The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College: A Legacy of Laughter and Learning

The history of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College is a fascinating chronicle of an institution dedicated to preserving and evolving the venerable art of clowning. For nearly three decades, from its inception in 1968 until its closure in 1997, this prestigious American training program served as a vital incubator for professional clowns, leaving an indelible mark on the circus tradition and beyond. Operating as an intensive, tuition-free program, the college nurtured aspiring performers, instilling in them the physical comedy, circus skills, and the distinctive "Ringling style" that defined the iconic circus. Its profound impact is evident in the approximately 1,500 graduates who emerged from its rigorous sessions, many of whom went on to grace the sawdust rings of "The Greatest Show on Earth" and contribute to the enduring allure of clowning.

Genesis and Vision: Addressing a Circus Need

The establishment of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in 1968 was a strategic and visionary move by Irvin Feld, the co-owner of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. At the time, the circus faced a critical shortage of fresh talent, particularly in its clowning department. The existing "Clown Alley" was populated by a handful of aging performers, with a noticeable dearth of younger, capable replacements. This presented a significant challenge for a circus that prided itself on its grandeur and spectacle, especially its multi-ring format which demanded a robust ensemble of performers.

Feld recognized this impending crisis and saw an opportunity to not only replenish the circus's ranks but also to revitalize the art of clowning itself. He envisioned a dedicated institution that could serve as a "Mecca of clowning" in the United States, a place where aspiring artists could receive specialized training. This initiative was not solely about talent acquisition; it also presented a significant public relations opportunity. The very concept of a "Clown College" was inherently intriguing and newsworthy, promising to generate buzz and interest in the circus.

The college was founded with the assistance of Bill Ballantine, a former Ringling clown, author, and illustrator, who became its first Dean. Ballantine's expertise and understanding of the circus world were instrumental in shaping the college's early direction. The initial aim was to inject new energy and a fresh perspective into the clowning tradition, adapting it to contemporary sensibilities while maintaining its core appeal.

The Crucible of Clowning: Curriculum and Training

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College offered a curriculum that was as demanding as it was comprehensive, designed to transform raw talent into polished professional clowns. The program operated for approximately 10 to 12 weeks annually, strategically timed during the circus's off-season to ensure a seamless integration of new talent into the touring shows. While the duration of the sessions varied over the years, from an initial 13 weeks to a shortened eight weeks in its final years, the intensity remained a constant. Students engaged in intensive daily classes, often lasting eight to twelve hours a day, six days a week.

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The curriculum was meticulously structured, progressing from foundational skills to advanced performance techniques. Early weeks were dedicated to mastering the essentials: the art of makeup application, the principles of gag creation, and the nuances of physical comedy. As students progressed, the focus shifted to character development, prop manipulation, and the intricate craft of skit-writing. The goal was to equip each graduate with the versatility and skill set necessary to contribute meaningfully to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Key subjects covered a wide spectrum of disciplines. Pantomime, heavily influenced by the silent film icons like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, formed a crucial part of the training, emphasizing expressive body language and storytelling without words. Slapstick comedy, a cornerstone of traditional clowning, was rigorously practiced, encompassing techniques such as pratfalls, pie fights, and other forms of physical humor. Beyond these core elements, students honed a diverse array of circus skills, including juggling, unicycling, stilt-walking, basic acrobatics, and even magic.

Audience interaction was another vital component of the training, focusing on how to forge emotional connections with spectators in a live performance setting. This was complemented by rigorous training in circus safety protocols, essential for navigating the high-risk environment of the circus. To provide historical and artistic context, guest lectures on the history of clowning were incorporated, drawing inspiration from influential figures and groups like the Three Stooges and Warner Bros. cartoons.

The daily life at the college mirrored the disciplined environment of the circus itself. Mornings were typically dedicated to technical drills, such as perfecting makeup and executing basic gags. Afternoons were reserved for improvisation exercises, rehearsals, and specialized skill-building workshops. Evenings often involved student performances or preparations for upcoming showcases, fostering a constant cycle of learning and application.

The "Ringling Style": Adapting to the Three-Ring Spectacle

A defining characteristic of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College was its emphasis on the "Ringling Style" of clowning. This particular approach was deeply rooted in the American tradition of clown performance, with a strong accent on broad, slapstick humor. This was a deliberate adaptation to the demands of the circus's signature "three-ring" format and the increasingly large arenas it played.

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In these vast venues, often seating tens of thousands, with patrons occupying seats in balconies and upper decks far removed from the main action, subtlety was a luxury the clowns could not afford. The "Ringling Style" therefore emphasized makeup designed to be visible from great distances, and the use of exaggerated physical movements and clear prop work to ensure that gags were understood by every member of the audience, regardless of their seating location. This necessitated a bouncier, more acrobatic style, well-suited to younger performers trained at the college.

The curriculum evolved to meet these demands. By the early 1980s, the college adapted its teachings to accommodate the expanding three-ring circus format, shifting the focus from primarily solo acts to more collaborative group routines. These ensemble pieces were designed to fill the expansive arenas with synchronized chaos, creating a dynamic and engaging spectacle. New gags were developed that required the participation of 20 or more clowns, such as elaborate, Western-themed shoot-outs, showcasing the power of collective comedic performance.

The Admissions Gauntlet: Selecting the Elite

The admission process for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College was notoriously competitive, reflecting its status as the premier institution for professional clown training. The acceptance rate hovered around a mere 2%, with the college selecting approximately 60 students annually from thousands of eager applicants. This intense selectivity ensured that only the most promising individuals, possessing a unique blend of talent, dedication, and personality, were admitted.

The application process was designed to identify individuals with the inherent potential for creative clowning, and prior professional experience was not a prerequisite. Instead, the college sought a specific kind of aptitude and disposition. Applicants had to submit an extensive written personality profile, which provided directors with a deep understanding of their psychology, interests, and any relevant previous experiences. This was a crucial step in assessing the applicant's suitability for the demanding and often unconventional world of clowning.

Beyond the written application, live auditions were also organized, often along the circus's performance route. This served not only as a practical method for assessing talent but also as an effective way to generate interest in the circus and secure press coverage. The entire admission process, from the initial application to the final selection, was essentially an extended audition, designed to gauge motivation, sincerity, commitment to hard work, comedic timing, natural clowning ability, and improvisational skills.

Personality was a significant factor, and the application questionnaire often included unusual and probing questions. These aimed to delve deeper into an applicant's character and worldview, going far beyond standard interview queries. Questions such as "What do you like/dislike about animals?", "Which part of the world would you least like to travel to?", "What has given you pleasure during the last year?", and "What is the most important lesson you've learned to date?" were designed to reveal an individual's inner landscape and their potential to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

A Community of Artists: Life at Clown College

Life at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College was an immersive experience, characterized by a demanding schedule and a strong sense of camaraderie. Students lived communally in provided dormitories, fostering a close-knit environment that was essential for navigating the rigors of the program. This shared living arrangement promoted a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, crucial for mutual support during the intense training period.

The demanding schedule, with classes six days a week and often exceeding eight hours a day, meant that students lived and breathed clowning. This constant immersion, coupled with the shared pursuit of a unique artistic goal, created a powerful bond among the students. They learned to "play off" each other, developing their improvisational skills and collaboratively creating material for the "Big Show," which served as the culmination of their training and a critical audition for future employment.

The high dropout rate, a testament to the program's intensity, also contributed to the unique dynamic among those who persevered. Those who remained were a dedicated and resilient group, united by their shared passion and the challenges they overcame together. This collective effort in the pursuit of strangeness and laughter, as one observer noted, was a core element that made the circus so enticing.

Influences and Inspirations: The Pillars of Ringling Clowning

The curriculum and style of clowning taught at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College were heavily influenced by a pantheon of classic American circus figures and comedic performers. The melancholic tramp character, popularized by Emmett Kelly, who performed with the circus from 1942 to 1956, was a significant touchstone. Kelly's ability to convey profound emotional depth through subtle, poignant gestures served as an inspiration for the college's emphasis on character and emotional resonance.

Lou Jacobs, a longtime Ringling clown from 1926 onwards, also left a considerable imprint. His innovative physical comedy and distinctive makeup designs, characterized by exaggerated features, became staples in Ringling productions and directly influenced the college's teaching methods. The college's curriculum actively studied the work of silent film icons like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, as well as the anarchic humor of The Three Stooges and the visual gags found in Warner Bros. cartoons. This exposure to a rich comedic heritage provided students with a broad foundation upon which to build their own unique styles.

Notable Alumni: A Legacy of Laughter and Beyond

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College produced a remarkable roster of graduates who achieved significant success in various fields, showcasing the far-reaching impact of their training. These alumni not only enriched the circus world but also ventured into theatre, television, and even therapeutic applications of humor.

Bill Irwin, a graduate from the 1975 class, went on to become a Tony Award-winning performer. Known for his vaudeville-inspired clowning, he starred in acclaimed Broadway productions like "Fool Moon" and "Waiting for Godot." His influence extended to television, where he became a beloved character as Mr. Noodle on "Sesame Street." Irwin's work, which artfully blended mime, dance, and absurdity in contemporary theater, earned him a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship.

Penn Jillette, who graduated in 1973, co-founded the internationally renowned magic-comedy duo Penn & Teller. Their act, which frequently incorporated clownish exaggeration and audience interaction, achieved massive success through Broadway shows, Las Vegas residencies, and Emmy-winning television specials. While Jillette's clown training undoubtedly informed his performance style, he primarily pursued magic as his artistic medium.

Albert Alter, a graduate from the 1969 class, forged a distinguished career in therapeutic clowning. After touring with the circus in the 1970s, he pioneered hospital-based performances, working with organizations like Clowns Without Borders to bring humor to pediatric care. His dedication to using humor for healing earned him recognition for over 40 years in medical clowning.

Peggy Williams, the first female graduate in 1970, broke significant barriers by becoming the first woman to perform as a clown in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Her success paved the way for future generations of female performers in a traditionally male-dominated field.

The Business of Laughter: Structure, Administration, and Ownership

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College operated under the umbrella of Feld Entertainment, the parent company that owned the Ringling circus since 1967. The directors of the college were appointed by Feld Entertainment executives, tasked with guiding the institution's administrative, educational, and artistic direction. These appointments often reflected the evolving needs of the circus and the broader entertainment landscape.

The tenures of the directors typically averaged five to ten years and were sometimes influenced by transitions in ownership and leadership. Following Irvin Feld's death, his son Kenneth Feld took over production of Feld Entertainment and the Ringling shows in the 1980s, continuing to oversee the Clown College. Glen "Frosty" Little, a graduate of the inaugural 1968 class and a longtime Ringling Bros. performer, also served as a director, bringing invaluable experience from both sides of the college's operations.

The college's infrastructure evolved alongside the circus. Originally located in Venice, Florida, where Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey had its winter quarters, the college established a more permanent base there during the 1980s. This included dedicated dormitories, performance theaters for rehearsals, and specialized prop workshops. These facilities provided a structured, immersive environment that mirrored the backstage atmosphere of the touring show.

A Shifting Landscape: Decline and Closure

Despite its significant contributions and peak popularity, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, like the circus itself, faced a changing entertainment landscape. The late 20th century saw a decline in the traditional circus model, impacted by factors such as the rise of home entertainment, evolving audience tastes, and increasing concerns over animal welfare.

The college's closure in 1997 marked the end of an era. The last graduating class in September of that year consisted of 33 students who performed their final showcase, "The Big Shoe Review," at the Sarasota Opera House before dispersing into the professional world. Top performers from this final cohort, as with previous years, received contracts to join the Ringling Bros. circus.

The shutdown of Clown College preceded further significant transformations in the circus. Public pressure and changing societal views led to the phase-out of elephant acts by 2017, a move that ultimately contributed to the eventual closure of the entire Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in May 2017, after over a century of operation. The decline in attendance and rising operational costs proved insurmountable for the traditional circus model.

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