Clowning Around!
Updated : Apr 10, 2009
Very Happy Pig is once again delighted to reveal an industry is looking for new talent and providing jobs - the circus.
About two dozen hopefuls sporting big noses, brightly-coloured hair, baggy pants and oversized shoes did their best to fulfill a childhood ambition when they auditioned to become a clown with Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus.
'It's been a life-long dream,' said Kyle Barker, a 27-year-old from Chicago who already looked the part with a curly wig and painted face.
He's had several jobs, including being a customer service representative, but Barker said nothing could compare to being a clown.
Brooklyn-born Julius Carallo, 62, agrees.
He's been a clown for 15 years in smaller circuses but was hoping to make it into the big time at the audition.
'This is an opportunity to work with the greatest show on earth,' he said.
After performing comedy routines with each other and veteran circus clowns, each hopeful was given a three-minute solo routine to prove they had what it takes.
'It's very hard to find good clowns,' according to Tim Holst, a 35-year veteran of the circus who has worked as a clown and ringmaster and now selects new talent.
He summed up the qualifications in one word - funny. A clown is someone who can react to different situations, who is magnetic and can communicate with the audience in the huge arena of a circus.
'It's like finding a diamond in the rough,' he explained. 'There is something instinctive that comes out. You can see it right away.'
After everyone had their turn in the spotlight, Holst and fellow talent scout David Kaiser picked six finalists to vie for jobs in one of three national-touring units of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey where they will learn the skills and art of clowning.
Very Happy Pig is afraid of clowns but its glad to see someone else is following Very Happy Pig Irelands only dedicated happy news portal is trying to put a smile on the worlds face.
