What is it Like to Be a Professional Clown?

A clown's life is as colorful and varied as their costumes. The profession often conjures images of red noses, oversized shoes, and performing silly antics at children's parties. However, the real role of a professional clown extends far beyond these perceptions. Clowns play a significant part in various venues such as sick children's hospitals, store openings, elderly care facilities, and even in ceremonies and restaurants. This versatile role can even extend to clown ministries, a genuine phenomenon where clowns offer their entertainments for pastoral, outreach, or humanitarian purposes.

Inside a Clown's Mind

Becoming a professional clown requires a unique blend of creativity, physical prowess, and emotional resilience. Clowns are renowned for their ability to perform comedy and animate the audience through their physical comedy. They often wear elaborate and flamboyant costumes that reflect their zany persona. Clowns thrive in an environment that promotes an open-minded approach, encouraging audiences to embrace laughter and joy in their diverse settings.

Striking a Balance: Clown and Everyday Life

While the life of a professional clown may sound glamorous, it is not entirely separate from everyday experiences. I, for one, have not donned a red nose or worn shoes with inflatable toes, but I have a deep appreciation for the art of performing in public. There is a certain charm in being whimsical and silly, even if it is not part of your daily routine. This sense of whimsy can be seen in my own performances and those of my dear friend Laurence Backer, a brilliant musician and humanitarian.

Learning from a Clown Partner

Laurence has a magnetic way of making everything fun through his rampant silliness. He wears outlandish hats, jumps off stages, and engages with the audience in unconventional ways. His ability to get people to laugh, even those who are hesitant, is remarkable. During his performances, he often spontaneously alters song lyrics to add a humorous twist. Such moments, as in the song Hey Paul, highlight his genuine clownish spirit.

Having such a force of fun as a partner certainly inspires me to become more spontaneous in my performances. It is challenging to maintain such a level of unpredictability when performing alone, but Laurence's influence has been instrumental in helping me bring a more lively and engaging performance to the stage.

Conclusion

The life of a professional clown is a unique blend of art and entertainment, requiring a specific set of skills and a passionate dedication to joy. Whether they perform in a children's hospital, a birthday party, or a ceremony, clowns play a crucial role in spreading laughter and happiness. The spirit of a clown, with its blend of creativity, spontaneity, and humor, is a testament to the joy they bring to the world.