No joke: Jester wanted at Austrian hotel

VIENNA (AP) — Wanted: A jester. Wallflowers need not apply.

It's no joke. An Austrian hotel is advertising for a modern-day court fool, who is communicative, extroverted, musical, creative and imaginative.

Applicants are asked to bring — and play — their musical instrument during the job interview. Also welcome: creative costumes. The successful candidate will earn 1,400 euros — around $1,900 — a month.

Hotel director Melanie Franke says those interested should not think they're on a fool's errand in applying. She says the idea is to treat guests like royalty, noting that "jesters were a luxury that royal families indulged themselves in."

The hotel in Austria's Styria province was designed by famed Austrian artist Friedens Reich Hundertwasser and Franke says the jester concept fits its hotel's colorful appearance.

( although the Jestering and jester related fields are on the upswing in Austria, Harlequins, Clowns and Mummers remain stable throughout Europe.)