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Circus Clowns Have Specific Duties During Each Show, but They Are Actually on Call the Entire Time

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Circus Clowns Have Specific Duties During Each Show, but They Are Actually on Call the Entire Time At the Ringling Bros. and Barnum care center. He studied business in & Bailey Clown College, recruits are college but still dreamed of becoming taught the basics such as juggling a circus clown. and acrobatics. Then comes on-the- aylor Albin is having a lot In 2009, Albin learned that Ring- job training. of fun. Dressed in an out- ling Bros. was holding open clown au- "We continue to teach you through fit so colorful it looks as if ditions in New York City, so he tried your first year on tour," Albin says. he walked through a rain- out. He was invited to join the show a "Youwork with Ringling Bros. clowns, bow, the wacky-haired Ringling Bros. year later, and today Albin is the Boss but you also attend workshops that clown is performing before a group Clown with the Red Unit, one of three teach new skills and enhance old ones." prior to the big show, and the laughter Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Also important is a clown's individ- is deafening. shows that travel the United States uallook. Recruits learn how to design During a routine involving a strength each year. their personal makeup, and how to put machine, Albin encourages a little girl "I work with 12 of the funniest it on and take it off. to try her luck by striking the device people on Earth, and sometimes Large circuses such as Ringling with a huge mallet. She gives it her that can be a little crazy," Albin, 27, Bros. and Barnum & Bailey play best shot, sending Albin's companion says. "I make sure we're making our huge arenas around the country, and flying out of his pants while the audi- cues, that we look good and that all a clown's makeup must be as visible encehowls. the props are ready. Of course, at the to those sitting in the back as it is to Albin is all smiles. Making people end of the day, you have to make sure those in the front row. laugh is his job. you're having fun." "That's one big reason why we paint our faces," Albin says. "We have Goal: Joy and Laughter Get Your Clown On these big, exaggerated expressions, That Albin works for Ringling Bros. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bai- and when we smile they come to life and Barnum & Bailey Circus is no sur- ley Circus has its own clown school. for everyone." prise to all who know him. Growing There are several other clown schools up in Texas, Albin attended the circus across the United States, such as New Keys to the Show whenever it came to town. York Goofs in New York City and Cir- The typical circus show lasts about "I remember seeing the clowns and cus Center in San Francisco. two and a half hours, and clowns play thinking, 'Wow, they bring joy and "There are also a lot of circus-arts an important role. Albin and his crew laughter all across the country. I want programs, as well as regional clown perform two spotlight acts - recently, to do that someday,''' he recalls. clubs that entertain during parades a soap gag featuring a lot of slippery As a teen, Albin honed his clowning and other local events," Albin says. "So suds and a spoof of America's Got skills by putting on shows for church you really can get started in clowning Talent called "Clowns Got Talent" - youth groups and at his mother's day- at a young age." but they also participate in all of the 44 BOYS· LIPE •• OCTOBER 2015 show's production numbers. "IT. Barnum said clowns are the pegs on which the circus is hung, and that is so true," Albin says. "We really are woven in and around the entire show. In fact, we even have a pre-show that starts one hour before every show. This is the one chance people have to go onto the arena floor, try on vintage costumes and meet the stars, and we clowns are there the whole time. That's one of my favorite activities." Circus clowns have specific duties during each show, but they are actually on call the entire time. "We have to be able to cover differ- ent parts of the show if things don't quite work out," Albin explains. "For example, there was an act that featured a cart pulled by a donkey. One show, the donkey wasn't able to perform, so the clowns got to go out and pretend to be the donkey." Being a circus clown can be great fun, but there are challenges. The cir- cus travels nearly 11 months a year, which is a long time for performers to be away from friends and family. However, being a circus clown also presents some unique opportunities. Clowns get to travel the country and work with some amazing people. In- cluding an aerialist from China who competed in the 2008 Summer Olym- pics, Albin works with performers from more than 17different countries. "Experiencing their cultures and their traditions is incredible." .•.• JOB FACTS: CLOWN clowns can be found with other SALARY: Ringling Bros. clowns WHAT TO EXPECT: Circus clowns are circuses, including Cirque du Soleil, work under individually negotiated specially trained to entertain audi- and with regional clown organiza- contracts based on experience and ences while both in the spotlight and tions, which entertain audiences skill level. around other acts. Theyalso help during parades and other events. FOR MORE INFO: Ringling Bros. out when something doesn't go as EDUCATION: There are several and Barnum & Bailey Circus: planned during a show. clown schools around the country, go. boyslife .org/ringling JOB OUTLOOK: The Ringling Bros. including Ringling Bros. and Cirque du Soleil: and Barnum & Bailey Circus is the Barnum & Bailey Clown College go. boysl ife. 0 rg/ ci rq uedusoleil largest touring circus in the United (in various changing locations), States, with three traveling units. New York Goofs in New York City World Clown Association: Additional job opportunities for and Circus Center in San Francisco. go.boyslife.org/worldclown BOYS' LIPE •• OCTOBER 2015 45.
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