How to Be Character Actor/Clown - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 6, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Clowns can be a great addition to any event or gathering, as their lively personalities and unique style of entertainment can create an atmosphere of fun and laughter. The presence of a clown can have a positive effect on the environment, as their presence often generates a feeling of joy and happiness in those around them. This in turn can help to reduce stress levels and create an uplifting atmosphere.

Furthermore, clowns are great at engaging both adults and children alike, providing interactive activities that can bring family and friends together. As such, having a clown at any event can be an effective way to ensure that everyone is having a great time and enjoying themselves.

Steps How to Become

Take Acting Classes. Taking acting classes will help you learn the basics of performing on stage and in front of a camera. It is important to understand what it takes to become a successful actor.
Attend Workshops. Workshops are a great way to expand your knowledge of acting and get additional practice. You can find workshops on clowning, improv, and physical comedy.
Develop Your Character. It is important to create a unique character that stands out from the crowd. Spend time developing your persona and come up with a signature costume and makeup look.
Get Professional Photos. You will need to have professional headshots taken in order to promote yourself as a character actor/clown. Many photographers specialize in this type of photography so make sure to find someone who understands your vision.
Market Yourself. Once you have your photos taken, you need to market yourself by creating a website, joining social media platforms, and attending open casting calls.
Network. Networking is key when it comes to getting jobs in the entertainment industry. Make sure to attend events and meet other actors, directors, and other professionals in the business.
Always Be Prepared. When you get an audition or a job, make sure you are always prepared with your lines, costumes, and makeup. Being prepared will help you stand out from the competition and land the job!

In order to stay updated and capable in the Actor/Clown field, it is essential to keep up with the latest trends and techniques. Staying current requires continual education, practice, and dedication to the craft. Taking classes, attending workshops, and networking with other professionals in the industry are all important steps in staying knowledgeable.

staying in shape and active is key because physicality is an important part of the performance. Finally, having a supportive community of fellow actors, directors, and producers is essential in helping to stay engaged and motivated. By following these steps, actor/clowns can remain capable and up-to-date in their field.

You may want to check Childrens Entertainer/Clown, Clown Entertainer, and Clown Costume Designer for alternative.

Job Description

Event Entertainer
Corporate Clown
Circus Performer
Birthday Party Entertainer
Professional Mime Artist
Balloon Twister
Face Painter
Puppet Master
Comedy Magician
Impersonator

Skills and Competencies to Have

Acting Skills: The ability to create and portray a character, understand and convey emotions, and tell a story.
Improvisation: The ability to think quickly and come up with new material on the spot.
Physical Comedy: The ability to use body language and facial expressions to create comedic moments.
Interpersonal Skills: The ability to interact and engage with an audience.
Voice Control: The ability to control ones voice for a variety of purposes such as characterization, sound effects, accents, and storytelling.
Characterization: The ability to create and develop a unique and believable character.
Makeup Application: The ability to apply makeup in order to create characters of different ages, genders, and styles.
Costuming: The ability to choose, create, and wear costumes that accurately depict the character being portrayed.
Prop Manipulation: The ability to use props to create comedic moments or enhance the story being told.
Script Interpretation: The ability to interpret scripts and adjust them for the desired effect or audience.

Having a successful career as an actor/clown requires a variety of skills, including the ability to create and deliver compelling performances, work well with others, and remain professional in any situation. Being able to make people laugh is particularly crucial. It takes a level of creativity and improvisation to be able to make others laugh, as well as an understanding of the audiences sense of humor.

it is important to have excellent comedic timing and strong physical comedy skills in order to make sure the jokes land. Being comfortable with physical contact or props can also be useful when performing in clown roles. Finally, having a strong work ethic and being well organized are essential for any actor or clown, as they must be able to quickly adjust to changing circumstances and demands.

All of these skills combined help to create successful and memorable performances.

Circus Skills Workshop Facilitator/Clown, Comedy Clown, and Stilt Walker/Clown are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a character actor/clown?
What experience do you have with physical comedy and improvisation?
How would you describe your style of performance?
How do you create characters and bring them to life?
What skills and talents do you bring to the role of a character actor/clown?
What challenges have you faced as a character actor/clown?
Are there any particular acting techniques that you use to help create your characters?
Can you describe a memorable moment from your career as a character actor/clown?
How do you stay engaged and motivated while performing on stage?
How do you maintain professionalism while interacting with an audience or other performers?

Common Tools in Industry

Clown Nose. A prop that is worn on the nose to give a humorous effect. (eg: Red bulbous nose)
Costume Accessories. Props used to enhance a character costume. (eg: Wigs, hats, glasses)
Makeup. Specialized makeup used to transform a person's face into a character. (eg: Greasepaint, clown makeup)
Props. Physical objects used to create a scene or tell a story. (eg: Fake flowers, toy guns)
Voice Imitation. The ability to mimic accents, dialects, and inflections. (eg: British, French, Southern drawl)
Improvisation. The talent of creating dialogue and characters on the spot. (eg: Creating a new character from audience suggestions)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Clown Hall of Fame
Clowns of America International
Clowns of Great Britain
World Clown Association
American Guild of Variety Artists
The Academy of Professional Arts
Screen Actors Guild
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
International Brotherhood of Magicians

We also have Comedy Juggler/Clown, Fire Breathing Clown, and Circus Clown Teacher jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Character Actor. An actor who specializes in playing a wide range of roles, often with an emphasis on physical comedy and exaggerated expressions.
Clown. A performer who wears bright, colorful clothing and makeup and entertains audiences with stunts, skits, and jokes.
Pantomime. A form of theatrical entertainment that uses facial expressions, body language, and sound effects to tell a story without words.
Improvisation. The spontaneous creation of scenes or characters in the moment.
Physical Comedy. A form of comedy that relies on physical movements, such as pratfalls, gestures, and facial expressions, to make an audience laugh.
Sketch Comedy. A type of comedy that typically consists of short scenes or skits written to be performed by a group of actors.
Stand-up Comedy. A type of comedy that is performed by a solo comedian in front of an audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the most famous clown throughout history?

The most famous clown throughout history is most likely the iconic figure of Emmett Kelly, also known as Weary Willie.

What is the name of the character actor who played the role of the Joker in the 1989 Batman movie?

The character actor who played the role of the Joker in the 1989 Batman movie was Jack Nicholson.

How many Academy Award nominations did Robin Williams receive in his career?

Robin Williams received a total of four Academy Award nominations in his career.

Who was the first actor to portray James Bond on the big screen?

The first actor to portray James Bond on the big screen was Sean Connery.

What is the name of the famous clown character created by French mime artist Marcel Marceau?

The famous clown character created by French mime artist Marcel Marceau was named Bip.

Web Resources

Character and Clowns: A playful exploration of embodied empathy www.psychodramaaustralia.edu.au
Actor/ Clown/ Theatrical Director - Career Spotlights - The www.gvsu.edu
Five Underrated Character Actors and FOJ - Lamar University www.lamar.edu