Clown jobs(Also known as Jester, Entertainer)
A clown is a public entertainer who dresses in outlandish attire and attempts to please audiences with comical and chaotic behaviour. Clowns are typically hired to entertain children at events such as birthday parties and public gatherings. Clowns have been a popular form of entertainer since before the time of Ancient Greece, and in the UK, their popularity exploded with the introduction of Philip Astley’s universal show in the late 18th Century. They typically wear exaggerated clothing in the “grotesque” classical style: large shoes, red noses, large wigs, colourful clothing and wild accessories. The clown is a public entertainer, commissioned for gatherings or personal appearances for the amusement of the hirer. Even today, hundreds of years later, the market for clowning in the UK is alive and well. Most clowns are freelance entertainers, available for bookings for special events, fêtes and parties. Some are able to find work with travelling circuses or on the fixed entertainment circuit, such as performances in holiday resorts or at commercial functions. Most, though, choose to freelance, travelling wherever the booking may take them. They will tell jokes, stories, perform slapstick routines and involve the audiences in an attempt to make them laugh and enjoy the performance.
SalaryDue to the freelance nature of the role, there is not a typical salary as such. Candidates normally begin with low-key children's parties whilst they develop their routine and create additional bookings through word-of-mouth marketing. A clown starting out with a limited circuit of bookings may expect to earn in the region of £5,000 per annum, and will normally run the business as an ancillary to an unrelated full-time job. Some become very popular after an extended time on the entertainment circuit, and can receive up to £25,000 in show revenue. Like many freelance professions, it is often down to the level of input from the candidate, and quite a bit of luck.
- Design outfit and accessories to enable an effective. slapstick performance, by use of relevant props and materials.
- Arrive at established “show” area and perform as per the hiring agent's expectations.
- Establish word-of-mouth advertising in the local area to encourage further future bookings.
- Manage diary of ongoing work.
- Be punctual, entertaining and approachable.
- Manage administrative functions of the “sole-trader” business.
QualificationsThere are no formal academic barriers to entry, although a GCSE in drama or a BTEC in performing arts can be useful in learning the skills necessary to conduct a public performance, and to overcome nerves. Many clowns do actually come from an academic background in drama, as it is often this which catalyses the desire to enter performance arts. Clowning is still one of the most unusual and character-driven areas of performance art.
- Understanding of audience expectations for performance quality and authenticity.
- Understanding of marketing or advertising techniques, at least on a local basis, to increase bookings and revenue.
- Be able to design, procure and implement clothing and accessories to enable effective live performance.
- Ability to speak in public without trepidation.
- Ability to handle changing audience expectations, especially where children are concerned.
- Be able to appreciably handle health and safety requirements during the show, for the safety and enjoyment of all.
Working ConditionsMost areas of performance art would tend to be classed as low-risk working environments, and clowning is no different. It is, however, worth being respectful of the fact that shows are conducted around hot stage lighting, and consequently, live electrics. Also, because the shows are being performed in close proximity to the public, it is essential that the well-being of audiences is a consideration also. The role also involves a great deal of driving, and sometimes, the method of transportation can also form part of the act; for example, the clown may utilise an old Volkswagen camper, again decorated in an appropriate manner.
ExperienceClowning is a relatively easy business to set up from scratch, requiring only a costume, props and a mode of transport. Most clowns begin with small children’s shows for birthday parties within the home, and then progress as they develop their act and establish a client base for repeat custom.
EmployersMost clowns operate either on their own as a ‘one man band’, or in a pair or trio. For this reason, there are no major employers as such, although some choose to join a full-time entertainment tour, such as with a renowned circus like Chipperfield’s in the UK, or Continental Circus Berlin in Germany. Although seen as something of a dying art over the last few decades, some American and European shows still attract big crowds, and competition for audition is hotly contested.
Tommy Templar works as a self-employed clown for hire, and also as a magician. His clown alter ego is Cheeko the Clown, who is a very popular entertainer in Scotland.