How to Be Childrens Entertainer/Clown - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 29, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

When it comes to entertaining and captivating children, a Children's Entertainer/Clown is the perfect solution. By combining the art of clowning with music, games, magic, and storytelling, these professionals can create a memorable and exciting experience for kids of all ages. Their presence can cause reactions of joy, surprise, and excitement in children, as they are able to bring stories and characters to life in a way that no other form of entertainment can.

Furthermore, their ability to engage children in a variety of activities creates an atmosphere of fun and playfulness that can help to foster a sense of community and connection among the children. With their energy and enthusiasm, a Children's Entertainer/Clown can provide an invaluable service for any gathering of children, making it an event to remember.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer to hire entertainers with a high school diploma or GED.
Take a class in clowning, storytelling, puppetry, or other related areas. This will provide you with the skills you need to become a successful children's entertainer.
Join a professional clown organization. This will give you the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field and learn from their experiences.
Get professional headshots taken. This will help you create a portfolio to show potential clients.
Create a website or social media presence. Use this platform to showcase your work and build your online presence.
Start booking gigs. Contact local children's parties or festivals to get your name out there.
Invest in quality supplies such as costumes, props, makeup, and other necessary items.
Get liability insurance to protect yourself and your business from any potential lawsuits.

To stay ahead and efficient as a children's entertainer/clown, it is important to continually strive for excellence and stay up-to-date on the latest trends. Making sure to have a reliable system for bookings and payments, as well as staying active on social media can help keep your business running smoothly. Investing in professional quality equipment and supplies can also enhance the experience for your clients, while ensuring your performance is always of the highest standard.

having a strong network of colleagues in the industry can help provide valuable advice and resources to further improve your work. By taking the time to stay organized and keep up with the newest developments, you can ensure your business is always running at its peak.

You may want to check Goodwill Ambassador/Clown, Poet/Clown, and Clinical Clown for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and perform age-appropriate activities, such as games, magic tricks, balloon animals, face painting, and storytelling.
Create and maintain a safe and entertaining atmosphere for children.
Interact with children in a positive and encouraging manner.
Perform basic crowd control techniques.
Supervise children during activities.
Address any questions or concerns from parents.
Set up and clean up event equipment.
Make sure all safety regulations are followed.
Develop and update ideas for new activities, games, and shows.
Keep updated on the latest trends in childrens entertainment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Creative Thinking
People Skills
Good Communication
Leadership
Professionalism
Time Management
Multitasking
Knowledge of Child Development
Flexibility
Acting/Improvisation
Musical Instrumentation
Juggling
Magic Tricks
Balloon Artistry
Prop Design/Construction
Costume Design/Construction

Being a successful Children's Entertainer/Clown requires many skills, however, the most important one is the ability to connect with children. This is because connecting with children is the key to holding their attention, keeping them engaged and entertained. Being able to form a bond with the audience is essential for creating a positive and memorable experience.

To do this, it is important to have strong communication skills and a good sense of humor. Furthermore, it is important to be creative, think on your feet and come up with new ideas and activities that will keep the children engaged. Finally, having an understanding of child safety and being able to keep the children safe while they are having fun is paramount.

All of these skills combined make a successful Children's Entertainer/Clown.

Professional Clown, Character Actor/Clown, and Health Care Clown are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a Children's Entertainer/Clown?
How would you describe your performances?
Do you have any special talents you could incorporate into your shows?
What do you think sets you apart from other Children's Entertainers/Clowns?
How do you handle difficult situations involving children?
What do you think makes a successful children's entertainment show?
How do you come up with new ideas for your shows?
How do you ensure the safety of the children at your events?
What type of feedback have you received from customers about your services?
How do you keep up with current trends in the industry?

Common Tools in Industry

Clown Nose. A rubber nose often worn by clowns to help add to the comedic effect. (eg: Red foam clown nose)
Makeup Kit. A set of clown makeup such as face paints, markers and pencils to help create a unique clown character. (eg: Mehron Clown Makeup Kit)
Props. A variety of props such as hats, wigs, scarves and other accessories to enhance the clown character. (eg: Clown Hat with Hair)
Costume. A full clown costume to help complete the clown character. (eg: Rainbow Clown Costume)
Magic Tricks. A selection of magic tricks to amaze and entertain children. (eg: Disappearing Coin Trick)
Balloons. A selection of balloons in different sizes and colors for creating balloon animals, decorations and other creations. (eg: Pack of 20 Qualatex Balloons)
Music. Music and sound effects to add energy and fun to the show. (eg: Clown Music CD)
Games. A selection of games and activities to keep children entertained. (eg: Musical Hoop Game)

Professional Organizations to Know

The International Institute of Clowns
The World Clown Association
The Clowns of America International
The American Clown Academy
The National Association of Youth Clowns
The British Association of Children's Entertainers
The European Clown Federation
The World Pantomime Network
The International Jugglers Association
The Professional Clowns of America

We also have Magician/Clown, Party Clown, and Clown Mentor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Juggle. To keep several objects in the air at the same time using various hand and body movements.
Mime. A form of theatrical performance in which the performer acts out an imaginary scenario without speaking.
Magic Trick. An illusion performed by the magician to entertain an audience.
Ventriloquism. The art of speaking in such a way that one's voice seems to be coming from a puppet or dummy.
Puppetry. The art of manipulating puppets to create characters and tell stories.
Balloon Modelling. A form of entertainment which involves making sculptures out of balloons.
Face Painting. A form of art which involves painting designs onto the face using safe, non-toxic paint.
Music and Dance. The use of music and dancing to entertain an audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do Children's Entertainers/Clowns need?

Children's Entertainers/Clowns typically need to have a background in performance arts, such as acting, singing, dancing, and comedy. They may also require certification in First Aid and Child Protection.

How much experience is necessary to be a successful Children's Entertainer/Clown?

It depends on the individual, but typically Children's Entertainers/Clowns should have several years of experience in performing for children in order to be successful.

What type of skills do Children's Entertainers/Clowns need?

Children's Entertainers/Clowns need to have strong creative and improvisational skills, as well as excellent communication and social skills. They also need to be able to think on their feet and come up with engaging activities for children.

What is the average cost for a Children's Entertainer/Clown?

The cost of a Children's Entertainer/Clown can vary widely depending on the type of performance, the length of the show, and the number of people involved. Generally, the average cost is between $100 and $300 per hour.

What type of equipment do Children's Entertainers/Clowns use?

Children's Entertainers/Clowns typically use props such as costumes, puppets, and musical instruments. They may also use audio equipment such as microphones and speakers, as well as video equipment such as projectors and screens.