Circus clowns are a sub-genre of clowns. They typically perform at circuses and are meant to amuse, entertain and make guests laugh. There are traditionally three basic types of clowns that appear in the circus: the whiteface, the auguste and the character.

Joseph Grimaldi – credited with being "the first whiteface clown" — in an homage to Grimaldi, circus clowns began referring to themselves and each other as "Joey"s, and the term 'joey' is now a synonym for clown

Circus clown is a performer who works in the circus and uses physical humor to entertain the audience. They often wear colorful clothing, makeup, wigs, and exaggerated footwear. World clown comes from the Icelandic word “ klunni ” which means “ a clumsy person ”.

The most recognisable clowns are those that commonly perform in the circus, characterized by colorful wigs, red noses, and oversized shoes. However, clowns have also played roles in theater and folklore, like the court jesters of the Middle Ages and the jesters and ritual clowns of various indigenous cultures.

Mar 4, 2025 · In 19th-century one-ring circuses, clowns often entertained audiences with songs and long monologues, in which they sometimes offered words of wisdom on politics and current events or quoted Shakespeare; one such clown was the popular American Dan Rice, who was known for an act that incorporated singing, dancing, jokes, and trick riding.

Oct 30, 2023 · Circus Clowns: Entertaining Guests at the Circus. Circus clowns are an integral part of circus performances, delighting and amusing guests of all ages. With their unique blend of physical comedy, slapstick humor, and interactive acts, circus clowns bring laughter and entertainment to the big top.

Based on my experience as a circus clown and a historian of performance, I have identified six eras that illustrate how clowns have been central to the circus—from their initial anarchic appeal, which gave way to late-nineteenth-century stereotypes that mushroomed in the twentieth century.

Sep 13, 2024 · Grab your clique and cram them into a tiny clown car because, in this article, we're shining a spotlight on circus clowns and the fascinating world they inhabit, along with their history, art, comic slant, and the work they put in to become the best clown at the circus.

Jan 15, 2025 · Clowns have historically been integral to circus performances since the 18th century, entertaining audiences alongside acrobats and animal acts. The evolution of clowning includes characters from Commedia dell'arte, influencing modern circus clown archetypes like Harlequin and Pierrot.

Circus clowns began to refine their craft, exploring new comedic styles and developing signature acts that would make them stand out from their peers. Furthermore, the circus provided clowns with a platform to experiment and innovate their performances.