Send in the clown

Cirque Du Soleil has built it’s reputation on strange costumes and jaw-dropping acrobatics, but there’s obviously more to the company’s shows than just that. There’s a real respect and passion for performance art, and clowning is naturally a part of that. It’s an almost historic art, one passed down through centuries. But sometimes it seems like the general public treats those in the industry like…well, clowns.

This interview with David Shiner, one of the best known clowns in the world, should give you a little more insight into what he does and how he prepares for it. He’s surprisingly philosophical, which isn’t a quality you typically associate with clowning. Like most artistic people with a passion, he finds a profound meaning in his work, and you can tell his job stirs his soul. He’s also a great entertainer, though.

What’s the best way to find other artistic performance artists? Buy Cirque Du Soleil tickets, I would think. Those, plus other theater tickets, are available at Stubhub.com.