Attend a clown college. Although Ringling Brothers no longer offers Clown College, there are several clown colleges throughout the United States. Attending one of these colleges will help you hone your skills and make a decision on what type of clown you would like to become. At a clown college, you will be offered courses anywhere from making balloon animals to how to operate your business.
Develop your skills as a clown. Find out what clown skill you are best at and what you most enjoy doing as a clown, whether it be juggling or riding a unicycle no bigger than the palm of your hand, then focus on and practice that skill. Remember funnier is best, and the children are always right.
Create a DVD of your skills as a clown and a portfolio. At the beginning of your DVD, state your full name for your location and the date it was filmed. Your portfolio should show the information of the clown college attended and your experience as a clown, as well as pictures of you in your costume. Make sure you include pictures of you at any venues that you have performed at in the past. Although this is required by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, having this information is always good for any audition.
Contact the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for more information on how to become a clown. Send your DVD to their location in Palmetto, Florida, making sure that the DVD is labeled with your name, height, location, date and length of the video. Enclose the DVD along with a copy of your portfolio. You may also attend open auditions that are held throughout the year at certain locations in certain venues when the circus is in town. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus contacts the local media when these events will be held.