I just graduated from clown class and have already spent more than my husbad ever dreamed for the costume.It there a way for a beginner to make money..I dont do parties not good enough....yet.My main goal is working for www.smileaide.com but lets face it on one income and illness then what can a clown do?

Can you do balloon sculptures? You could probably perform in a restuarant setting in the evening at a local restuarant that has a family night or is busy on a certain night. You don't even need to be clown, just some type of entertainer dress. Vest, hat etc. Or face painting can be a way to make money. Again it doesn't even need to be a clown. Both could be as a clown. But some restuarant may not want a clown. You can probably make 25 to 50 dollars an hour doing balloons or face painting. Good Luck. Purchase or make some business cards. Any questions email me I am registered with this group

It might be tough to ask a new clown to perform for a fee. Unless you have previous performance background it takes a while to build an act, develop skills, and perform with confidence. You could have a bake sale? One of my friends sells little props and costume items and uses the money to support her caring clowning.

Here's another idea. "Ask for It"!!! I do! A local store or church or women's group. Ask the smileaide people. They may have small amounts of grant money. One of the alleys here in Arizona raise money from their dues and provide small grants to worthy individuals and programs every year. You could also tell some group that if they sponsor you for a year you will give them an exclusive presentation at the end of the year telling of your experiences. Keep a diary and I promise you will be able to share some wonderful heart warming stories that will make them want to support you again.

It's sounds like it's probably too late for you, but initially a clown can get a pretty nice starting costume for under $50, which includes shoes, by shopping at a thrift shop. It may take going back a few times. That's where I got my first costume and I still use it 7 years later. I have the expensive professional shoes but I use them 1% of the time. 99% of the time I use oversize thrift shoes that are painted with acylic paint. You can see pictures if you look at the costume section of these forums.

Arne

Purdy,

I have another suggestion which would help you if you would write to me directly. Send your email address to aswensen@cox.net or norske@extremezone.com

Arne