How to Become a Festival Clown (Big Shoes, Bigger Dreams)
If you’ve ever dreamed of spreading joy at festivals or wondered what it takes to become a festival clown, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll explore the EXACT steps you need to take to kickstart your career as a festival clown. We’ll talk about:
- The skills you need.
- The training that can help you get there.
- How to land a gig as a festival clown.
So, whether you’re a newcomer to the entertainment industry or a seasoned performer looking to diversify your skills, stay tuned.
We’re about to unravel the blueprint to become a festival clown.
Let’s get started!
Steps to Become a Festival Clown
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Festival Clown
Before embarking on the journey to become a festival clown, it’s important to thoroughly understand the role and its responsibilities.
A festival clown is a performer who uses humor, physical comedy, and often performs magic tricks, juggling, and other talents to entertain people, especially at festivals and outdoor events.
The role can also entail wearing dramatic makeup, oversized clothes, and colorful wigs.
Being a festival clown not only requires a knack for humor, but also physical fitness, creativity, and an ability to handle large, diverse crowds.
These clowns usually work in a team and may have to adapt their routines based on the audience’s reaction.
Getting into character and staying in character throughout the performance is crucial.
It requires a lot of practice and patience as it involves entertaining people of all age groups, from children to adults.
Understanding the history of clowning and different clown personas can also be beneficial.
It’s crucial to remember that being a festival clown goes beyond just making people laugh – it’s about bringing joy, comfort, and an unforgettable experience to the audience.
Step 2: Get Training in Physical Comedy and Mime
After deciding to pursue a career as a festival clown, it’s important to get formal training in physical comedy and mime.
These are two fundamental skills that all clowns must master.
Physical comedy involves using exaggerated movements and expressions to make people laugh, while mime is the art of communicating without words.
You may choose to attend a clown school or circus training program.
There, you’ll learn not just physical comedy and mime, but also juggling, acrobatics, magic tricks, and other skills that a clown needs to entertain an audience.
These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on practice.
Also, consider taking acting and improv classes.
These can help you develop your ability to react to unexpected situations during a performance, a key skill for any clown.
Remember, being a clown is not just about putting on makeup and a funny costume.
It’s about understanding how to use your body and facial expressions to create humor and joy.
In addition to formal training, you can also learn a lot from watching experienced clowns perform.
Attend festivals, circuses, and other events where clowns perform.
Pay attention to how they interact with the audience, how they handle props, and how they use their bodies to tell a story or make a joke.
Step 3: Learn Juggling, Magic, and Other Clowning Skills
As a festival clown, you are expected to entertain a large crowd, often consisting of people of all ages.
This means you need to have a wide array of tricks up your sleeve.
Learning to juggle, perform magic tricks, and mastering other clowning skills such as stilt-walking, balloon twisting, and mime is crucial for your success.
Juggling can be learned from several online tutorials or by attending workshops.
Practice this skill regularly and try incorporating different objects to keep your act exciting.
Magic tricks are another crucial skill that can add variety to your performance.
Start with simple tricks, and as you become more comfortable, add in more complex illusions.
There are magic courses available online and in-person that can help you master this skill.
Other clowning skills like stilt-walking and balloon twisting can be learned through workshops or self-taught using various resources available online.
Mime, on the other hand, is an art form that requires control over your body and expressions.
It might be beneficial to take theatre or drama classes to enhance this skill.
Remember, the key is to keep your act diverse, engaging, and entertaining.
Practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
The more variety you can bring to your performances, the more successful you’ll be as a festival clown.
Step 4: Practice Makeup and Costume Design
As a festival clown, a large part of your persona will be determined by your appearance.
Your makeup and costume are an integral part of your character and are essential to your performance.
Therefore, learning to apply clown makeup and design your costume is a crucial step in becoming a festival clown.
You may want to start by learning the basics of clown makeup, including how to apply a whiteface, auguste, or tramp clown face.
These are the three primary types of clown faces and mastering them can be a good foundation.
Remember, the purpose of clown makeup is to exaggerate facial expressions and make them visible from afar.
It’s also important to find makeup that is comfortable and safe for your skin.
Costume design is also a key aspect of being a festival clown.
Your costume should reflect your character’s personality and can help reinforce your act.
For instance, a silly and playful clown might wear brightly colored, oversized clothes, while a more serious clown might wear more muted, traditional clown garb.
You could start by sketching some costume ideas or even start sewing your own costume if you have the skills.
If not, consider hiring a costume designer to help bring your vision to life.
Keep in mind comfort and maneuverability, as you will be performing a lot of physical comedy.
Remember, it’s all about practice and experimentation.
Don’t be afraid to try different looks and see which one best suits your character.
This is your chance to let your creativity shine and to create a memorable character that festival-goers will love.
Step 5: Attend a Clown School or Workshop
Attending a clown school or workshop is the next crucial step in your journey to becoming a professional festival clown.
These programs will provide comprehensive training, honing your natural comedic abilities and teaching you the skills you need to succeed as a clown.
These skills can include everything from comedic timing, slapstick, juggling, acrobatics, magic tricks, balloon twisting, to the art of applying clown makeup.
In addition, clown schools often focus on the theory and history of clowning, which can help you understand the broader context and influence of your work.
This knowledge can be especially valuable when crafting your own unique clown persona and routines.
Furthermore, attending a clown school or workshop also gives you the opportunity to network and connect with seasoned professionals and fellow aspiring clowns.
This networking can provide valuable opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and job opportunities in the future.
Remember, not all clown schools are the same.
They vary in terms of duration, curriculum, and cost.
Some are week-long intensive workshops, while others may be year-long programs.
Therefore, do your research and choose the one that best aligns with your career goals and budget.
Step 6: Gain Experience Through Volunteering or Internships
Getting hands-on experience is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a festival clown.
It is recommended to start by volunteering at local community events, children’s hospitals, or charity functions where clowns are needed.
This will help you understand the practical aspects of the job and how to interact with different types of audiences.
It is also a great opportunity to practice your skills, tricks, and routines in real-time situations.
Internships at amusement parks, circuses, or entertainment companies are also excellent platforms to gain industry experience.
As an intern, you are likely to work alongside seasoned professionals who can provide valuable guidance and feedback to refine your clowning skills.
You can also observe professionals at work to understand different clowning styles and techniques.
Remember that being a festival clown is more than just wearing a funny costume and makeup.
It involves understanding audience psychology, being able to improvise, and having the ability to keep audiences engaged and entertained.
The more hands-on experience you gain, the better you will become at your craft.
Step 7: Create a Unique and Memorable Clown Character
Creating your own clown character is a significant step towards becoming a successful festival clown.
This character will be your unique identity that will set you apart from other clowns, and it will be the image that festival-goers will remember.
When designing your clown character, consider both your personal attributes and the types of events you’ll be attending.
The character should fit your personality and skills, allowing you to perform comfortably and authentically.
Furthermore, consider what the audiences at different festivals would enjoy.
For example, you might create a character that is funny and outrageous for music festivals, a gentle and friendly character for children’s festivals, or a sophisticated and artistic character for cultural festivals.
This character should have a distinctive look, a unique name, and a particular style of humor or performance.
It’s also important to consider the history and traditions of clowning when creating your character.
Research different clown characters and styles from around the world to inspire your own character.
You may want to incorporate elements from traditional clowning, such as physical comedy, pantomime, or circus skills, into your character.
Remember to be consistent with your character during performances.
Consistency will help your audience understand and connect with your character, enhancing their experience and making your performance more memorable.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to refine and evolve your character over time.
With each performance, you’ll learn more about what works and what doesn’t, and you can use this feedback to improve your character and performance.
Step 8: Prepare a Portfolio Showcasing Your Clowning Skills
As a festival clown, one of your most powerful tools for securing work is an effective portfolio showcasing your talents.
This portfolio should include photos and videos that showcase your makeup, costumes, and overall character.
It should also demonstrate your performance skills in a variety of settings, like children’s parties, parades, or festivals.
Consider including footage of your slapstick comedy routines, stilt-walking, juggling, balloon sculpting, or magic tricks.
If you have any specialty skills that set you apart, such as singing, mime, or puppetry, be sure to include them as well.
Furthermore, testimonials from satisfied clients can be a powerful addition.
These can be written testimonials or video snippets from the clients themselves, telling how you made their event more memorable and enjoyable.
Finally, your portfolio should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and representative of your style as a clown.
You might also consider adding a short bio, detailing your training and experience, to provide context for your portfolio.
Remember, your portfolio is often the first impression you make on potential clients, so be sure to keep it updated with your latest and greatest work.
It’s an opportunity to showcase your creativity, versatility, and dedication to your craft, and can be instrumental in securing your next gig as a festival clown.
Step 9: Network with People in the Entertainment Industry
As a festival clown, networking is a vital part of establishing and advancing your career.
You should aim to connect with individuals and groups in the entertainment industry, including event planners, entertainment agencies, carnival organizers, and other professionals in the field.
You can also liaise with other clowns or clown associations for advice, mentorship, and opportunities.
Attend industry events, shows, and conventions to meet potential contacts.
Engage in online communities and social media platforms related to clowning and the festival industry.
This can help you to stay up-to-date with industry trends and job opportunities.
Remember to showcase your work professionally.
Have a well-curated portfolio of your performances, highlighting your unique skills and style.
This could be in the form of a digital portfolio, video reels, or a website.
Finally, always be sure to act professionally and respectfully with all contacts.
Building strong relationships can lead to more job opportunities and ensure you’re always in the loop for upcoming festivals and events.
Networking is an ongoing process that can greatly aid in the longevity and success of your career as a festival clown.
Step 10: Apply for Jobs at Festivals, Parties, and Other Events
Now that you have gained knowledge, skills, practice and experience as a clown, it’s time to apply for jobs at various events, predominantly festivals.
However, don’t limit yourself to just festivals.
Look for opportunities at birthday parties, corporate events, holiday parties, and even circus shows.
Start by researching local and national festivals that have a history of hiring clowns or where clowns could be a good fit.
Each festival has its own application process, so be sure to follow instructions carefully.
Some might require a resume and cover letter, while others might ask for an audition video.
Similarly, consider approaching party planning companies or events management firms that might need clowns for their events.
Showcase your unique skills, clown character, and the joy you can bring to their events.
Creating a network is crucial in the clown industry.
Attend clown conventions, workshops, and gatherings to meet other clowns and people in the entertainment industry.
This can open up new avenues and job opportunities.
Finally, don’t forget to highlight the unique aspects that differentiate you from other clowns such as your special tricks, comedy style, or interactions with the audience.
Remember, the goal is not only to get hired but also to make an unforgettable impression that will lead to repeat bookings and referrals.
Step 11: Always Keep Improving Your Performance and Skills
As a festival clown, you must always strive to improve your performance and enhance your skills.
Comedy and performance styles are always changing, so it’s important to keep up with current trends to ensure your act remains fresh and engaging.
Take part in workshops and courses that focus on clowning, physical comedy, and other types of performances.
Learn from other professionals in the field by attending their shows, networking with them, and seeking their advice.
Practice your routines regularly and work on refining your skills.
Try to incorporate new gags, props, and tricks into your performances to surprise and delight your audience.
It’s also important to seek feedback from your audiences, peers, and mentors.
They can provide valuable insights that can help you improve your performances.
Remember, the aim is to entertain and bring joy to your audience.
By continually improving and honing your skills, you can ensure your performances remain entertaining, enjoyable, and memorable.
Step 12: Join Professional Clowning Organizations for Resources and Support.
Joining a professional clowning organization can provide a wealth of resources and support to help you in your career as a festival clown.
Organizations such as World Clown Association or Clowns of America International not only offer opportunities for networking with other clowns, but also provide resources like educational materials, conventions, competitions, and workshops.
These organizations can provide you with access to professional development opportunities to enhance your clowning skills.
They often hold workshops on a variety of topics such as makeup techniques, costume design, prop making, and developing your clown persona.
Furthermore, being a part of such organizations adds credibility to your clowning profile and can make you more appealing to festival organizers.
It also provides a sense of camaraderie, as you’ll be able to connect with other clowns, exchange ideas and learn from each other’s experiences.
Remember, the art of clowning is constantly evolving, so staying connected with a professional community can keep you updated with the latest trends and techniques in the industry.
Festival Clown Roles and Responsibilities
Festival Clowns are performance artists who entertain audiences at festivals and events.
They use a wide range of skills such as juggling, magic, stilt walking, balloon modeling, and comedy to amuse and engage the crowd.
They have the following roles and responsibilities:
Performance
- Perform an array of clown acts that can include juggling, magic tricks, acrobatics, and comedic routines.
- Engage with the audience and create a fun-filled atmosphere.
- Adapt performances to the audience’s reactions and feedback.
Interaction
- Interact with festival attendees, especially children, to bring joy and laughter.
- Handle hecklers and disruptive audience members with tact and humor.
- Ensure everyone in the audience feels included and entertained.
Prop Handling
- Maintain and manage performance props such as juggling balls, unicycles, magic hats, etc.
- Use props effectively to enhance performances.
Safety
- Ensure safety measures are followed during performances, particularly when using items such as stilts or performing acrobatic stunts.
- Interact with the audience in a safe and respectful manner.
Appearance
- Maintain a distinctive and entertaining appearance with costumes, makeup, and props.
- Ensure costumes and makeup are in good condition and fit the character being portrayed.
Improvisation
- Improvise performances based on the audience’s reactions and the overall festival atmosphere.
- Think quickly and creatively to handle unexpected situations during performances.
Teamwork
- Collaborate with other festival performers, staff, and organizers for coordinated performances and events.
- Communicate effectively with the team to ensure smooth performances.
Skill Development
- Continually develop and improve performance skills such as juggling, magic tricks, physical comedy, etc.
- Learn new skills and routines to keep performances fresh and engaging.
Public Relations
- Represent the festival or event in a positive and professional manner.
- Interact with media and press if required.
Rehearsal
- Rehearse routines and performances to ensure they are well-timed and entertaining.
- Practice new skills and incorporate them into performances.
What Does a Festival Clown Do?
Festival Clowns, also known as Circus Clowns or Party Clowns, are entertainment professionals who primarily perform at festivals, fairs, carnivals, circuses, or private events.
Their main role involves entertaining audiences through a range of performances which can include physical comedy, mime, juggling, magic tricks, acrobatics, and balloon modelling.
This requires them to have a strong sense of humor, creativity, and the ability to interact well with people of all ages.
Festival Clowns often create their own characters and routines, and use props, costumes, and makeup to enhance their performances.
Some may specialize in a certain type of clowning, such as slapstick, character clowning, or pantomime.
In addition to performing, Festival Clowns may also engage with the audience, especially with children, creating a fun atmosphere by painting faces, leading games, or handing out prizes.
Festival Clowns are also often responsible for their own costume and makeup design, and may have to set up and tear down their own performance space.
They may also be responsible for ensuring the safety of their performance area, particularly if their act involves potentially dangerous stunts or props.
Sometimes, they might work in a team, coordinating their acts and performances with other clowns or entertainers to deliver a cohesive and engaging performance.
The profession demands a high level of physical fitness, as it often involves physical acts like tumbling or juggling.
Essential Festival Clown Skills
- Physical Comedy: As a festival clown, possessing skills in physical comedy such as slapstick, mime, juggling, and acrobatics is essential to entertain the audience.
- Humor Creation: The ability to create fun and humor is a must for a festival clown. This includes verbal humor, gags, silly antics and improvisational comedy.
- Costume and Makeup: Knowledge of costume and makeup application is important. Clowns must know how to apply their own makeup and costumes in a way that is effective and resilient to the demands of performance.
- Audience Interaction: A clown must be comfortable with audience interaction, engaging with them directly to maintain their interest and participation in the performance.
- Multitasking: Clowns often need to perform multiple tasks at once, such as juggling while riding a unicycle or telling jokes while performing magic tricks. Multitasking abilities are therefore crucial.
- Stamina: Festival performances can be lengthy, and clowns are often required to be ‘on’ for long periods, interacting with crowds, performing tricks, and ensuring energy levels remain high.
- Empathy: Understanding the audience’s mood and altering performances accordingly is a key skill. Clowns need to be empathetic and responsive to people’s reactions.
- Improvisation: Things don’t always go as planned in live performances. The ability to improvise and adapt in the face of unexpected situations is a valuable skill for a festival clown.
- Teamwork: Festival clowns often work in groups. Therefore, understanding team dynamics, cooperating with others, and contributing to a collective performance is crucial.
- Public Speaking: Effective communication and public speaking skills are important, as clowns often need to speak to large audiences and engage in interactive dialogue.
- Props Handling: Clowns use a variety of props in their performances. Skills in handling and using these props effectively is a must.
- Safety Awareness: Being aware of safety regulations and procedures is essential, both for the clown’s safety and that of the audience.
- Creativity: Clowns are artists and entertainers. Therefore, creativity and originality in performance, gags, costumes, and makeup are highly valued.
Festival Clown Career Path Progression
The Foundation: Novice Clown
Your journey typically begins as a Novice Clown.
This is your learning stage where you’ll absorb the basics of clowning, comedy, and performance arts.
Your responsibilities may include assisting senior clowns, learning tricks, and performing in smaller events.
Here are some tips for success in this role:
- Learn Continuously: Attend workshops, read books and study the performances of experienced clowns.
- Seek Mentorship: Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance from senior clowns and learn from their experiences.
- Practice Regularly: The key to a successful performance is practice. Regularly practice your tricks and routines.
The Ascent: Professional Clown
As you gain experience and confidence, you’ll transition into the role of a Professional Clown.
You’ll perform in larger events, develop your unique routines, and become a recognized face in the festival circuit.
Here’s how to thrive in this stage:
- Developing a Persona: Create a unique and memorable clown persona that sets you apart.
- Engage Audience: Learn to engage your audience and keep them entertained throughout the performance.
- Collaboration: Work effectively with other performers to create an entertaining show.
Reaching New Heights: Senior Clown
The next rung on the ladder is the Senior Clown position.
At this stage, you’re recognized for your performance skills and creativity.
You may take on mentoring roles, guide the performance direction, and lead shows.
To excel as a Senior Clown:
- Mentorship: Share your knowledge and help novice clowns grow.
- Creativity: Continuously innovate and bring fresh ideas to your performances.
- Leadership: Lead by example and inspire others with your commitment and passion for the art.
Beyond the Horizon: Festival Clown Director and Beyond
As your career progresses, you may choose to lead a group of clowns or even start your own clown troupe.
Each of these roles involves greater responsibilities, leadership, and strategic decision-making.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Directorship: Lead performances and shape the direction of your troupe’s shows.
- Management Skills: If you transition into a leadership role, develop strong leadership and communication skills to guide your team effectively.
- Networking: Continue to build relationships with event organizers and other performers.
Pinnacle of Success: Renowned Festival Clown
You may reach roles like Renowned Festival Clown at the highest echelons of the clowning career ladder.
Here, you’ll be an influential figure in the industry, shaping the future of festival clowning, creating memorable performances, and inspiring aspiring clowns.
Festival Clown Salary
Entry-Level Festival Clown
- Median Salary: $20,000 – $30,000 per year
- Entry-level festival clowns typically have less than 2 years of experience and may have undergone professional clown training or similar educational programs.
Mid-Level Festival Clown
- Median Salary: $30,000 – $40,000 per year
- Mid-level festival clowns have 2-5 years of experience and are often proficient in more complex routines and may have additional skills like juggling or acrobatics.
Senior Festival Clown
- Median Salary: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
- Senior festival clowns possess 5+ years of experience and are often responsible for creating new clown routines, coordinating with other performers, and mentoring newer clowns.
Lead Festival Clown / Circus Director
- Median Salary: $60,000 – $80,000+ per year
- These roles come with significant experience and often involve the leadership of a team of clowns, management of performances, and decision-making regarding the circus or festival’s clown routines.
Circus Owner / Festival Director
- Median Salary: $80,000 – $120,000+ per year
- These high-level positions require extensive experience, management skills, and a deep understanding of the festival or circus industry. They often involve overseeing all aspects of the festival or circus operations.
Festival Clown Work Environment
Festival clowns mostly perform at local, regional, or even international festivals, but they can also find opportunities in amusement parks, circuses, and children’s parties.
Their work often involves travel to various locations for different events and they may sometimes work in challenging weather conditions when performing outdoors.
The work schedule of a festival clown can be quite irregular, often including evenings, weekends, and holidays to coincide with festival dates or special events.
Festival clowns might also spend a significant amount of their time rehearsing and perfecting their acts, creating costumes, and practicing makeup.
After gaining experience and recognition, a festival clown may opt to work independently, creating their own shows and hiring themselves out to various events.
FAQs About Becoming a Festival Clown
What qualifications are needed to become a festival clown?
Becoming a festival clown doesn’t require any formal qualifications.
However, there are clowning schools and workshops available that can help you develop the necessary skills.
Key abilities include juggling, magic tricks, mime, physical comedy, and balloon animal creation.
Additionally, soft skills like communication, creativity, and the ability to interact with diverse audience groups are important.
It’s also beneficial to have a basic understanding of makeup application and costume design.
How long does it take to become a festival clown?
The time it takes to become a festival clown can vary widely.
It largely depends on your natural talent, the time you dedicate to honing your skills, and the opportunities you have to perform.
You could start gaining experience in amateur productions or community events, then gradually move into professional clowning roles.
Some people may become professional clowns within a few months, while for others it may take several years.
Do I need a special license or certification to be a festival clown?
No, you generally don’t need a special license or certification to work as a festival clown.
However, some organizations or events may require you to have a background check or insurance.
Joining a professional clown association can also lend credibility and provide networking opportunities.
Is being a festival clown a stressful job?
Being a festival clown can be physically demanding and tiring, as it often involves performing several shows a day, interacting with large crowds, and working in various weather conditions.
However, many find the job rewarding and enjoy the opportunity to bring joy and laughter to others.
Balancing performance times with rest and self-care is key to managing potential stress.
What are the job prospects for a festival clown in the future?
The demand for festival clowns depends largely on the popularity of festivals and live events.
As these types of events continue to thrive, the need for clowns to entertain the crowds will also persist.
Expanding your skills to include other forms of entertainment, such as magic or circus acts, can also increase your employability.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Stepping into the oversized shoes on your journey to become a festival clown is no small feat, but it’s undeniably thrilling.
Equipped with the right skills, training, and tenacity, you’re well on your way to bringing joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories to many.
Remember, the journey may be filled with pratfalls, but the rewards are endless. Your performances could be the next big hit that brightens up the festivals, making them a memorable experience for everyone.
So, take that first, exaggerated step. Plunge into the world of laughter. Mingle with other entertainers. And most importantly, never stop performing.
Because the world is waiting for the joy you can bring.
And if you’re looking for personalized guidance on starting or advancing your career as a festival clown, make sure to explore our AI Career Path Advisor.
This free tool is designed to offer tailored advice and resources to help you navigate your career path effectively.
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