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

May 27, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Party clowns are a popular way to add excitement and entertainment to any event. When they are present, the atmosphere of the party can instantly become more vibrant and lively. The presence of a clown can cause a variety of effects, such as an increase in laughter, amusement, and joy among the guests.

having a clown around can also encourage more interaction between the guests as they may feel more comfortable to approach the clown and ask for jokes or tricks. Furthermore, a clown's presence can also help alleviate any awkward moments that may occur during the event. party clowns can be an effective way to create a more enjoyable atmosphere for all of the guests.

Steps How to Become

Take a clowning class to learn the basics of clowning, such as makeup techniques, costume design, balloon tricks and comedy. This can help you create a persona for your clown character and refine any existing clowning skills.
Research the type of clown you would like to be. There are many types of clowns, such as children's birthday clowns, circus clowns, mimes, and costumed characters.
Purchase the necessary supplies to become a clown, such as a large clown shoes, colorful clothing, a wig, makeup and props such as silly hats and wands.
Plan your act. This includes what type of jokes you will tell and any magic tricks or stunts you want to perform. Practice your act in front of friends and family until you are confident in your routine.
Advertise your services as a party clown. You can do this by creating flyers, business cards, and posting ads on websites like Craigslist. Also consider networking with local party planners and event coordinators.
Obtain any necessary permits or licenses from your local government to operate as a business.
Create a portfolio that includes pictures of your clown character and your act, to show potential clients what you can do.
Show up to the party on time, dressed in your clown costume, and perform your act as agreed upon with the client. Provide a fun and safe environment for the event guests.

A reliable and capable clown for a party requires a few key elements. First, it is important to find someone with a good reputation, who has a track record of success at other parties. Second, the clown should have a wide variety of activities and entertainment that will keep the audience engaged and entertained.

Third, the clown should be able to perform under pressure and be able to adjust their performance if needed. Finally, the clown should have excellent communication skills when working with young children and parents. All of these elements combined will ensure that the party clown is reliable and capable of delivering a successful event for all involved.

You may want to check Clown Mentor, Goodwill Ambassador/Clown, and Childrens Party Clown for alternative.

Job Description

Set up decorations and activities for parties
Facilitate games and activities for guests
Help organize and distribute party favors
Lead group activities and provide entertainment
Interact with guests in a friendly and engaging manner
Coordinate with other vendors to ensure a successful event
Clean up after the event and help pack away decorations
Assist with food preparation and serving
Assist with setup and cleanup of the party venue
Maintain a safe and secure environment for the guests

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to interact with children and adults
Ability to manage a group of children and keep them entertained
Creative ability to come up with fun activities
Knowledge of different types of party games
Ability to improvise and think on the spot
Experience with face painting and balloon animals
Strong communication skills
Punctuality
Reliability
A cheerful, outgoing personality

Having the right skills can be the difference between being a successful party clown and an unsuccessful one. The most important skill for a party clown is the ability to engage and entertain guests of all ages. A great party clown should be able to engage with children, adults, and even seniors.

they should be able to work well with other performers and understand their role in any given show. It is also important for a party clown to be creative and have great improvisational skills to be able to adjust to any situation that may arise during the performance. Finally, they should have strong communication skills in order to keep the audience interested and engaged throughout the show.

Possessing these skills can help a party clown create an unforgettable experience for the guests and ensure their success as an entertainer.

Circus Skills Workshop Facilitator/Clown, Parade Float Designer/Clown, and Birthday Party Clown are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How long have you been a party clown?
What kind of clowning experience do you have?
How do you interact with children and adults at parties?
Describe a situation when you had to quickly resolve a problem at a party.
How do you handle difficult personalities or people who don't take your performance seriously?
How do you handle large groups of children?
What type of clowning skills do you have?
Do you have any special talents you can use in your clowning performances?
How do you keep your energy levels up throughout a long party?
Describe a funny situation that happened to you while performing as a clown.

Common Tools in Industry

Face Paint. Used to apply brightly colored designs to the face of party guests. (eg: stars, animals, etc. )
Balloon Animals. Used to create balloon sculptures, such as dogs, cats, and other animals. (eg: balloon swords, hats, etc. )
Magic Tricks. Used to entertain guests with illusions, sleight of hand, and other tricks. (eg: card tricks, vanishing coins, etc. )
Music/Dance. Used to entertain guests with music and/or dance. (eg: playing popular songs, performing choreographed dances, etc. )
Games/Activities. Used to organize and lead games or activities for the guests. (eg: scavenger hunts, pin the tail on the donkey, etc. )
Costumes/Props. Used to provide props or costumes for guests to wear or use. (eg: hats, wigs, mustaches, etc. )

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Family Entertainment Centers (IAFEC)
National Association of Mobile Entertainers (NAME)
Clowns of America International (COAI)
World Clown Association (WCA)
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)
National Association for Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO)
International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA)
National Association of Campus Activities (NACA)
Christian Camp & Conference Association (CCCA)
American Special Events Professionals (ASEP)

We also have Stilt Walker/Clown, Mime Artist/Clown, and Professional Clown jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Face Painting. A form of body art in which paint is applied to the face to create an artistic design.
Balloon Twisting. The art of creating sculptures and decorations out of balloons.
Magic Tricks. Illusions used to entertain an audience, often involving sleight of hand.
Joke Telling. The art of telling funny stories or jokes to amuse an audience.
Games. Activities meant to entertain and challenge participants.
Music/Dancing. The use of music and dance to entertain an audience.
Puppetry. The manipulation of puppets to create a performance.
Ventriloquism. The art of speaking without moving ones lips or jaw, often used for comedic effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main services offered by a Party Clown?

Party Clowns typically offer services such as face painting, balloon twisting, magic shows, and games for children's birthday parties and other special events.

How much does it cost to hire a Party Clown?

The cost of hiring a Party Clown can vary greatly depending on the services requested, location, duration of the event, and other factors. Generally, rates for Party Clowns range from $50-$200 per hour.

How far in advance should I book a Party Clown?

It is recommended to book a Party Clown at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability.

What qualifications should a Party Clown have?

The qualifications required to become a Party Clown vary depending on the region and country. Generally, Party Clowns should have experience in performing arts such as clowning, magic, balloon twisting, and face painting. They should also have the appropriate safety qualifications and insurance.