Clowning is an art form that thrives on joy, surprise, and deep emotional connection. But beneath the surface, clowning is an act of immense emotional labour, requiring us to regulate and harness our emotions while creating an engaging experience for our audience. At its heart, clowning fosters a profound sense of connection and community, bridging the gap between performer and audience through shared emotion and experience.
What Is Emotional Labour?
Coined by sociologist Arlie Hochschild in The Managed Heart (1983), emotional labour refers to the effort involved in managing emotions to fulfill the requirements of a job. This concept is often associated with service industry workers, caregivers, and therapists, but it also applies deeply to performing artists, particularly clowns. Clowns must not only present emotions outwardly but also influence the emotions of their audience, shaping a shared experience in real time.
The Dual Nature of Emotional Labour in Clowning
For clowns, emotional labour can manifest in two major ways: the personal regulation of emotions and the projection of feelings to guide audience engagement:
Managing Personal Emotions: A clown’s job is to bring laughter and wonder, regardless of their personal struggles. Even if a performer is dealing with stress, sadness, or exhaustion, they must set these emotions aside to inhabit their clown persona fully. This dissonance between internal feelings and outward expression can be mentally and physically taxing.
Generating and Sustaining Audience Emotions: Clowns don’t just perform; they interact, respond, and adapt to their audience’s mood. They must read the room, sense the energy, and adjust accordingly—whether that means heightening their antics or pulling back to create a more intimate moment. This dynamic exchange requires an acute sensitivity to human emotions and the ability to pivot on the spot. The ability to foster community through shared laughter and connection is one of the most profound aspects of clowning.
The Vulnerability of Clowning
Clowning is often misunderstood as mere buffoonery, but at its core, it is a deeply vulnerable art form. As clowns, we don’t just make people laugh; we expose our own humanity in a way that resonates with our audience. By exaggerating emotions, embracing failure, and leaning into awkwardness, we create a safe space for people to confront their own fears, joy, and sadness. However, this vulnerability also means that we can put ourselves at emotional risk—experiencing rejection, misinterpretation, or even ridicule. Yet, through this shared vulnerability, we build connection, forging meaningful moments that transcend performance.
Coping with Emotional Labour as a Clown
Given the emotional intensity of clowning, we must develop strategies to maintain our well-being. Some common techniques include:
Detachment Rituals: Engaging in post-performance decompression activities, such as deep breathing, journaling, or mindfulness, helps us transition out of our performance state.
Emotional Boundaries: Learning to separate personal identity from the clown persona prevents emotional exhaustion.
Self-Compassion: Recognizing that not every performance will land perfectly and allowing space for personal emotions to coexist with professional obligations.
Support Networks: Connecting with fellow clowns allows us to share experiences, vent frustrations, and find solidarity in the challenges of emotional labour. This sense of community is crucial for sustaining long-term engagement with the art.
The Beauty in the Labour
Despite its challenges, the emotional labour of clowning is what makes it so impactful. Clowns act as mirrors to society, reflecting our emotions in ways that allow us to process them differently. They remind us that it’s okay to laugh at our own failures, to be silly, and to connect on a deeply human level.
Emotional labour in clowning is not just about performing—it’s about transforming emotions into a shared experience. It’s a labour of love, resilience, and emotional artistry—one that builds lasting connections and strengthens community through the universal language of play.
We invite you to leave your clown self-care ideas and techniques in the comments!
If you are interested in:
Beginning or reconnecting with your deep purpose in clowning
Understanding clowning from multiple cultural perspectives
Connecting with other clowns
Getting clarity on your clowning goals
Developing new clown material and getting feedback
Then click here to find out about The Clown Connection in the Clown Spirit Village
Be sure to check out Caroline Dream’s Clown Solutions Workshop at Clownvergence in April 2025 – to find out more clink here https://www.clown-spirit.com/clownvergence
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