How to Be Circus Skills Workshop Facilitator/Clown - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

A Circus Skills Workshop Facilitator/Clown has an important role in making a circus performance a success. By teaching participants the basics of juggling, acrobatics, tight-wire walking, stilt-walking and clowning, the Facilitator not only encourages the participants to have fun, but also develops their self-confidence, coordination and physical agility. These skills are necessary for any successful circus performance and if the Facilitator does their job correctly, it can result in improved audience satisfaction. In addition to teaching circus skills, Facilitators/Clowns can also create fun activities such as games and comedic skits that help to create a fun atmosphere for the audience.

Steps How to Become

1. Research the various types of Circus Skills Workshops that are available. Determine what type of workshop you would like to facilitate. Consider if you would like to specialize in workshops for children, adults, or both.
2. Learn the basics of each skill you want to teach in your workshop. Consider taking classes or workshops that specialize in the particular skill or skills you would like to teach.
3. Develop a teaching plan or curriculum that outlines the goals and objectives of each workshop.
4. Practice the skills you will be teaching until you feel comfortable demonstrating them to others.
5. Purchase or rent any equipment or props you may need for the workshop.
6. Obtain any necessary permits or licenses required by your local government.
7. Advertise your workshop by creating flyers, posters, and other materials to promote it.
8. Secure a location for your workshop and contact any potential participants.
9. Begin facilitating your workshop and provide a safe, fun, and educational environment for all participants.
10. Evaluate the success of your workshop and make any necessary adjustments for future classes.

The ability to be a successful Circus Skills Workshop Facilitator/Clown requires a variety of skills and competencies. To begin, one must have a true passion for the art of clowning, as well as a knack for entertaining. Furthermore, they must be able to think on their feet and be creative in their approach.

they must possess excellent communication and people skills, as well as the ability to teach and direct participants in a clear and effective manner. Lastly, they must be able to work collaboratively with other performers and staff in order to create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone. With these attributes, one can become an effective Circus Skills Workshop Facilitator/Clown, ensuring that all participants have an enjoyable and enriching experience.

You may want to check Clown Costume Designer, Clown Educator, and Clown-for-Hire for alternative.

Job Description

1. Develop and manage Circus Skills Workshop programs and activities.
2. Teach participants a variety of circus skills such as juggling, stilt walking, unicycle riding, clowning, acrobatics and more.
3. Create a safe learning environment for participants.
4. Provide instruction and guidance to participants in order to ensure their safety and maximum enjoyment.
5. Collaborate with other circus professionals to create unique workshop themes and activities.
6. Demonstrate circus skills using a variety of props and equipment.
7. Develop performance routines for workshops and special events.
8. Assist in the set-up and takedown of equipment and props for workshops.
9. Maintain a professional attitude and demeanor at all times.
10. Establish positive relationships with participants, parents, staff, and other circus professionals.
11. Provide feedback to participants and parents on their performance.
12. Ensure that all workshop activities are conducted in a safe and responsible manner.
13. Maintain accurate records of participant attendance and progress.
14. Attend meetings and trainings as required by the organization.
15. Maintain knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and policies regarding Circus Skills Workshops and safety.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Public Speaking and Presentation: Ability to captivate an audience, articulate instructions and ideas clearly, and adjust to different age groups.
2. Physical Stamina and Strength: Ability to perform physical activities for a long period of time, as well as lift and carry props and equipment.
3. Creativity and Adaptability: Ability to come up with creative ideas, craft engaging activities and adjust to different situations.
4. Safety Protocols: Knowledge of safety protocols for circus activities, and ability to enforce them.
5. Juggling: Ability to teach and demonstrate juggling skills.
6. Acrobatics and Balance: Ability to teach and demonstrate acrobatic and balancing tricks.
7. Performing Arts: Knowledge of performing arts and ability to entertain an audience with clowning and other comedic acts.
8. Equipment Knowledge: Knowledge of the different pieces of equipment used in circus activities, such as hoops, unicycles, stilts, diabolos, etc.
9. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work with diverse groups of people and facilitate enjoyable and rewarding experiences.
10. Time Management: Ability to plan activities, manage time and keep participants engaged.

Being a circus skills workshop facilitator/clown requires a wide range of skills, but the most important of them all is the ability to engage with people. This requires a special combination of creativity, confidence, and enthusiasm. Creative skills are necessary to create interesting and engaging activities for participants, while confidence and enthusiasm will help to draw people into the learning experience and make them feel comfortable.

Furthermore, the facilitator/clown must be able to think on their feet and adapt to the different situations that can arise during a workshop. excellent communication skills are essential in order to effectively explain activities and provide guidance. Lastly, the facilitator/clown must possess an understanding of circus skills which includes knowledge about various circus equipment and techniques.

Having these skills is key to providing a positive and memorable experience for workshop participants.

Theater Clown, Mime Artist/Clown, and Face Painter/Clown are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• How would you describe your experience with circus skills or clowning?
• What do you enjoy most about teaching circus skills or clowning?
• What methods do you use to engage children and adults during your workshops?
• What safety measures do you take when facilitating a workshop?
• What challenges have you encountered while teaching circus skills or clowning?
• How do you handle difficult behavior or questions from participants?
• What is your experience with managing large groups of people?
• Explain a time when you had to think quickly and creatively to solve a problem during a workshop.
• How do you ensure that your workshop objectives are met?
• What have you done to stay up-to-date with the latest circus skills and clowning trends?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Juggling Balls. An item used for the practice and performance of juggling. (eg: Three balls of different colors thrown up in the air and caught in a rhythmic pattern)
2. Unicycles. A one-wheeled vehicle used as a circus prop and form of transportation. (eg: Riding a unicycle while balancing a plate on one's head)
3. Diabolo. A two-handed circus prop consisting of an axle, two cups, and string. (eg: Throwing and catching the diabolo while spinning it between two sticks)
4. Plate Spinning. A circus skill that involves keeping multiple plates spinning atop poles, often performed with a long pole. (eg: Spinning multiple plates at once while walking along a tightrope)
5. Poi. A circus prop consisting of two weights connected by a string, often used in rhythmic and synchronized movements. (eg: Swinging the poi around in a figure-eight pattern)
6. Stilt Walking. A circus skill in which the artist walks on stilts to perform acrobatics. (eg: Walking up a flight of stairs while balancing on stilts)
7. Clowning. A form of physical comedy involving clowning around with props, making jokes, and entertaining the audience. (eg: Telling jokes and performing slapstick with a rubber chicken)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. International Jugglers' Association
2. International Clown Hall of Fame
3. World Clown Association
4. World Clown Convention
5. International Circus Hall of Fame
6. World Federation of Circus Schools
7. European Juggling Association
8. British Juggling Convention
9. Circus Fans Association of America
10. National Association for Circus Arts

We also have Clinical Clown, Street Theatre Clown, and Music Maker/Clown jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Circus Arts. A form of performing arts involving physical and mental feats of skill, such as juggling, acrobatics, stilt walking, clowning and other circus-related activities.
2. Facilitation. The act of helping people to achieve a desired outcome or result through communication, problem solving, and decision-making.
3. Juggling. The art of keeping multiple objects in the air or in motion simultaneously, usually with the hands.
4. Acrobatics. A form of physical performance in which an artist employs their body as an instrument to perform gymnastic maneuvers in a series of movements.
5. Stilt Walking. The art of walking on stilts to create a spectacle or performance.
6. Clowning. A form of entertainment where an artist uses physical humor and slapstick to create humorous situations.
7. Performance Arts. An umbrella term that encompasses any type of live performance, including theatre, dance, music, puppetry, and circus skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What qualifications are required for a Circus Skills Workshop Facilitator/Clown? A1: A Circus Skills Workshop Facilitator/Clown should have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate and experience in working with children. Q2: How long is a typical Circus Skills Workshop? A2: A typical Circus Skills Workshop runs for around 2 hours. Q3: What activities are included in a Circus Skills Workshop? A3: A Circus Skills Workshop may include activities such as juggling, plate spinning, diabolo, hula-hooping and clowning. Q4: What age groups are suitable for a Circus Skills Workshop? A4: Circus Skills Workshops are suitable for children aged 4 - 12 years old. Q5: What other services can a Circus Skills Workshop Facilitator/Clown provide? A5: A Circus Skills Workshop Facilitator/Clown can also provide entertainment for parties and events, workshops for adults and team-building activities.

What are jobs related with Circus Skills Workshop Facilitator/Clown?

• Physical Comedy Clown
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• Childrens Party Clown
• Parade Float Designer/Clown
• Comedy Juggler/Clown
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Web Resources

• Mime & Clown for Circus | Course Catalog | The New School courses.newschool.edu
• Union College prof uses his skills as circus clown to get subjects ... www.union.edu
• The Sensitivity Training Clown workshop: Enhancing therapeutic ... nyuscholars.nyu.edu