Finding Your Clown

Finding Your Clown is the idea that somewhere inside you is a particular way of playing—a comic personality that’s distinctly yours. For some people, this sense of a “core clown” comes naturally and becomes a useful compass in their work; for others, the concept isn’t essential, and they prefer to stay flexible, switching styles freely from show to show.

Your clown isn’t a fixed character so much as a heightened version of yourself—a playful, reactive, and naive inner child who is proud to be there, always aware of the audience, and quick to share joy or show failure. Discovering yours can be a mix of instinct, reflection, and feedback.

Working on your clown gives you a reliable comic toolkit. You learn what makes your audience lean in, where your natural flops happen, and how to turn them into moments of connection. Costumes, props, or certain games might amplify your clown’s qualities, but it’s the attitude and rhythm that truly define them.

It’s worth remembering that clowns aren’t trapped by their “type”—you can explore new territory and still return to your core when needed. For some performers, finding their clown feels like unlocking their comic home base; for others, it’s more like owning a favourite outfit in a wardrobe full of costumes. Both approaches can lead to great comedy—the difference is just whether you’re the kind of player who likes a signature flavour or a surprise every time.

This idea links naturally to The Three Layers of Clown Performance (performer → clown → character).