Clowning Around: the History of the Clown College in Venice FL

Let’s face it: clowns get a really bad rap. The stigma of being a clown, coupled with a near universal distrust of these dedicated performers, deters many from pursuing their passion for entertaining. Every type of media from film to television to radio perpetrates these negative stereotypes, constantly reinforcing the image of clowns as frightening or unsettling.

However, clowns have not always been viewed this way. Since the middle ages, jesters, harlequins, and clowns have been harbingers of fun and laughter, cropping up at feasts, parties, and festivals, contributing liveliness and joy. More recently, circuses have showcased the talents of these performers, incorporating them into acts that often are the subject of attention in the center ring.

In the United States, there is no question that there is no circus more notorious, more widely known, more spectacular than the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. This show holds worldwide acclaim, reigning as the undisputed king of all American circuses. And clowns? They play an integral part in the greatest show on earth!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Barnum and Bailey Clown College

In the late, the Ringling Brothers circus was in dire need of clowns. Many of their renowned clowns were advanced in years, and it was clear that these performers would not be around forever. To remedy this problem, the legendary circus manager and promoter Irvin Field worked out a plan: he would establish a place dedicated to training and equipping new clowns!

This so-called clown college would specialize in giving aspiring clowns the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in the world of circus performing and teach them all the skills necessary to work their magic in the center ring. This school would be established in the sunny winter quarters for the circus, the charming little city of Venice FL

The school taught students free of charge, although students had to pay for their room and board. Over the ten-week course, students were taught everything about the art of clowning, from makeup application to stilt walking, slapstick comedy, and juggling. These are all integral parts of the art of being a clown, and mastery of these skills was necessary for students to perform in the greatest show on earth.

After completing their training, the now skilled performers were ready for the greatest show on earth. The best students would be contracted to perform in Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Baileys Circus, while runners up would receive letters of recommendation for other circuses and places of work.

After decades of operation, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey clown college closed its doors for good in 1998. While the stigma against clowns had not fully dissipated, the college had been successful in bringing thousands of new clowns to the forefront of the circus industry, and many more into successful careers as entertainers.

The legacy

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey clown college may have closed, but its legacy lives on among clowns everywhere to this day. The clown college turned out thousands of clowns who were passionate about their art, and inspired a generation to pursue their passion for clowning. It did a great deal to break down the negative stereotypes associated with being a clown, focusing instead on the skill and dedication the profession requires.

Today the college is no longer functional, but many others like it are. All over the world, similar schools teach aspiring clowns the skills necessary to be a successful and entertaining clown, in the same spirit as the original Ringling Bros. Clown College. Hopefully, with the legacy of this great institution, we can work towards breaking down the stigma against clowns and showing the world the passion and art the craft requires.

If you’re interested in becoming a clown, then there are a lot of options available to you, both regarding places to receive training and different careers in the clowning profession. Whether you’re interested in becoming an event clown who entertains kids or a circus performer who garners "oohs" and "ahs" from the crowd, if you’re passionate about it, you’ve got a shot at becoming successful. Before too long, hopefully, clowns will be recognized for the talent they possess!

Conclusion

While the clown college may have closed, the city of Venice FL remains a great place to visit, with many more historic locations to visit besides the now defunct clown training facility. Whether you’re a die hard history buff with an interest in the storied past of the circus industry or simply a clown seeking to further understand and draw inspiration from the history of clowning, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

If you’re interested in this city, why not take the next step towards fully immersing yourself in everyday life here? If you’re interested in taking this step, you’ll want to get in touch with one of the real estate agents in Venice FL. These skilled real estate professionals will do their utmost to make sure you find a house that suits your needs, at the lowest price possible. Before you know it, you might just be calling Venice home!

Did you enjoy this article? Want to leave us some feedback, or ask a question? Feel free to leave us a comment in the comments sections below! We do our best to respond to each and every comment we receive, and yours is no different. Enjoy Venice!

Beni Restea's experience in marketing and web development took him a long way, as he acquired the necessary skills to be a professional in digital marketing for the real estate industry.