balconies or upper decks, far above the action. In order to reach the people in every area of these larger arenas, clowns on the Ringling show had to design their makeup to be seen at a distance, and use their props and clear physical movements to show the audience what was happening during a gag, no matter where in the house they were seated. The training given here was tailor-made for the Ringling show, but could be transferred to other circus styles. Notable alumni Albert Alter Steven Banks Bill Irwin Penn Jillette (1974 graduate) Michael Goudeau Steve-O (1997 graduate) Steve "TJ Tatters" Smith David Strathairn Greg and Karen DeSanto Boswick The Clown Michael Davis Skeeter Reece Instructors Bill Irwin Lou Jacobs Barry Lubin Philippe Petit Rob Mermin Glen "Frosty" Little Sarah Nash Gates (costume design, Class of 1976) Directors Mel Miller Bill Ballantine Steve "TJ Tatters" Smith References External links Official Website of Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus Clown College Clowning Circus schools Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Educational institutions established in 1968 Organizations disestablished in 1997