How to Get Paid as a Clown

You've worked hard to develop your clown character. Your clown makeup is perfect, and you have a new clown costume. Perhaps you've learned some clown skills such as juggling, face painting or magic tricks and have chosen your clown's name. Learn how to take your talents another step further to get paid as a clown.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Refine the Act

1. Decide where you'll perform. Clowns get paid to entertain at birthday parties, community and family celebrations, holiday and sporting events and corporate outings, as well as hospitals, nursing homes, parades, fairs, restaurants, cruises, trade shows and schools.
2. Figure out who you'll entertain, such as the age group. For example, you may want to perform for seniors in nursing homes.
3. Determine the skills you'll feature, such as juggling, face painting, balloon animals, magic, puppets and games.

Create a Marketing Plan

4. Create an outline and include details of where you'll perform, what you'll include in your show and the age group.
5. Determine how much you want to charge per hour. Check with other clowns to find out how much they charge to get an idea of the rates in your area.
6. Decide what types of payment you'll accept, such as cash, checks or credit cards and add to your outline.
7. Make a note of where you want to be in five years. Include any clown skills you want to learn in order to grow as a performer.

Protect Yourself

8. Purchase liability insurance for entertainers, available from such companies as Specialty Insurance Agency, which was started by Al Fellerman, a Shriners clown.
9. Find out about your state and federal tax laws. Keep track of your earnings and set money aside for taxes.
10. Consult your state government office to register the name of your clown business.
11. Set up a business checking account at a local bank.
12. Create a client contract for all parties to sign before you perform, so everyone understands what you'll charge and when you'll be paid. In the contract, outline what you'll do at the performance and explain your returned checks policy.

Advertise Effectively

13. Target your audience. For example, if you want to perform for children, advertise in parent's magazines and newspapers and on bulletin boards at pediatricians' offices and supermarkets.
14. Create a business card and brochure, or contact your local printer to create them for you.
15. Make your first few performances free of charge or at a reduced rate in exchange for references and referrals.
16. Sign up with a local entertainment agency. You can find one in your telephone book or online.
17. Network with other clowns in your area. Join a clown club such as Clowns of America International, which offers a list of all their clubs on the website.

Create Referrals

18. Make a good impression on your client because the word of mouth is your best advertisement. Arrive on time and stay as long as you have agreed to in the contract. Plan ahead and be organized to make your performance run smoothly.
19. Provide your business cards and brochures when you leave. Leave a critique form for your client to fill out, and provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Ask your client for referrals and references.
20. Follow up with a phone call a few days after your performance. Make the necessary changes to improve your next performance.

Keep the Act Fresh

21. Join a clown club to learn more about clowning as well as the newest trends in the profession.
22. Take online courses such as the ones at the Academy of Performing Arts in Clowning.
23. Read clown books like "The Birthday Party Business: How to Make a Living as a Children's Entertainer," from Piccadilly Books.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't step out of your comfort zone. For example, if hospitals make you edgy, your performance will suffer, and you won't get a referral.
• Due to the prevalence of child predators, avoid the use of affection. Let children approach you.
• Don't give out toys or balloons that can be a choking hazard to small children.
• Create a list of clowns who can substitute for you in case you can't make a performance.
• Respect those who fear clowns, and don't approach anyone who wants to be left alone.
• Don't be tempted to charge rates substantially lower than other clowns in your area. You will reduce your chances to network with other performers.

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