Ringling Bros alumni celebrate Clown College Golden Anniversary at Fun Spot Orlando on Nov. 11

Clown College Golden Anniversary
Celebrate the Ringling Bros Clown College’s 50th Anniversary with a free show at Fun Spot.

The Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus may have folded its tent for good this year, but alumni of the circus’ slapstick school will revive its spirit with a free show at Fun Spot Orlando on Nov. 11, in honor of the Clown College Golden Anniversary.

In 1968, Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus (RBBBC) opened the world famous Clown College in Venice, Florida. In the time between its opening, and its closure almost 30 years later, hundreds of “Bachelor of Funny Arts Buffoons” graduated from Clown College and performed with the circus or other entertainment venues around the world, including Tony-winner Bill Irwin and magician Penn Jillette.

Over 200 RBBBC alumni from around the globe are expected to attend their Clown College 50th Reunion in Orlando on Saturday, Nov. 11, and they will be sharing their comical talents with the general public. To honor the Golden Anniversary, the clowns are offering a free show with a pass-the-hat opportunity to benefit local charities. There will be a 70-minute free show at Fun Spot America Orlando beginning at 11 a.m. that will showcase comical talents of graduates of the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.

Fun Spot is located at 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando FL, 32819. Parking and admission are free. For more circus fun, watch these video highlights of the final few productions from Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey:

"Legends" opening - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 2014
Highlights from Ringling Bros. Circus Xtreme 2015 tour
Ringling Bros. Circus Last Touring Show: Xtreme 2017 Highlights Featuring First Female Ringmaster
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3 Comments

  1. My father went to clown college and I’m not sure where. His name was Mark Fonda. I’m going to say anywhere from 1967 to 1982? If anyone remembers, has photos etc.. he passed in 1994.