Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Clown Roles – 2025

Preparing for a clown job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your creativity, performance skills, and ability to connect with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re applying for a role as a circus clown, party clown, or street performer, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your experience as a clown?
  I have been working as a professional clown for the past 5 years, performing at various events and venues such as birthday parties, corporate events, and street festivals.
• 2. What do you enjoy most about being a clown?
  I love making people of all ages laugh and bringing joy to their lives. It's a fulfilling and rewarding job for me.
• 3. How do you handle difficult or unruly audiences?
  I have found that it's best to stay calm and maintain a positive attitude. I try to redirect their negative energy into something positive, like encouraging them to join in on the fun.
• 4. Have you ever faced a technical or performance-related issue during a show? How did you handle it?
  Yes, I once had a malfunction with my costume during a show. I quickly improvised and made it part of the act, which ended up being a hit with the audience.
• 5. How do you stay current with the latest trends and developments in clowning?
  I attend workshops, conferences, and seminars whenever possible to learn from other experienced clowns. I also keep up with industry news and follow other clowns on social media to see their performances and techniques.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What type of clowning do you specialize in?
  I am trained in traditional clowning, but I also incorporate modern elements and techniques into my performances.
• 7. Can you walk us through your process for creating a new routine or act?
  I start with brainstorming and coming up with unique ideas. Then, I work on the script and rehearse the physical aspects of the routine. I also involve my team for feedback and make necessary adjustments until the act is ready to perform.
• 8. How do you connect with your audience during a show?
  I make eye contact, interact with them, and ask for volunteers to join me on stage. I also use humor and improvise based on their reactions to keep them engaged.
• 9. How do you handle a child who is afraid or hesitant to interact with you during a performance?
  I approach them slowly and reassure them that I am there to make them laugh and not scare them. I also offer them a simple task or role in the act that they are comfortable with.
• 10. Can you give an example of a trick or stunt that you have mastered?
  I have mastered the art of juggling while riding a unicycle. It took a lot of practice and coordination, but it's always a crowd-pleaser.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Have you ever faced a difficult or challenging situation while performing? How did you handle it?
  During a performance at a children's hospital, I encountered a crying child who was too scared to join in on the fun. I had to think quickly and decided to make balloon animals to distract and cheer up the child. Eventually, the child started laughing and joined in on the show.
• 12. Can you tell us about a time when you had to work as part of a team to put on a successful performance?
  I have worked with a group of clowns for a circus performance where we each had to have our own act but also interact and complement each other's performances. We communicated effectively and rehearsed together to ensure a smooth and entertaining show.
• 13. How do you handle mistakes or mishaps during a performance?
  Mistakes and mishaps are bound to happen in live performances, and it's important to stay calm and adapt quickly. I always have a backup plan in case something goes wrong and make light of the situation to keep the audience engaged.
• 14. How do you handle criticism or negative feedback from an audience member?
  I have learned to take constructive criticism and use it to improve my performances. I also try to acknowledge and address the criticism in a positive and professional manner.
• 15. Can you share an experience where you had to handle a difficult or disruptive child during a performance?
  I had a child who was constantly interrupting and causing distractions during a show. I approached them privately after the performance and spoke to them calmly, explaining how their actions affected other audience members' enjoyment. The child apologized and promised to behave during future shows.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where a child asks for a balloon animal that you don't know how to make?
  I would politely inform the child that I don't know how to make that specific balloon animal but offer to make them a different one. I would also make a mental note to learn how to make the requested balloon animal for future performances.
• 17. What would you do if a piece of equipment or prop breaks during a show?
  I would continue performing and improvise the act if possible. Otherwise, I would acknowledge the situation to the audience and apologize for the disruption. I would then find a way to fix or replace the equipment or prop before the next performance.
• 18. How would you handle a situation where a child is not following safety rules during a performance?
  Safety always comes first, so I would firmly but kindly remind the child of the safety rules and ask them to follow them for their own and others' safety. Depending on the severity of the situation, I may also involve a parent or guardian if necessary.
• 19. How would you handle a situation where an audience member is becoming disruptive or causing a disturbance?
  I would try to handle the situation calmly and ask the audience member to respect the show and others around them. If the disruption continues, I may ask for help from the venue staff or security.
• 20. What would you do if a child in the audience appears to be scared or upset by your performance?
  I would stop the performance and approach the child to see what is causing their fear or discomfort. Depending on the situation, I would adjust the act or offer to take a break and come back to the child when they are feeling more comfortable.