How to Improvise as a Clown

If you've ever wanted to improvise as a clown, now's your chance. Standing in front of a roomful of children is terrifying if you don't know how you will entertain them. If you have a few tricks up your sleeve, however, you can easily improvise as a clown that children love.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Develop a character. You don't want to be "Uncle Bobby." You want to be "Bobo the Hobo." When you develop a character, you become someone else and it's easier to keep up the act. Give your character a name and personality. You can be silly, forgetful or clumsy. All of these things will make children laugh.

2. Learn a skill. Many clowns have a skill that they specialize in. Good skills include magic tricks, balloon twisting and storytelling. One you have a specialized skill, you always have something to fall back on when you're up on stage.

3. Let your audience tell the story. A great way to get the kids involved is to tell a story that they participate in. For example, you may want to say "One day, I went to the store to buy a..." Let the kids fill in the blank. Take what they say and improvise to continue the story.

4. Make mistakes. All children love when they catch an adult making a mistake. Comment on how cold it is when it's really a hot summer day. Talk about your red hair when it's really purple. Small mistakes like this make children laugh and interact with you.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a few classes at a local clown school. If you want to be a clown, it's helpful to get some proper training.