performing/acting as a clown

[angliholic]

His first acting experiences were performing/acting as a clown with his parents to sell hot dogs.


Hi,
Do both performing and acting fit in the above and mean about the same to you? Thanks.

 

[jamiep]

I'd say performing is the better word to use. I'm not sure a clown "acts" as such.

 

[Anglika]

Also, there is a collocation "acting the fool/clown" which means being silly.

 

[angliholic]

Thanks, Jamie and Anglika.
To make sure, if "acting as a clown" doesn't work, what about "playing a clown?"