What I am about to describe you may have lived yourself. Last night I arrived at a church ready to set up my props for a forty five minute show later that evening. They had hired me as a juggler, so I dressed to match the part. Even with my funny looking jacket and t-shirt that has the words “Circus Dreams” printed in large letters on it, I drew no attention. I walked through the crowd of people already gathered there for the free supper provided before the show to find the lady who had hired me. No comments, no interruptions, and no funny looks were directed my way. I set up, made a little small talk, waited until it was time to do the show and then took the stage (well it was in a parking lot. No stage, but you get the point).

You may know from past experience that after you have done a show people feel like they know you. Last night was no exception. As soon as the performance concluded I was now everyone’s best friend. All the kids want hi fives and all of the adults want to chat and say their corny jokes.

I have experienced this process over and over again. Before the program you are a nobody. After the program you are the royal star! In a way this is really nice. I am not some big celebrity. I can go to the grocery store without be recognized or followed by paparazzi. I can set up my show pretty much without interruption and I can focus on preparing for the time ahead. Afterward, the show is done and the real work is over. I can now talk and play with people without having to cut anyone off to make sure my show is set and ready to go.

Clowns are special. I was hired as a juggler and that is how I presented myself. If I had been hired as a clown it would have been a different feel upon arrival. When you are a clown and you walk into the public’s view, they notice. All of those comments, interruptions and funny looks I avoided by being just another person when I initially arrived on site are all of a sudden directed my way if I am a clown instead of a relatively “normal” person.

Here’s the secret. I actually like not being the normal person. I like being the clown. As the juggler I do the show and people connect. As a clown, you do not even have to have the show. For some strange reason people are already drawn to the clown before anything is ever done. The kids will come up to you and want hi fives and the adults will start telling their corny jokes. The clown nose opens doors and draws people. You may have experienced this in your clown life at the hospital, at the circus, or at your church. Also, the ability to have that anonymity, that ability to go grocery shopping and blend in is still there when you take the make-up off at the end of the day. It really is the best of both worlds!

Clowns are special. You are special. It is you that makes your clown who he or she is. So next time you are putting on your costume take a moment and think about how you can make someone else feel special just by their interaction with a real live clown.

By Ben Christensen