How to Be Clown-for-Hire - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 27, 2023 / 4 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Clowns for hire can provide entertainment for any event, from birthday parties to corporate functions. The effects of hiring a clown to entertain are immense; children and adults alike will be smiling and laughing, creating a joyful atmosphere. Plus, the presence of a clown can help to put everyone at ease, making it easier to get the party started.

Furthermore, with the clown performing their signature tricks like balloon twisting and face painting, your event is sure to be a hit. All in all, a clown for hire is an ideal way to make any event special and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a professional clown costume. This should include a brightly colored wig, oversized clown shoes, and a large, colorful costume.
Take classes in clowning. These classes could be held at a local college or community center, or through an online course. Learn the basics of clowning, such as makeup, balloon twisting, juggling, and other clowning skills.
Practice your new skills. Use family and friends as an audience to help you perfect your clowning routine.
Get certified as a clown-for-hire. Check with your local government or professional clown association to see if they offer certification programs.
Create promotional materials. Make a website, business cards, and flyers to advertise your services. Make sure to include the types of services you offer, the cost of services, and any other important information potential customers should know.
Contact potential customers. Reach out to local businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations that may be interested in hiring a clown-for-hire.
Set up a payment system. Decide how you will be paid for your services and make sure to provide a clear contract outlining all the details of your services.

Clowns for hire need to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies to ensure that they remain efficient and competitive in their business. Keeping up with the latest trends in clowning, such as new makeup techniques, costumes, and performance styles, is important for clowns to remain relevant and attractive to customers. staying up to date with the newest technologies, such as video editing software and social media platforms, can help clowns promote their services more effectively and efficiently.

Finally, good customer service and communication skills are essential for clowns to maintain a successful long-term career. By remaining informed and efficient in their work, clowns for hire can remain competitive and successful.

You may want to check Environmental Education Clown, Clown Workshop Manager, and Childrens Party Clown for alternative.

Job Description

Birthday Party Clown
Corporate Event Clown
Circus Clown
Parade Clown
Festival Clown
Street Entertainer Clown
Corporate Mascot Clown
Balloon Artist Clown
Magician Clown
Face Painter Clown

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to entertain a variety of audiences
Creative and imaginative
Ability to interact with children in a professional manner
Ability to dress up in clown costumes and perform clowning routines
Knowledge of basic clowning techniques
Knowledge of safety regulations
Proficiency in balloon twisting and face painting
Ability to perform physical comedy and juggling
Knowledge of music and sound equipment
Knowledge of basic clowning behavior and etiquette

Having the right skills is essential for becoming a successful clown-for-hire. Being a clown-for-hire requires a wide range of skills and abilities, including strong communication skills, the ability to make people laugh, knowledge of circus tricks and gags, physical agility, and the ability to play a variety of characters. Communication skills are paramount in this role, as clowns are expected to be able to interact with their audience and make them laugh.

having knowledge of circus tricks and gags is important, as it allows the clown to put on a show that will entertain their audience. Physical agility is also necessary, as clowns often perform acrobatics and have to juggle multiple tasks at once. Lastly, the ability to play various characters is essential, as clowns need to be able to switch between personas quickly and effectively.

All of these skills are necessary for a successful clown-for-hire.

Unicycle Performer/Clown, Circus Clown Teacher, and Birthday Party Clown are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you describe your clowning style?
How do you ensure that your performances are age-appropriate?
What safety protocols do you follow when performing?
How do you handle difficult or unruly audiences?
How would you work with a customer to develop a custom performance?
In what ways have you incorporated new technologies and methods into your performances?
What experience do you have with working with vendors and other performers?
How do you stay current on the latest trends in clowning?
How have you developed relationships with customers to ensure repeat business?
What strategies do you use to promote yourself and your services?

Common Tools in Industry

Party Supplies. A variety of decorations, costumes, and props necessary to create a fun and entertaining atmosphere (eg: balloons, pinatas, hats, masks).
Games. Fun activities to keep guests entertained (eg: musical chairs, scavenger hunts, limbo).
Music. A selection of music designed to engage and energize your guests (eg: upbeat pop songs, classic party anthems).
Face Painting. A creative way to decorate guests faces with designs of their choice (eg: animals, superheroes, fantasy creatures).
Magic Tricks. An array of illusions and tricks designed to awe and amaze audiences (eg: card tricks, disappearing acts, levitation).
Balloon Animals. A fun way to make balloon sculptures in the shape of animals (eg: dogs, cats, giraffes).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Clowns of America
World Clown Association
Canadian Association of Professional Clowns
National Association of Professional Clowns
Clowns of America International
European Clown Association
Latin American Clown Association
British Association of Professional Clowns
Australian Clown Federation
Clowns International

We also have Social Circus Artist/Clown, Holiday Event Clown, and Childrens Entertainer/Clown jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Clowning. The art and practice of performing as a clown for entertainment.
Comedy. The use of humor and wit to entertain an audience.
Juggling. The act of keeping multiple objects in the air at once, often with the use of hands or props.
Magic. The art of creating illusions or effects that appear to go against the laws of nature.
Mime. A form of physical performance that uses gestures and body language to convey a story or emotion.
Storytelling. The practice of sharing stories, myths, and legends orally or through writing.
Ventriloquism. The art of imitating voices, often with the aid of a puppet or dummy.