Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a clown business requires understanding both the performance craft and the business fundamentals. The right books will teach you how to engage audiences, manage your finances, and build a sustainable operation. These resources cover everything from physical comedy to marketing your services to event planners and parents.
The Art of Clowning by Hovey Burgess
This is the foundational text for anyone serious about clown performance. Burgess covers physical comedy, character development, and audience interaction techniques that work across different age groups and settings. Whether you’re performing at birthday parties or corporate events, understanding these principles separates amateur performers from professionals who get repeat bookings.
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Clown Skits and Gags by Keith Johnstone
Johnstone’s work focuses on improvisation and character work that translates directly to performance situations. You’ll learn how to adapt your routine based on audience response, handle unexpected moments, and create comedy that feels fresh rather than scripted. This skill becomes valuable when you’re performing multiple events per week and need material that works reliably.
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The Small Business Startup Kit by Peri Pakroo
Running a clown business means handling taxes, contracts, insurance, and licensing. This book walks you through the actual legal and financial setup required, which protects you from liability and ensures you’re operating legitimately. Many clown performers skip this step and face problems later—this book helps you get it right from the start.
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Balloon Animals: A Step-by-Step Guide by John Savage
Balloon twisting is one of the highest-income services clowns offer. Parents and event planners specifically request performers who can create animals, hats, and weapons on the spot. This book teaches you the fundamental shapes and techniques, which you can then expand into your own routine and signature creations.
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Equipment You Need
A clown business requires specific gear across several categories. Unlike some service businesses, clown equipment is relatively affordable to start, though quality matters for durability and audience response. You’ll want to invest in items that directly impact your performance quality and safety, while keeping startup costs under $1,500 for basic equipment.
Costumes and Makeup
- Full clown costume (oversized clothing, typically polyester or cotton blend): The foundation of your visual identity
- Clown wig (colorful, synthetic hair): Instantly recognizable and replaceable if damaged
- Clown nose (foam or rubber): Buy multiple in different colors for variety
- Professional clown makeup kit: Includes white base, red/blue/yellow pigments, black liner
- Oversized shoes: Typically 2-3 sizes larger than your normal shoe size
- Gloves (white or colored): Extend your arms visually and protect your hands
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Balloon Equipment
- Latex balloons (assorted colors and sizes): Standard balloons for twisting animals and decorations
- Balloon pump (electric or hand pump): Saves your lungs and increases production speed
- Specialty balloons (long, modeling balloons): Required for twisting animals and complex shapes
- Balloon decorating kit (markers, stickers, googly eyes): Adds personality to balloon creations
- Balloon storage bags: Keeps balloons clean and organized for transport
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Juggling and Prop Equipment
- Juggling balls (bean bags, typically 3-5 balls): Standard skill for clown routines
- Juggling clubs or pins: For more advanced performers
- Foam props and oversized items: Exaggerated props for visual comedy
- Stilt equipment (optional): Increases your visual presence and commands higher rates
- Unicycle (optional): Specialized skill that justifies premium pricing
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Magic and Gag Equipment
- Basic magic tricks (sponge balls, disappearing coins, card tricks): Interactive entertainment for close-up performance
- Squirt flowers and water gags: Harmless interactive comedy props
- Rubber chickens and novelty items: Visual comedy elements
- Pie pan (for pie-in-the-face gags): Classic clown routine prop
Audio and Performance Equipment
- Bluetooth speaker (portable, weather-resistant): For music and sound effects during performances
- Microphone (optional, for larger events): Increases projection for outdoor or large venues
- USB drive with music and sound effects: Curated playlist for different event types
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Transportation and Storage
- Equipment storage trunk or large bag: Keeps everything organized between gigs
- Vehicle cargo organizer: Prevents equipment from shifting during transport
- Clear storage bins: Separate balloons, props, and makeup for easy access
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What to Buy First vs Later
Your initial budget should cover items that directly impact performance quality and client satisfaction. Start with essentials, then add specialty equipment as you book more gigs and develop your style.
- First (Month 1): One quality costume, makeup kit, clown nose, oversized shoes, gloves, basic balloon pump, modeling balloons, and a small juggling set. Total focus: looking like a professional clown and performing balloon twisting.
- After 5-10 gigs (Month 2-3): Additional costume variations, balloon decorating supplies, magic trick kit, and a portable Bluetooth speaker for music during performances.
- Once booked regularly (Month 4+): Stilt equipment, unicycle, additional prop collections, and upgraded microphone setup for larger events.
- Later (Month 6+): Professional-grade makeup, specialty costumes for themes (superhero clown, horror clown), advanced magic tricks, and possibly hired assistant equipment.
New vs Used Equipment
Most clown equipment can be purchased new at reasonable prices, so used equipment offers limited savings. However, some categories benefit from the used market while others shouldn’t be compromised.
Buy new: Makeup and latex balloons (hygiene concerns, degradation over time), costumes in your size (fit directly impacts appearance), and juggling balls or props for safety. Consider used: Storage trunks and organization containers (purely functional), large props and oversized gag items (they’re indestructible), and specialty equipment like stilts or unicycles if you’re testing whether you want to develop those skills. A used stilt set from a Facebook marketplace costs 40-50% less and tells you whether you actually enjoy performing on stilts before buying premium equipment.
Avoid used makeup kits, wigs, or anything that touches your face—these can carry bacteria or be old enough that quality has degraded. Your appearance directly influences whether parents book you again, so invest in fresh makeup and costumes that look vibrant.
Where to Buy
- Party supply stores (Party City, local balloon shops): One-stop shopping for costumes, balloons, and basic props; often have sales and clearance items
- Theatrical supply retailers: Better quality wigs, makeup, and costumes designed to withstand repeated use
- Magic shops (local or online): Specialty tricks and equipment curated for entertainment professionals rather than casual buyers
- Sporting goods stores: Juggling equipment, sometimes unicycles and stilts
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used props, storage trunks, and specialty equipment at discounted prices
- Local clown associations and performer networks: Secondhand equipment swaps and bulk balloon supplier connections that offer better pricing
- Costume rental shops: Consider renting specialty costumes for specific themed events rather than buying multiple outfits