How to Use a Confetti Bucket

The Confetti Bucket is a true classic in the world of clown performances. Not only is this a favorite of the Big Top Circus crowd but of audiences everywhere. This type of gag is so cool even the Harlem Globe Trotters do a version of the Confetti Bucket routine.

The basic routine

The performers are on stage making use of water in a bucket; perhaps they are doing a “Wash Day” routine. While washing their clothes in a bucket of water, the clowns begin flicking water at one another and smacking each other with wet clothes, invoking a water fight.

Finally, one performer walks over to the other, pouring a bucket of water over their opponent’s head, bringing the feud to a climax. Now soaked, the clown grabs their bucket and begins to chase the other around stage.

The set up: Exhausted, the clown being chased stops center stage with their back to the audience while the other clown lines up to let them have it with the water in the bucket.

The blow off: As the clown tosses the bucket of water, our second clown ducks, thus allowing the audience to receive the wave of confetti. The audience knows what's coming and screams turn to laughs when the bucket throws confetti instead of water all over them.

How it works

The Confetti Bucket is designed in a way that the water can be poured in, but when held correctly, the water is diverted into a reservoir when one goes to toss the water out. The confetti is in a small shelf below the top edge of the bucket so it will fly out when tossed.

This prop is very easy to do and works well in most any setting. There are even Mini Confetti Buckets available for smaller venues.

Important notes

• When performing a routine where the performers will be throwing water and confetti around, make sure you clear it with the people in charge of the show first. Not very venue is suitable to have water thrown around on stage. Placing tarps on the floor of the performances area is highly recommended to make clean up easier.


• To get the full effect of the confetti bucket, the audience must see that there is water inside. Water can be poured into the bucket in full view of the audience.


• If you are using paper confetti in your bucket, take care that you do not soak it during the performance as it will clump up and not fly well. You may choose to use plastic or Mylar confetti, or you can secure a piece of plastic wrap over top of the confetti reservoir, making sure to remove before tossing out the confetti.