The Clown College

The Clown College was a training program operated by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, established in 1968 to professionally develop aspiring clowns. It provided rigorous training in physical comedy, mime, improvisation, makeup, and performance skills essential for circus clowning. Graduates received certification, gaining entry into the circus industry and opportunities for performances worldwide. The program aimed to ensure high standards of artistry and safety in clown acts, cultivating talented performers dedicated to entertaining and engaging audiences through humor and spectacle.