Over the past 10 years, clowning has increased in popularity. "It's growing
steadily," says clown Betty Cash.
Religious clowns -- who visit churches and bring humor to religious teachings
-- are gaining in popularity. Hospitals are also beginning to hire staff clowns
to cheer up patients.
The Cirque du Soleil, like other circuses, doesn't hire many clowns. The
ones it does hire often perform many different kinds of acts or have other
skills that can be used in the show. The trend is to hire more generalist
artists that can do many different kinds of acts, says Chantelle Cousineau
of the Cirque du Soleil.
However, this doesn't mean that a clown can't find work at a circus. "One
of the reasons we don't hire as many clowns is because it's hard to find a
good clown. If we find one, we'll take them," says Cousineau. "We also have
to find backups for the clowns because their schedule is so busy."
Clowns will always be needed for festivals and party events, especially
those that have fresh and original acts. Those that hire out their services
for festivals, parades and birthday parties can work at as many or as few
events as they wish.
Circus acts may have to work longer, less flexible hours. "Our clowns do
11 shows per week -- and many different acts within the show," says Cousineau.
"Including preparation, they work long, hard hours."
Preparation takes time. "On average, a one-hour show eats up about three
and a half to four hours. Add preparation time, travel, performance and cleanup,"
says Rick Struve, a clown in Wisconsin.
There's little money in clowning. "This isn't a lucrative business," says
Cash. "You can make a living, but you won't get rich."
Clowns' income varies depending on their location and how many contracts
they are able to find. Circus acts have more regular salaries and have food
and lodging paid for by the company.
Clowning around can be hard work. Many acts combine juggling, acrobatics
and gymnastics into the routine, and you have to be fit and coordinated to
do these tricks. Even twisting balloons all day at a fair -- and keeping a
smile on your face while you do it -- can be hard work.
Because attention is constantly focused on a clown, and because they're
required to be funny, the work can be draining. "It's hard work to be a clown,"
says Cousineau. "It takes all their energy to work the crowd." And crowds
have to be pleased, no matter what mood they're in.
"At the circus, it's always a different performance and you won't get the
same reaction," she says. "It takes a lot of experience to be able to play
to every kind of crowd."
Examine your personality before you decide to begin clowning. "You have
to like people and you have to have a good sense of humor," says Cash. She
believes these are the two most important aspects of clowning. If you do have
these traits, then you can probably make it as a clown.
You probably won't get hired right away in a prestigious company or at
high-profile events. You might have to work for free or do it as a hobby until
you build up experience. "We hire people who have a lot of experience," says
Cousineau of the famous Cirque du Soleil. "We recruit worldwide."
While it may be just a dream to get in with such a prestigious circus,
it's always a good idea to check out any groups when they come to town.
Also, go to as many local shows as you can to see what tricks clowns are
using with a crowd. "Watch clowns and see if it's something that appeals to
you," says Struve. "Loving kids helps, as that tends to be your target audience."
Earnings and employment information from the U.S. Department of Labor is
not available for this field at this time.