[Clown Characterization] [Physical Clowning] [Performance Practicum and Costuming]
[Ensemble Clowning] [Balloons and Magic for the Clown] [Starting Your Business & Marketing Your Clown]  [Mission Statement]

CLOWN CHARACTERIZATION - For students 16 and over. No prior experience necessary. Discover the way of the clown. You will create a clown character with a unique life history; learn how he/she moves, thinks, walks, talks. Learn the secrets of professional white-face make-up application under the tutelage of the college Makeup-up Director and the College's Headmaster Michael “Flapjack” Salvino. Plan to purchase contents of a make-up case.
Duration: Seven weeks.

PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM AND COSTUMING - No pre-requisites but required for clowns pursuing graduation from the Ohio Clown College. For students 16 years of age and older. You will design your own costume under the supervision of the College Costumer as you explore various fabrics, patterns, colors and learn sources for your costume. You will also create and hone for performance your own physical comedy routine suitable for your graduation performance. Class under the supervision of the Artistic Director and staff.
Duration: Seven weeks.

BALLOONS AND MAGIC FOR THE CLOWN – This seminar, a pre-requisite for graduation and open to regular students and others, is conducted outside of the regular class time, usually on a Saturday during November. Under the direction of Michael Salvino, participants will learn the secrets of balloon sculpting and close up magic as it pertains to a performing clown. Participants will leave the seminar with the ability to use balloons and magic to entertain small and large audiences.
Duration: Seven hours of a Saturday in November.

STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS and MARKETING YOUR CLOWN – These on line courses are pre-requisites for graduation and are conducted outside of the regular class time. Students are expected to complete both courses by March 31 of the year. Under the direction of the Headmaster, Mike Salvino and College Administrative Coordinator, Michael Kreidler, students will learn how to set-up their clown business, determine a fee structure, how to secure bookings, the optimal ways to advertise, discuss proven methods for selling and other issues essential for creating and running a profitable clown business.
On-line in March .

Mission Statement
The Ohio College of Clowning Arts

THE OHIO COLLEGE OF CLOWNING ARTS is a unique training center where students receive professional guidance in the clowning arts. The College prepares students, 16 years of age and older, to become entry level professional clowns who will work in an environment other than the circus.

We aspire to produce graduates who are aware of the range of options available to the clown.

1. A “circus style” proficient at the classic White Face, Auguste or “character” typology.
2. A character actor who performs in plain face.
3. AND understands that playing one type or another is their artistic and business decision.
4. An actor playing a strong, vibrant character.
5. An actor who understands that clowns are performers specializing in broad physical comedy.

The curriculum of the college respects the arts of balloon sculpture, face painting, juggling, uni-cycling, wire walking, etc. but we understand that these skills are but tangentially related to clowning. The art of the clown is centered on the physical, comedic acting ability of the clown.

The course of instruction, 30 weeks in length, is designed to hone the professional performing abilities of graduates. As a result of participating in the college’s course of studies graduates will develop a distinctive and physical actor’s presence that will also enhance the understanding of the art of the clown by the general public.

Graduates are prepared to be professional entertainers who can serve their community via work on stage and at fairs, festivals, store openings, ho-downs, trade shows, conventions, as well as hospital and nursing home visitation. In addition to stage work students also are assisted to perform at birthday parties, church events and other situations and occasions where fun is essential and smiles are a must.

The Ohio College Of Clowning Arts, founded in 1989, currently there is no accreditation system for clowns in the State of Ohio or in the United States. The Ohio College of Clowning Arts will begin, with the Class of 2011, to certify all graduates who complete our course of training.

For More Information:

Call: 330.875.9254

Email: headmaster [at] OhioCollegeClowningArts.com

Write: 

Office of the Headmaster
The Ohio College of Clowning Arts
1438 E. Main St.
Louisville, OH 44641