© AP Photo/Kathy WillensClown hopefuls Mariko Iwasa, third from left and Latoya Williams, second from right, practice expressing sadness with two professional clowns as others watch during auditions for the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus Clown College at Madison Square Garden in New York, Monday, April 6, 2009
Unemployment hit 8.5 percent and jobs are disappearing across the country but at least one industry is looking for new talent -- the circus.
About two dozen hopefuls sporting big noses, brightly colored hair, baggy pants and oversized shoes did their best to fulfill a childhood ambition when they auditioned to become a clown with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
"It's been a life-long dream," said Kyle Barker, a 27-year-old from Chicago who already looked the part with a curly wig and painted face.
He's had several jobs, including being a customer service representative, but Barker said nothing could compare to being a clown.
Brooklyn-born Julius Carallo, 62, agrees.
He's been a clown for 15 years in smaller circuses but was hoping to make it into the big time at the audition.
"This is an opportunity to work with the greatest show on earth," he said.