During the Middle Ages, clowns began to work for money as they went from town to town with traveling bands of actors. The most famous example of the development of clowning as a profession can be seen in the Italian improvisational theater, commedia dell'arte. Attend any modern day renaissance festival and you will no doubt see this character roaming the grounds, teasing patrons and generally making a loveable fool of himself. During the early 1900's, Vaudeville Theater was the entertainment of choice for the masses. These shows often featured a clown. Although Vaudeville clowns didn't wear makeup, they performed all the familiar activities such as juggling, mime, acrobatics and slapstick comedy. The venue most commonly associated with clowns is probably the circus. The first circus reportedly took place in the mid 1700s and one of the biggest draws has always been the clown act. Today, aspiring performers can attend "Clown College" to learn the ins and outs of this beloved profession, from makeup application and costume creation to comedic timing and how to fall down without getting hurt. Everyone loves a clown, the old saying goes. Most people have cherished childhood memories of their silly antics and innocent fun, as clowns for hire are a staple at birthday parties across the world. Children and adults alike delight in the balloon animals and magic tricks performed right in their own backyards. Whatever the occasion or location, clowns have been a popular form of entertainment for thousands of years.
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