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

Nov 18, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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FAQ

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Theatre clowns have long been known to provide audience members with entertainment and laughter. With their unique comedy and physicality, they often captivate audiences of all ages. Theatre clowns rely on a variety of techniques to bring their characters to life, from costumes and makeup to exaggerated facial expressions and body language.

However, these clowns also have an important purpose: to make the audience think. By introducing a situation that has a cause-and-effect outcome, theatre clowns are able to show their audience how their decisions have consequences. The clowns often use this technique to create a moral lesson for the audience, helping them understand the importance of making good choices.

This can be seen in many skits, such as those in Cirque du Soleil, where the clowns use physical comedy to demonstrate how choices can lead to both positive and negative effects. Theatre clowns are not only entertaining, but they are also teaching us valuable lessons.

Steps How to Become

Learn basic clowning skills like juggling, magic tricks, prop comedy, and slapstick comedy. Practice these skills until you become proficient.
Take classes or workshops on clowning or street theater performance. Learn techniques to engage an audience and create a show that people will remember.
Create your own clown persona. Choose a clown name, costume, and makeup. Develop a character and come up with a variety of jokes and gags that fit with the character.
Find a street theater troupe to join or start your own. Street theater troupes typically perform in public places like parks, plazas, and other outdoor areas.
Rehearse with your troupe and practice your performance skills. Work together to create a unique show that will entertain and engage the audience.
Perform your street theater show in public. Be creative and interactive with the audience to make the show memorable.
Promote your show by handing out flyers and creating a website or social media page for your troupe. Ask local businesses to post your flyers and spread the word about your show.

Staying ahead and qualified as a Street Theatre Clown requires a dedication to honing skills and staying up to date with the latest trends in comedy. Regular practice, training, and research of the craft should be part of every Street Theatre Clown's routine. To stay ahead and qualified, clowns must have an understanding of comedic timing, improvisation, physical comedy, and audience interaction.

They must also have knowledge of popular culture and current events to incorporate into their performance. clowns should stay informed on the safety regulations of their performances and use the proper equipment to ensure the safety of both themselves and their audience. By consistently engaging in these practices, Street Theatre Clowns can stay ahead and qualified in their field.

You may want to check Birthday Party Clown, Emcee/Clown, and Clown Costume Designer for alternative.

Job Description

Performers: Perform comedy and circus acts, juggling, mime, magic and other stunts and pranks
Costume Designers: Design and create costumes for clowns to wear for performances
Makeup Artists: Create special effects and apply makeup to clowns for performances
Musicians: Accompany clowns with live music for performances
Directors: Work with performers to create a show that is entertaining and engaging for audiences
Writers: Develop scripts and stories for clown performances
Producers: Manage and coordinate the production of a show from start to finish
Stage Managers: Oversee the technical aspects of a show, such as lights, sound, and props
Publicists: Promote the show and generate excitement with the public
Educators: Teach classes on clowning, improvisation and physical comedy

Skills and Competencies to Have

Acting: Ability to create and perform a character on stage.
Improv: Ability to think quickly and make up stories or jokes in the moment.
Mime: Ability to communicate without speaking, using gestures and body movements.
Physical Comedy: Ability to use physical comedy (slapstick, pratfalls, etc. ) to get a laugh.
Juggling: Ability to juggle multiple objects at once.
Acrobatics: Ability to perform basic acrobatic stunts and tricks.
Makeup Artistry: Ability to apply stage makeup for clowns and other characters.
Costume Design: Ability to create and design costumes for clowns and other characters.
Dance: Ability to perform basic dance moves for a comedic effect.
Music: Ability to play a musical instrument or sing for comedic effect.

Having the ability to be an engaging and entertaining theatre clown is an important skill to have. Being able to engage with the audience and make them laugh through jokes, physical comedy, and clever improvisation is essential for any successful theatre clown. Having a good understanding of timing, facial expressions, and body language are also important to make a good impression on the audience.

Furthermore, having a good knowledge of different types of props and their uses can further enhance the performance of a theatre clown. By being able to combine all these elements, a theatre clown can create an unforgettable experience for the audience and leave them wanting more.

Parade Float Designer/Clown, Childrens Entertainer/Clown, and Clown Mentor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What do you think makes a good street theatre clown?
How do you come up with ideas for your street theatre clown act?
What kind of physicality do you bring to your street theatre clown act?
What do you think is the most important part of a successful street theatre clown performance?
How do you handle audience interaction in your street theatre clown routines?
What kind of props do you use in your street theatre clown act?
How do you prepare for a street theatre clown performance?
What challenges have you faced while performing as a street theatre clown?
How do you handle hecklers during your street theatre clown act?
What tips would you give to someone starting out in street theatre clowning?

Common Tools in Industry

Makeup Kit. Essential items such as foundation, eyeshadow, and lipstick to help create a unique clown look. (eg: bright colors, face paint, etc. )
Costume. A colorful and funny outfit to wear while performing. (eg: suspenders, bright colors, oversized shoes, etc. )
Props. Items used to create a fun atmosphere, including juggling pins and balls, hula hoops, and rubber chickens. (eg: juggling pins, balloon animals, magic tricks, etc. )
Music. Music to accompany your performance, such as CDs, iPods, or a live band. (eg: upbeat music, circus-style tunes, etc. )
Audience Participation. Invite the audience to join in the fun with activities like balloon animals or a clown parade. (eg: clown parade, interactive games, etc. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Clowns of America International
The American Clown Academy
The World Clown Association
The International Jugglers Association
The International Brotherhood of Magicians
The American Guild of Variety Artists
The International Society of Circus Performers
The World Federation of Friends of Street Theatre
The European Juggling Association
The International Street Performers Alliance

We also have Circus Clown Teacher, Magician/Clown, and Face Painter/Clown jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Clowning. A form of physical comedy and performance art in which the performer, or clown, wears a mismatched costume and exaggerates facial features and body movements.
Pantomime. A form of theatre in which the performers use only their bodies and facial expressions to tell a story without speaking.
Juggle. To keep several objects in the air at the same time, often using balls or clubs.
Stilt Walking. A circus art in which the performer stands on stilts to create a caricature of a character or creature.
Magic Tricks. Illusions and tricks used in theatre and performance art to create an effect of surprise and amazement.
Fire Eating. A circus trick in which the performer puts a flaming object in their mouth or holds it in their hand for a short period of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Street Theatre Clown?

Street Theatre Clown is a form of live performance art that combines elements of mime, juggling, clowning, and physical comedy with music and audience interaction.

What techniques are used in Street Theatre Clown?

Street Theatre Clown uses techniques such as physical comedy, clowning, mime, improvisation, juggling, acrobatics, and audience participation.

How long does a typical Street Theatre Clown performance last?

Street Theatre Clown performances typically last from 15 minutes to an hour.

What type of audience is best suited for Street Theatre Clown?

Street Theatre Clown is best suited for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

What skills are needed to be a successful Street Theatre Clown?

To be a successful Street Theatre Clown, one must have strong physical comedy skills, excellent improvisational skills, and the ability to engage and entertain an audience.