EXCLUSIVE: National clown shortage may be approaching, trade organizations fearMembership at the World Clown Association, the country's largest trade group for clowns, has dropped from about 3,500 to 2,500 since 2004.
"What happens is they go on to high school and college and clowning isn't cool anymore," he said. "Clowning is then put on the back burner until their late 40s and early 50s."
"American kids these days are thinking about different careers altogether," said Zavieh, 44, who has worked under the moniker Cido for nearly two decades.
"They're thinking about everything other than clowning."
"Our audience expects to be wowed," said David Kiser, Ringling Bros. director of talent. "No longer is it good enough to just drop your pants and focus on boxer shorts."
It's the "EXCLUSIVE!!" that really gives it a sense of urgency.
I so very, very badly want video footage of what a rigorous 14-day clown bootcamp looks like.
Google Images has many pictures of drill sergeants.
Google Images has many pictures of clowns.
The sets appear to be disjoint.
Internet, you have failed me today.
I wonder if a declining clown population is some sort of indicator species that too many people are getting into software.
What the hell are clown union officials thinking, offering exclusives to some NYC city paper rag? Bozos!
Here's hoping we've hit peak clown.
No juggalos need apply?
...And then a Fiat 500 pulled up and 20,000 clowns got out.