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

The rise in the popularity of storyteller and clowns has had a significant effect on the entertainment industry. People of all ages, from children to adults, are finding joy in their unique performances. As a result, demand for storytellers and clowns has grown significantly.

This has created a new market for entertainers, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talent and make a living from their work. the increased demand for storytellers and clowns has also led to the emergence of new companies offering related services, such as event planning and production management. Furthermore, it has increased the visibility of the entertainment industry, encouraging more people to pursue careers in this field.

Steps How to Become

  1. Research different types of storytelling and clowning. Learn about the history of storytelling and clowning, read books, watch videos and attend workshops.
  2. Develop your own style. Experiment with different characters, voices and props to develop a unique approach to your storytelling and clowning.
  3. Practice regularly. Practice makes perfect! Dedicate time each week to developing your storytelling and clowning skills.
  4. Build a repertoire. Learn different stories and routines so you can perform for different audiences.
  5. Get some experience. Look for opportunities to perform at schools, libraries, corporate events and more.
  6. Network and market yourself. Make connections with other storytellers and clowns, and use social media and other marketing techniques to promote yourself as a storyteller or clown.

Being a reliable and competent storyteller/clown requires a variety of skills and attributes. Preparing for a performance involves researching, rehearsing and developing a script that is both entertaining and informative. one must be able to improvise and think on their feet when necessary.

A good storyteller/clown also needs to have excellent communication and public speaking skills, as well as the ability to engage with their audience. Furthermore, the successful storyteller/clown must possess a creative mind in order to come up with new ideas, as well as the confidence to perform in front of a crowd. All of these elements contribute to the successful performance of a reliable and competent storyteller/clown.

You may want to check Magician/Clown, Visual Arts Clown, and Animal Trainer/Clown for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Design and perform interactive performances for a variety of audiences.
  2. Create, develop and rehearse stories and comedic sketches.
  3. Use physical comedy, mime, improvisation, music, puppetry and other techniques to bring stories to life.
  4. Work with directors to ensure all material is appropriate for the intended audience.
  5. Incorporate audience participation into performance.
  6. Participate in promotional activities for shows or events.
  7. Design props and costumes for performances.
  8. Develop educational workshops related to storytelling and clowning.
  9. Adapt stories and performances to accommodate special needs audiences.
  10. Maintain a variety of props and equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Creative Writing
  2. Improvisation
  3. Acting
  4. Physical Comedy
  5. Ventriloquism
  6. Puppetry
  7. Music
  8. Juggling
  9. Magic
  10. Audiobook Narration
  11. Writing Jokes/Skits
  12. Public Speaking
  13. Interacting with Audiences
  14. Slapstick/Facial Expressions
  15. Miming

Storytelling and clowning are two skills that are essential for any successful entertainer. A storyteller must have the ability to create engaging narratives with vivid characters and captivating plots. They must also be able to draw an audience in with their words and expressions.

A clown, on the other hand, must be able to make people laugh with their physical comedy and use of props. Both skills require creativity, improvisation, and the ability to connect with an audience. Being a successful storyteller or clown requires being able to think on the spot, being able to connect with the audience, and being able to adapt to different situations.

With these skills, any storyteller or clown can successfully entertain an audience and leave them wanting more.

Balloon Sculptor/Clown, Clown-for-Hire, and Parade Clown are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

  • What inspired you to become a storyteller/clown?
  • What do you feel is the most important element of being a successful storyteller/clown?
  • How do you create unique and engaging stories for your audience?
  • What challenges have you encountered as a storyteller/clown?
  • How have you incorporated new technologies into your performances?
  • What techniques do you use to capture and maintain the attention of your audience?
  • What kind of stories do you like to tell?
  • How do you create memorable characters?
  • What qualities make you an effective storyteller/clown?
  • How do you work with groups of children or adults to ensure they have a positive experience?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Props. Items used as part of a performance, such as masks, hats, balloons, etc. (eg: a clown nose)
  2. Makeup. Used to create a look or character for a performance. (eg: face paint)
  3. Music. Used to create a mood or atmosphere. (eg: a kazoo)
  4. Jokes. Used to deliver comedic moments in a performance. (eg: knock-knock jokes)
  5. Costumes. Used to create a character or look for a performance. (eg: a clown wig)
  6. Improvisation. Acting without a script or plan and creating scenes on the spot. (eg: making up a skit on the fly)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. Clowns of America International
  2. International Jugglers Association
  3. Association for the Promotion of Storytelling
  4. Mime Troupe International
  5. Puppeteers of America
  6. International Brotherhood of Magicians
  7. Society of American Magicians
  8. The World Clown Association
  9. American Guild of Variety Artists
  10. American Guild of Musical Artists

We also have Clinical Clown, Clown Educator, and Parade Float Designer/Clown jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Improvisation. Improvisation is the act of devising and creating a performance on the spot, without prior preparation.
  2. Comedy. Comedy is a form of entertainment, typically involving humorous dialogue and performances, intended to make an audience laugh.
  3. Joke-telling. Joke-telling is the art of telling a humorous story or joke, usually with a punchline, to an audience.
  4. Physical Comedy. Physical comedy is a type of comedy that involves exaggerated physical movements and expressions to create comedic effects.
  5. Mime. Mime is a form of performance art in which a performer conveys a story or scene without words, solely through body movement and gesture.
  6. Audience Participation. Audience participation is a form of entertainment in which audience members are actively involved in the performance, often by being asked to participate in some way.
  7. Clowning. Clowning is a type of performance art in which a clown uses various comedic techniques, such as slapstick, visual gags, and satire, to entertain an audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Storyteller and a Clown?

Storytellers typically engage an audience through storytelling, while clowns use humor, physical comedy, and other performance arts to entertain.

What kind of topics do Storytellers usually cover?

Storytellers can cover a wide variety of topics, including folklore, fables, myths, and personal stories.

How long is the average Storyteller performance?

The length of a Storyteller's performance can vary greatly, but most performances tend to last between 45 minutes and one hour.

What skills are needed to be a successful Clown?

To be a successful Clown, one must have good comedic timing, strong improvisational skills, and the ability to interact with an audience.

How many props does a Clown typically use?

A Clown can use anywhere from 1 to 10 props during a performance, depending on their individual style.

Web Resources

  • Children’s Book Festival to feature storyteller, clown livingstone.edu
  • Be a DelVal Storyteller | Delaware Valley University delval.edu
  • Creepy Clown Story | USC Digital Folklore Archives folklore.usc.edu
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