A Los Angeles Clown and Character Aaron's Happy Kids Entertainment, Don't waste your time trying to get a job here if you're not Barbie! Northridge, California
I was desperate for a job and found this company looking for people via Craigslist. Having previous experience in this industry, I followed their detailed instructions from their ad. A week later, I heard back. I had missed their call but called back immediately and did not hear back for another week.
Finally, when I heard back (after calling every day), I was told about their 3 step process to ensure that I was a fit for the job: 1. Go to one of the parties they were hired for and see what they do 2. Try on costumes to make sure you're comfortable 3. Be trained for 4 hrs. unpaid.
They scheduled me to drive out to a party 40 miles away from where I live. I was there a few minutes early, as instructed, waiting suspiciously as I was standing outside this person's house waiting for what turned into 30 minutes. The clown showed up late, and I shadowed him. Although the show was sub-par and he had a bad attitude both towards me and the party-goers, I was still interested.
I called back the next day, again as instructed, only to get their voicemail. I tried again the next few days and still heard nothing. When I finally received a phone call back, it was the same guy who I had talked to before and who was the clown at the party I attended. First on his agenda was to aggressively defend himself about not calling back. He then said that if I was still interested I could come in to try the costumes (he would call me to set up a date) but that I would have to be okay with not getting very many jobs due to my "size". However, in the original response to the ad I had to include a picture, my height, and my weight which he did not mention as an issue when we first talked.
I agreed that my lack of party option due to my "size" would be okay and that I would be available to be trained asap. Three weeks later, I still have not heard back and after reading reviews about their company I am glad I am not associated with them. Do not apply! You'll waste time and money driving out to a party, only to never hear back again.