I was recently informed by my office staff that we would be visited by Ringling Clowns and a film crew to shoot a promotional spot for the 2012 Boss Clown Election Debates. The individuals who were running for office were Ringling clowns Michael Richter and Todd Zimmerman. The moderator/MC was Joel Jeske. The debate, which toured nationally prior to the national Presidential election, was an educational effort to inform young students about the political process using comedy and clowning.

What may perhaps come as a surprise to some, is that the competition to become a Ringling Clown is quite fierce. Typically, clowns possess a wide range of skills and talents that go far beyond those demonstrated in the ring for a given show. For 29 years (1968-1997), Ringling clowns were auditioned, admitted, and trained within the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College – around 1,400 clowns were trained during that period. Since the closing of Clown College, clowns are hired through a more conventional theatrical audition practice. Having been a teacher or graduate from Clown College has had a certain cachet – a veritable feather in one’s cap, a fait accompli and demonstration that an individual had the raw talent to be one of the chosen few. There have been many notable alumni who have gone on to work in other venues, such as Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller) and Bill Irwin. You can find Joel Jeske’s bio here.

I have often been asked if my business needs to be located in New York City. The answer is, of course, NO, however, I do have a small but significant retail business which helps offset some of the premium we pay for a Manhattan location. It certainly is a luxury and a privilege to be located here. We enjoy the surprise visits of the illuminati of the entertainment world, most of whom are typically happy to share a little shtick with us – like Bill Irwin, who recently dropped in. To the audience, clowning is light-hearted, whimsical, and fun. But do not be deceived. Clowning around, just like any craft or performance art, is Serious Business 🙂

More people from the juggling/circus world: A Special Serendipitous Meeting, Look How Tall He Is, Fountains of Success, Just Like Them, Smile By Fire, Please Rub Off on Me Just Like Steve Mills, Think Big, The Women, Really Smart Guys, Kind Words, Viktoria’s Secret, Artiste Extraordinaire, Circus Amok