The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College operated from 1968 to 1997. It was established by Irvin Feld to train clowns in the "Ringling style" of performance, characterized by broad, slapstick humor and techniques adapted for large audience.
The Clown College's locations throughout its history were:
Venice, Florida: 1968–1993
Baraboo, Wisconsin: 1993–1995
Sarasota, Florida: 1995–1997
The college closed in 1997 because of the circus's changing needs and high costs. Around 1,400 clowns were trained during its operation.