Step 2. Find yourself a costume

You can buy authentic ones at specialty clown supply stores, but they are a bit pricey, so you can start with some colorful garments, carnival outfits, a set of pajamas, or anything funny that you can also find in thrift stores. Expensive items save for when you are already established and don't worry about it now.

• In addition to the dress, you will need a pair of large floppy shoes. Shoes are actually the most expensive part of clown clothing so you could start with Converse four or five sizes up or other very large shoes that you can fill with napkins.

  

Step 3. Put your makeup on

Contrary to popular belief, not all clowns have white faces. Being a clown is a matter of comedy, not makeup. Most use face grease because it doesn't wash off as easily as water-based makeup. If you don't like it, there are other possible variations:

• White face. It is the traditional one to which the clown is usually associated.

  

• The Augusto trick. In fact, this type of clown wears a more flesh-toned makeup.

  

• Clown makeup. It is darker and sooty because this is usually an unfortunate clown.

  

• Characteristic makeup. Which clown would you like to be? A mad scientist? A policeman? Your character will determine the color and style of makeup to use.

  

Step 4. Decide if you want to be a sidekick

Most clowns work alone, but some form a duo, a trio or even a company. If you want a shoulder or you want to be yourself, you will need to find a friend who likes to be a clown with you.

In this case, think about a partner and what your relationships are with the public. It can be a good place to start

Step 5. Design your show

Find inspiration based on the most famous comedies and work on your role and that of others. Thinking about the problems that need to be addressed is a good start, for example a hat that does not stand straight, a platform that does not stand, etc. An unexpected event can also help, as will thinking about the rule of three (wrong, wrong, succeed) in an unexpected way. It will be a bit like a real comedy. In this case, write down a setlist before rehearsal. Here are some things clowns often include in their shows:

• Making animals with balloons

  

• Mimi

  

• Juggler

  

• Storytelling

  

• Ventriloquism

  

• Jokes

  

Step 6. Add a repertoire of magic (optional)

If you want to be more of a clown-magician then you will have to learn some easy tricks to become good. Check out the wikiHow articles, or take a magic course if you are really into this aspect.

Remember that to be a wizard clown you will need to have multiple props like a top hat, wand, multi-colored handkerchief, etc. and they may cost you more

Step 7. Work on your "slapstick" skills

There really is nothing less fun than poorly made slapstick. The funny thing is to emulate real life, like talking about the boss, married life and other things that people can relate to. Try to include jokes about things the audience will appreciate by understanding them!

Step 8. Avoid clichés

A clown is "not" forced to do anything. Unless you have a tendency to the obvious, you should avoid the more obvious tricks. Here are some moves that are usually best left alone:

• Slip on the banana peel

  

• To fall

  

• Chasing the shoulder

  

• Get a bucket of water pulled

  

Step 9. Rehearse your show

Once you have a clear idea of what you are going to do, that you have guidelines and all the necessary tools, you will need to start practicing. The ability to do the right thing, to recover if something goes wrong is essential. First try it yourself and register to review and improve. Then try with a trusted friend. Even in front of family and a small group of children will help you.

Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Finding Jobs

Step 1. Decide what kind of clown you want to be

Before you go looking for a job you will need to figure out which clown best suits your personality. You can determine this by how you alter the routine and by the clients you will be working with. For example, you will do different tricks and tricks if you work in a children's hospital and an adult hospital. You can also play more clowns of course, but you always have to take into account the type of audience you will be performing in front of. Here are some places you may need to work:

• Children's parties
• Parties for adults
• Pediatric hospitals
• Circuses

Step 2. Go to a clown school

They were once popular, like Barnum and Bailey, popular until the mid-1990s, but you can always find lessons to improve. Barnum and Bailey, for example, still offer a one-year course even though they don't have a permanent home.

Step 3. Go to lectures and clown camps

If you don't have time to attend a school or there aren't any in the area where you live, you can always attend conventions to learn tricks and moves from the great masters. The site 'The Clowns of America International', for example, advertises them in Orlando in 2014.. Going to conventions serves to meet other clowns and improve yourself.

Step 4. Learn the penalty tricks from other clowns

The C. A. I website also offers information on groups or places to learn from other clowns. You can contact these clowns and ask if they would like to have students. The best way to really learn is to find a mentor who is right for "you". Remember that just because a clown is awesome doesn't mean they're interested in the same things that tickle your fancy.

Step 5. Advertise professionally

If you want this passion to become a business, try advertising locally. Contact the newspapers and clubs in your city to see if you can hang posters and put up cards. To succeed, you will also need to understand the appropriate marketing strategies, especially locally, to increase the chances of being hired and make a profit.

Step 6. Start small

Try children's parties. See if a hospital is looking for a clown to plug the holes. Cheer up your friends' parties. Working for a small audience will also help you and you will understand what people like and dislike. You will gain experience and learn what to do once you are in front of more people, as well as being more confident as a clown.

This is how a following is built. Even if you only impressed a friend, they may get you the next job

Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Succeed

Step 1. Consider joining a clown group or union

It will support you, giving you the knowledge and credibility that are great things to add to your resume. If you know of other clowns, ask them about any groups in your area that can help you improve and gain notoriety. At national and international level, it controls the following prestigious organizations:

• Clowns of America International
• World Clown Association
• Clowns Canada
• Clowns International

Step 2. Keep improving your skills

Now hopefully you have gotten to the point where you can organize a show and are already on your way to success and profit. With show business, the sky is the only limit! Keep working on the roles, the stories to tell, the tricks, the jokes and whatever else you have in your repertoire.

Don't settle down. There is always room for improvement

Step 3. Always look after your relationship with the public

If you want to be the best, then you need to be able to know what your audience wants and how to give it to them. Here are some things you will need to work on to be successful:

• Understanding audience expectations regarding the quality and authenticity of your performance
• Ability to speak in public without fear
• Ability to make children feel good
• Reassuring interpretation

Step 4. Consider auditioning for a circus

If you want to be a circus clown then you'll have to get the hang of it first. But if this is the way, you will have to apply to the circus as you would for any other job; including your resume, a video of what you can do, and the audition for the figure you need to play.

• Try Cirque du Soleil or Barnum and Bailey, considered top of the range. Don't be discouraged if you don't make it first.
• If you're curious about what you need to apply to the circus, look for questions online.
• If you're in the UK, Chipperfield's will be your go-to and Germany, Continental Circus Berlin.

Advice

• Yes, hyper dramatic! Pretend to be deeply hurt by ridiculous insults, extremely delighted by silly jokes and very shocked when you fall!
• Get into the spirit of being a clown! Be funny, knowledgeable, and most of all, be friendly and cute.
• Try including a chase at the end of the show!
• If possible, try to interact with the audience. Reminding them to take part in the play will make the audience relate to you.

Warnings

• Know when to stop! Sometimes a child can get scared or someone get upset. It's time to let go and act normally. Remember the difference between fiction and reality.
• Do not do anything dangerous, such as going on a tightrope high with an umbrella unless you are an expert.