This post covers the benefits of clown classes, clowning techniques, how to choose the right class for you, and particular studios you’ll want to check out.

Are you ready?

It’s show time!

Reasons to Take a Clowning Class in NYC (or Anywhere)

Beyond learning how to make people laugh, clowning classes are a safe and encouraging space for expression and creativity.

Through clowning, you’ll…

1. Become a better communicator. As a clown, your ability to connect with your audience relies heavily on effective communication. Through improv exercises and character development, you’ll learn non-verbal ways of engaging with others.
2. Develop personal growth and self-confidence. Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing your inner clown can be a transformative experience. Let go of those inhibitions and embrace vulnerability!
3. Relieve stress. Laughter has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall well-being. By immersing yourself in the world of clowning, you’ll bring joy to others and experience the positive effects firsthand.
4. Open doors to a supportive community who share your passion for laughter and performance. Building relationships with students and instructors is priceless and can pave the way for future support and collaborations.
5. Expand your horizons. Each artist-instructor has a different way of teaching. Sometimes the hardest — and most exciting — part of a clown class is feeling like a beginner (whether you’re new to clowning or a mirthful master).

Are you new to clowning? The next sections should help you understand the art form and identify the type of class that’s right for you.

Clowning Techniques that Tickle Funny Bones

Clowning techniques cover a range of fun skills like making stuff up on the spot, using your body to get a laugh, and creating unique clown characters!

Improvisation is the secret sauce of clowning. It’s all about thinking on your feet, being spontaneous, and finding the funny in unexpected situations. Clowning classes will help you trust your instincts and dive headfirst into the world of hilarious moments.

Physical comedy tells a story with your body. From pratfalls and slapstick to intricate movements and acrobatics, it’s all about perfect timing and control.

Clown character development is where the real fun begins. It’s about crafting your clown persona that’s a perfect match for your unique comedic style and personality. Imagine creating a look, nailing quirky mannerisms, and finding your clown’s voice.

Hunting for Hilarious: Your NYC Clown Class Quest

With the abundance of clowning classes available in NYC, you may feel overwhelmed. Here are a few questions to ask yourself. And, really, these apply to wherever you’re taking a class.

• Are you looking for an intensive or for a place for ongoing practice?
• Are you looking for a teacher who will help you build on your existing style, or who is going to shake it up with something completely different?
• Do you have a goal for a desired outcome? This could be anything from developing your existing act to getting new ideas for performing or teaching. 

You’ll also want to consider

• Your experience level. Are you looking to dip your toe into the world of clowning, or are you seeking to refine your skills? 
• Instructors and their backgrounds. Look for instructors with extensive experience in a style that resonates with you. Student reviews give insight into the instructor’s teaching methods and the overall quality of the class.
• Class size and the atmosphere of the studio. Do you thrive in larger groups with a bustling energy or prefer smaller, more intimate settings? To peek behind the curtain, swing by the studio for a trial class. It’s your chance to get a feel for the place and see if it’s a clown-tastic fit for you!

Juggle these considerations and you’ll find a clowning class that meets your needs and delivers a delightful experience.

From Jitters to Jollies: What Happens in Clown Class?

Entering a clowning class for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, knowing what to expect can bring ease to your experience.

Classes typically begin with icebreaker activities and warm-up exercises to help you loosen up and get into the clowning mindset. Picture physical warm-ups, vocal exercises, and improv games designed to get your creative juices flowing.

As the class progresses, you might explore different clown archetypes, learn how to develop a clown character, or practice physical comedy routines. The instructors will guide you through each step, providing feedback and encouragement along the way.

Most clowning classes also involve group activities and collaborations, which build relationships and provide opportunities for learning and feedback.

In addition to in-class activities, you may also participate in clowning performances or showcases. These events allow you to showcase your progress and gain real-world performance experience. They also offer the opportunity to connect with the larger clowning community.

Finding Your Clown Tribe: NYC’s Clown Class Destinations

If you’re an aspiring clown in (or arriving to) NYC, the city offers a wealth of resources to support your journey. From specialized clowning schools to comedy workshops, NYC has everything you need to take your clowning skills to new heights.

At Clowns Without Borders (CWB), we LOVE  Clown Gym for their ongoing Tuesday night drop-ins, and intensives, such as “Building an Act” and “Building a Character.” Our own Naomi Shafer has taught classes here and many CWB Artists have trained here.

Is Clown Gym a gym?

Why, yes! Just like athletes need weight training, clowns need clown training! Clown Gym is an awesome place to keep your silly juices flowing. They invite you to get out of your head and into your body!

Other good NYC clowning class options include: 

• The People’s Improv Theater (PIT)
  • Improv classes
  • Drop-in classes
  • Youth classes
  • Leveled classes
• Brooklyn Comedy Collective (BCC)
  • Drop-in classes
  • Full-length classes
  • Improv classes
  • Leveled classes
• Terry Knickerbocker Studio
  • Leveled clowning classes
  • Acting intensives
  • Voice intensives
  • Movement intensives
• The Barrow Group
  • Theatrical clown classes
  • Weekend clowning workshops
  • Leveled acting classes
• The Pandemonium Studio
  • Clown for All Weekends
  • Drop-in classes
  • Clown “Warm-Ups”

Do you know another great place to take clowning classes in New York City? Please let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for clown schools outside of NYC, be sure to check out our post: Top Clown Schools in the US.

Conclusion

What are you waiting for? Take that leap and pursue your passion for clowning!

NYC offers a treasure trove of resources for aspiring clowns. With each class, you’ll gain new insights and refine your skills — and laugh a lot along the way!

Happy clowning!

You’re in luck, because you’ve just stumbled upon a troupe of professional clowns (yes, real-life clowns) who are ready to guide you to joy.

Humor isn’t just about belly laughs; it’s a powerful tool to ease stress, lift spirits, and connect with others. Our clowns have witnessed these benefits firsthand for people in crisis.

This post explores the effectiveness of humor as a coping mechanism. You’ll also learn how to make humor a priority in your life.

Hop in the clown car — it’s time to get this show on the road!

We’ll make the following pit stops:

• Humor: How Does the Funniest Coping Mechanism Measure Up?
• Cruising to Well-Being: Humor’s Astonishing Gifts
• Stress and Anxiety Take a Comedic Detour
• Humor Habits to Avoid Potholes In Your Daily Commute
  • Take The Laughter Challenge
• Using Humor to Cope with Trauma: A CWB Example

Humor: How Does the Funniest Coping Mechanism Measure Up?

Coping mechanisms are as numerous as the number of oversized shoes at a clown convention: there are hundreds of options. But how does humor measure up?

According to Positive Psychology, the literature has identified five coping strategies:

1. Emotion-focused
2. Problem-focused
3. Meaning-focused
4. Social
5. Avoidance-focused

Within each of these strategies, you can tap into mechanisms that are either healthy or unhealthy. Unhealthy coping mechanisms may avoid stress, but the results are harmful. Healthy coping mechanisms provide benefits without harm. 

Can you find the funny in this table of coping mechanisms?

Information in the table sourced from Positive Psychology

Did you see it?

Laughter is listed under the Healthy/Emotion-focused strategy.

However, this list of coping mechanisms is not exhaustive. Can you imagine where else laughter might fit in on the chart?

What‌ does humor as a coping mechanism actually look like in practice?

Humor can shift emotions by changing our body chemistry and reframing situations. It can shift meaning by allowing an optimistic view to emerge. Socially, humor can connect us with others and nurture feelings of acceptance.

Cruising to Well-being: Humor’s Astonishing Gifts

Light-hearted, jolly humor and positive, re-framing humor are our favorite coping mechanisms.

Yes, we’re totally biased. But humor’s benefits are mostly attributed to these types of positive humor.

What are humor’s benefits? Buckle up because this is a long list:

• Physical benefits
  • Produces beta-endorphins (to replace cortisol), dopamine (to feel pleasure and relax), and oxytocin (to feel warm and fuzzy toward others)
  • Fun Fact: Researchers at Oxford have found that our pain threshold actually increases about 10% after laughing for 15 minutes.
  • Fills lungs with oxygen-rich air, energizing the body and improving blood flow, vascular function, and flexibility
  • Circulates more blood, stimulating and protecting blood vessels and heart muscles
  • Relaxes muscles and eases tension
  • Stabilizes blood-pressure
  • Brings a sense of calm
• Psychological benefits
  • Reduces anxiety and increase psychological resilience
  • Shifts perspective
  • Counteracts depression
  • Fun Fact: Carl Jung used jokes to bring patients back from psychotic states.

• Cognitive benefits
  • Improves
    • Brain function
    • Memory
    • Alertness
    • Problem-solving ability
  • Breaks down mental barriers and fosters an openness
  • Increased creativity
• Emotional benefits
  • Intrapersonal:
    • Replaces despair with hope
    • Neutralizes negative emotions
    • Gives courage and strength to persevere
    • Lightens burdens
    • Adds joy and enthusiasm to life
    • Helps us find new meaning
  • Interpersonal:
    • Defuses conflict 
    • Enhances teamwork and bonding
    • Subordinate job satisfaction and commitment
    • Enhances personal attractiveness
    • Enhances feelings of safety

Humor certainly can’t do it all.

As I shared in a post last year, I leaned on humor through cancer treatment and recovery. But my treatment also required analyzing information and taking a thoughtful approach to solve problems (the realm of Problem-focused coping).

Stress and Anxiety Take a Comedic Detour

Feeling tempted to indulge in a comedy binge to ease stress or alleviate anxiety?

Embrace it!

If you’re craving laughter, take it as your body’s way of signaling — in bright red flashing lights — the need for an emotional release, a disruption of stress hormones, or a break in a negative thought cycle.

Hit the Humor Gas Pedal with This Clown Pro Tip

Tip: Give humor a starring role in your life.

Professional clowns prioritize humor by planning for it. Case in point: They spend hours planning performances. To get the maximum amount of laughs at a show, they plan the who (casting), what (rehearsal), where + when (venue selection + dates), and why (learning about their audience).

So, go on and plan that funny movie, comedy show, or Humor Professional Certificate class (no joke). Bonus tip: half the fun is anticipating fun.

With more humor in your life, you’ll get calmer, more relaxed, and even sleep better.

Want to really kick up your laugh life? Incorporate humor into your every day.

Humor Habits to Avoid Potholes In Your Daily Commute

Add a pinch of humor to your daily routine.

What Will You Play Today?

Clowns bloom amidst play, spontaneity, and connection with others.

What tickles your funny bone? Consider engaging in a creative project, declaring a board game night (my family’s go-to lately), or playing an epic match of Capture the Flag.

At work, can you pose a fun activity to get people to think about a recurring challenge in a new way?

Embrace the Unexpected Like a Clown

Clowns approach new challenges with creativity, adaptability, and a fearlessness — to absurdity and to the delight of their audiences.

Welcome the unexpected like a clown. Turn mishaps into moments of laughter and practice saying “yes” to spontaneous activities (like unplanned road trips ).

Embracing the unexpected can lead to personal growth and fresh perspectives as you navigate the unexpected twists and turns of life.

Are You Up for the Challenge?

Take CWB’s laughter challenge and learn how to steer into humor as a habit — one that makes life a lot of fun.

Using Humor to Cope with Trauma: A CWB Example

Clowns Without Borders (CWB) uses humor to bring joy to children and communities in crisis. Our work shows the power of humor as a coping mechanism in even the most traumatic situations.

By providing laughter and moments of respite, we help individuals find strength in the face of adversity. We call it resilience through laughter.

Anya’s Story

Anya, age 8, left her hometown in Ukraine after the war started in early 2022. She resettled in Poland, but life continued to be stressful and scary. Plus, she missed her home, school, and friends.

In November 2022, Clowns Without Borders-USA arrived at Anya’s resettlement center in Brasov and she attended a clown show. Anya played, lept in the air, and laughed. She said,

Conclusion

Humor is a powerful coping mechanism that can transform our perspective and elevate our well-being.

By incorporating humor into your life every day, you can find joy and connection even in the toughest of times.

In the colorful journey of life, may laughter be your constant companion.

For $11 a month, you can bring a new child to a clown show every month of the year.

I Want to Give Laughter Every Month

Clowns Without Borders is a registered 501(c)(3) and our Tax ID is 20-4102508. Check donations may be mailed to PO Box 1353, Bozeman, MT 59771. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

And why does play need to be defended in areas of crisis?

Clowns who have witnessed the transformative power of play help me answer these questions in this second post of three in a series about the right to play.

Why Does Protecting Play as a Human Right Matter?

You may have heard that play is helpful for brain development. We’re going to talk about that, and we’re going to talk about a few less conventional ideas of why play matters.

Ready? Game on!

Your Brain is a Fantastic Playground

Albert Einstein said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” But how does your brain become adaptable?

Play.

Imagine your brain as a fantastic playground. The more you play on the playground, the more moves and tricks you learn. In the same way, play helps your brain respond with more nuance to situations that arise.

It’s all about the prefrontal cortex, a recently evolved (just 30 to 19 million years ago ) area at the front of your brain that serves your most complex thinking.

When you play, your brain’s prefrontal cortex refines its ability to regulate thoughts, actions, and emotions. That means that you’ll be able to handle tricky situations with greater ease.

Play-based brain development is especially important for those who have experienced a crisis, as we’ll talk about later.

Clowns’ Warning: Don’t Corrupt Play

Clowns will be the first to tell you that play’s worth extends far beyond brain development (and related discussions of educational gains). To limit play’s value in this way is to degrade it. Let’s flip that, and unearth play’s multifaceted and expansive qualities.

Conversations about play often overlook the social-emotional ways that play matters.

According to a 2019 study of humanitarian clowning, clown performance and post-performance play

• Treats failure as a right, and shows that it’s necessary for learning
• Strips away social roles and norms
• Exposes the audience to their self, free from normative social roles
• Increases self-awareness
• Acts as an interlude from real life
• Encourages a sense of community
• Facilitates relief of stress and anxiety 
• Provides human connection
• Gives people lasting memories of joy

We don’t have a joy-o-meter. Rather, we have records of personal communication that describe the joy and relief children and adults feel after attending a CWB event.

“I’ve never had this joy before. I am very happy!”

– A young boy at the Center for Sudanese Migrants, Egypt

“It’s so good that you’re here because there’s nothing for the kids in Islote. Not even a park. So they’re happy you’re here. Before you even start, it’s golden just to be here. It brings the community together.”

– A young mother, Puerto Rico

“In Karantina, one child found us wherever we were performing in the area. He told one clown that he’d been seeing the show in his dreams every night.”

– Sabine Choucair, Lebanon

“Before the clowns came, the children played war. Now they play clown.”

Jordan, Feedback given to CWB–Sweden following a tour

Can Play be ‘Purposeless’?

When the outcome doesn’t matter as much as the play itself, we call this play for play’s sake (a super technical term). CWB celebrates this kind of play, because it is about the processes, experiences, and feelings that occur during play — not the results.

During play for play’s sake, imagination and curiosity lead exploration. Children (and adults) are free to create as they wish.

Play for play’s sake builds confidence, agency, and a sense of ‘I am worthy.’

Experiencing displacement can feel like the world doesn’t care about your ideas, instincts, or interests. And even as you’re forced to adapt to a different lifestyle, community spaces rarely feel welcoming and loving.

‘Not Even a Park’: Defending The Right to Play for Children in Crisis

To recap, play is fundamental to childhood because

• It’s key to healthy brain development
• It supports a range of social-emotional outcomes, including the experience of joy
• We want children to love themselves

CWB defends the right to play for children who experience displacement because they are both uniquely in need of play and uniquely distant from play opportunities.

Play Matters in Humanitarian Settings

Children experiencing displacement have lost their homes and may have witnessed violence or death. On top of these traumas, their current living situation may be dangerous or exploitative. 

Disruptions to education, lack of nurturing spaces, and psychological neglect complicate survivors’ lives.

And these children still want to play and will play, given the time and a safe space.

Not only are these children capable of quality play experiences, but play may be their only available path to recovery from their experiences.

The Play Opportunity Gap

Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child protects all children’s optimum development through play.

However, a consistent problem found in humanitarian settings is a lack of play-friendly spaces. 

When CWB clowns arrived in Turkey following the 2023 earthquake, the clowns worked among tents because play areas had yet to be established. In community after community, children were ready to play and laugh after six weeks of rubble, food lines, and mourning. 

At Maras Avşar, an earthquake survivors camp in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, CWB clowns heard kids explaining to one another that we were foreigners coming from very far away — for them.

When it was time to leave, they didn’t want us to go.

Conclusion

The right to play matters because play is fundamental to childhood.

Remembering that at least 40% of the (official) 108 million refugees are under the age of 18, the enormity of ensuring that every child plays can feel overwhelming.

How can you help?

In the last post of the series, we’ll share ways you can help protect the right to play. Spoiler alert: One thing you can do right now is to make a donation to Clowns Without Borders. Just $11 can change a child’s life forever as they find themselves at their first clown show.

The Clowns Without Borders (CWB) team from Zimbabwe, June 2023, included Cedrick Msongelwa (Zimbabwe), Nathaniel Allenby (USA), Rachel Wansker (USA), and Thandolwenkosi Ndlovu (Zimbabwe).

The artists had the high honor of being the first clowns many children had ever met. And they brought a range of talents with them: juggling, comedy — and puppetry.

In this post, you’ll explore the use of puppets to defend the right to play, hear how children responded to their first clown and puppet shows, and learn how the people of Zimbabwe inspired each artist.

Ready to join the puppet party? Let’s go!

Clowns and Puppets: Joyful Protectors of The Right to Play

Do you remember the magic of your first puppet show?

At a show in Domboshava, Zimbabwe, Fredrick found himself face to face with Shemp, a puppet with super-soft purple fur and a gentle expression.

Cautious at first, Frederick quickly realized Shemp was his friend. When the puppet came closer, Frederick reached out and touched him and gave him a sweet kiss. It was a moment that played out, again and again, every day of the tour.

Rachel Wansker takes the right to play seriously.

She used her trauma-informed training to lead the team in creating and performing puppet shows, which included direct interaction with kids like Fredrick. The puppet shows built trust with children, enhancing their experience.

Now that you know what happened at the shows, let’s meet the artists in the spotlight.

Cadrick Msongelwa: Bringing the Zimbabwean Spirit to Life

Cadrick Msongelwa is an award-winning theatre actor, clown, and teaching artist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. He holds certificates from Dell’Arte International, Zimbabwe Theatre Academy, and Schools Playwrights and Actors Academy. His unique focus on movement brings a captivating presence to local and international performances.

Cadrick’s Unforgettable Moment

Cadrick will never forget bringing joy and laughter to his African brothers and sisters during the Day of the African Child celebration. He says, “I am also an African child, so I not only celebrated the displaced children and youth at Tongogara Refugee camp, but I celebrated myself too. It brought me so much joy to hear unified laughter from a crowd of about 3,000 people.”

Bringing Laughter to the World

Cadrick’s experience in Zimbabwe has inspired him to share his talents with displaced communities beyond Zimbabwe and Africa. He aspires to clown globally, exploring the universal language of laughter and spreading joy worldwide.

Find Cadrick on Instagram @Cadrickhekhe.

Nathaniel Allenby: Inspiring Lives Through Juggling and Entertainment

Nathaniel Allenby is the founder of Cirque Quirk and a seasoned entertainer with 17 years of experience performing in various countries. Hailing from Aurora, Oregon, a European cycling adventure ignited his artistic passion. Watch him juggle 8 balls and conquer 11-foot stilts!

Priceless Memories

The energetic response from the audience fueled Nathaniel’s performances and created a beautiful connection. He shares, “When I went out onto the stage alone and started my act, the kids would laugh at various bits, but as soon as I would start juggling, they would erupt with excitement about what I was doing. The energetic response was a beautiful form of reciprocity.”

A Shift of Thinking

Inspired by his connection with audiences in Zimbabwe, Nathaniel plans to make many changes in his life. He definitely wants to perform again for children and families who are displaced or who have never experienced a clown show.

Find Nathaniel on Instagram @Cirquequirk.

Rachel Wansker: Igniting Joy Through Puppetry and Clowning

Rachel Wansker is an actor, puppeteer, clown, and educator from Atlanta. She holds a degree in Theatre and Performance Studies and a Professional Training Certificate from Dell’Arte International and has performed with 16 professional theater and television companies in five countries. Rachel now lives in London where she continues to work as a performer and serve the refugee community.

Rachel’s Unforgettable Moment

Rachel will never forget the giant parade through the camp on the Day of the African Child. “Kids all around us played with us while we celebrated with them. I had a special moment where my puppet and a child of about 6 years old were blowing kisses back and forth.”

Breaking New Ground

In Zimbabwe, Rachel gained confidence in herself as a leader, and was reminded of her skills and experience as a performer and as a humanitarian. Rachel aims to continue using her puppetry, teaching, and leadership skills to make a positive impact.

Find Rachel on Instagram @wanskermonster.

Thandolwenkosi Ndlovu: Spreading Love and Laughter

Thandolwenkosi (Thando) Ndlovu is a talented Zimbabwean theater actress and clown. She currently volunteers at the Bulawayo Theatre in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and also writes scripts. She describes herself as “short, dark, beautiful, and definitely funny.”

Moments of Marvel

Thando cherishes the pre and post-show interactions with the children. “In the rural areas of Chimanimani and Chipinge, most of the children were seeing the puppets and bubbles for the first time, hence their faces would beam with excitement and curiosity. Those moments of marvel have a special place in my heart.”

Cultivating Artistic Excellence

Thando will keep clowning and creating beautiful memories for people in need — in Zimbabwe and beyond. She’s especially eager to continue her studies, visit more rural schools, and collaborate with more organizations such as Clowns Without Borders-USA. Her goal is to be useful, kind, and share the love!

Find Thando on Facebook @thando.kimmy.

Conclusion

A big round of applause for the children and families of Zimbabwe and the CWB artists who defend their right to play! A big thank you to our fearless tour producer, Teddy Mangawa, and our partners, Zimbabwe Theatre Academy and the Ministry of Refugees.

A total of 4,960 people attended 11 shows and one workshop. Each event was a special celebration of love and laughter and filled with joyful energy.

Want to see more photos from the tour? Check out the montage below!

These opportunities — ranging from drop-in classes to Master of Arts programs — offer creative inspiration, historical perspective, skill development, and valuable feedback to support your path to wearing the red nose.

While there’s no right way to become a clown, training completed by Clowns Without Borders (CWB) artists typically includes contemporary circus performance and working in an ensemble. The schools highlighted here celebrate these styles. They also espouse clown qualities we treasure, including vulnerability, authenticity, and presence.

Before we jump into our list of top clown schools in the US, we’ve got a question for you:

What kind of clown will you be?

Clowntemplation: Questions to Help You Find Your Best-Fit Clown School

“Clown” means something different for everyone.

You may not know what kind of clown you want to be, or what kind of clown school you want to attend. And that’s okay.

To get a clearer picture, we encourage you to continue learning about clowning, how it can foster play and connection, and influence culture. This kind of investigation will give you direction, or at least get you asking interesting questions.

Here are five questions you can ask yourself right now to help bring clarity to your school search.

Wait! What about the Rainbow Wigs and Full Makeup?

If you dream of putting on big shoes and full makeup, definitely check out Mooseburger, Clown Camp, and other listings via the World Clown Association.

You won’t find that style of clown taught in the places listed below.

What will you find?

• Inspired locations
• Talented artist-teachers
• Passionate students with whom you can share the journey

Let’s do this!

The Funniest Education You’ll Ever Get: Top Clown Schools in the US

1. Dell’Arte International – Blue Lake, California

Dell’Arte International is a school for theater training, research, and performance of the actor-creator.

Carlo Mazzone-Clementi and Jane Hill wanted to share the European traditions of physical theater training with North American artists and performers. So they founded Dell’Arte in 1971. Since then, Dell’Arte International has gained international recognition.

Its School of Physical Theater teaches actors to develop their use of physical spaces, gestures, and movements while approaching stage performance as poetic expression. Instruction guides students to explore and produce creative works.

Offerings

Physical theater education is at the core of Dell’Arte’s offerings, which include a Clown Core program, a professional training program, a summer intensive, and a study abroad in Bali. Scholarship opportunities are available.

The campus is replete with studios, gymnastics/acro classrooms, mask construction area, costume shop, theater, amphitheater, as well as an outdoor wilderness space along the Northern Coast of California.

Many Dell’Arte graduates fill the Clowns Without Borders roster.

Learn more at https://dellarte.com/.

“My experience at Dell’Arte kind of blew my mind. I started to understand what it might mean to be an artist and not just an actor. I started to understand my strengths and where I needed to grow.”

— CWB Artist Hannah Graff

Read the full interview here.

2. Center for Movement Theatre – Washington DC

The Center for Movement Theatre is a large, gorgeous workspace for practitioners, teachers, and trainers.

Dody Disanto instructs students in her physical approach to acting based on the work of the late Jacques Lecoq. Physical theater training compels a student to learn the space — how to use it and body gestures to communicate with maximum clarity and intention for the audience.

At the core of this style of theater is the use of neutral masks.

Offerings

Dody Disanto teaches a monthly drop-in movement clinic, 5-day summer intensives, a bouffon laboratory, neutral mask, and a dynamic studies class.

The Center is complete with a gym, treatment rooms, and a natural light-filled studio.

Learn more at https://www.thisisthecenter.com/.

3. Celebration Barn Theater – Western Maine

Celebration Barn Theater offers intensives in a beautifully restored horse barn in rural Maine. It’s a neigh-sayers game-changer.

Tony Montanaro opened the Celebration Barn in 1972, creating a hub for mastering mime, improvisation, storytelling, and other skills that make great performers shine.

Alumni of the Barn have taken the skills they learned there and have gone on to amazing careers in theater, film, and television. Think Sesame Street puppeteers, writers for Between the Lions, and performers with Cirque du Soleil.

Offerings

Come prepared to play!

Participants receive quality instruction from talented teachers and exposure to other exceptional actors. Workshops and residencies focus on collaboration and pushing the artist’s creative exploration to the edge.

You can polish your performance at a retreat with Robert Post; try something new with Principles of Eccentric Performing; dive deep into bouffon and mocking; trigger your imagination with Spymonkey’s Creating Clown Material.

The Celebration Barn also holds shows on its grounds and features a traveling comedy play.

Learn more at https://celebrationbarn.com/.

4. Pig Iron – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pig Iron is an award-winning theater company, best known for its experimental theater.

Touring with its unconventional in-house productions since 2004, Pig Iron Theatre Company creates unique and challenging performances, trains new artists, and asks tough questions about the world around us.

Offerings

Pig Iron School focuses on performance acting with full-impact creativity. There are seasonal workshops to help actors, students, and professionals develop flexibility, presence, and collaboration skills. The summer sessions tend to be the most clown-focused.

Pig Iron School also offers an MFA/Certificate program in Devised Performance through a partnership with the University of the Arts-Ira Brind School of Theater Arts.

Learn more at https://www.pigiron.org.

5. USC School of Dramatic Arts, Institute for Theatre & Social Change – Los Angeles, California

USC School of Dramatic Arts is a clown school that believes that medical clowning is transformative and healing.

Medical clowns help patients feel better by reducing stress and boosting emotional well-being. The Medical Clowning Program at USC uses humor to improve the patient experience in local hospitals, and to shape a “healthier humanity.” The program has certified 25 undergraduate medical clowns and 10 professional performers.

USC Medical Clowns work outside of hospitals too. They’re partnering with The Children’s Bureau to provide emotional support to children through support groups, making them the first program in the US to use medical clowning in this therapeutic setting.

Learn more at https://itsc.usc.edu/mc-program/about-medical-clowning-2/.

6. Clown Gym – New York City, New York

While it sounds like a fun place to work out, Clown Gym is actually a great place for high-quality actor training in NYC.

It started as a collaborative experiment. It’s grown over the years to become one of the city’s most reliable sources for connecting artists in a community of experimentation, laughter, and play.

Julia Proctor, Director of Clown Gym, draws on her training with respected instructors such as Christopher Bayes and Philippe Gaulier to help students access their natural creativity and generosity in their acting. She encourages students to connect with their spontaneous impulses and build their skills in a supportive and playful community.

Offerings

Tuesday night drop-in classes are open to all, just register online before actually dropping in. These classes will help you strengthen your existing acting muscles and help you discover others you didn’t even know you had.

In addition, Clown Gym offers intensives, bootcamps, mentors, and shows. There’s even a monthly “Clown Jam” where you can practice your material with help from an experienced coach.

Learn more at https://www.clowngym.com/.

7. The Pandemonium Studio – Brooklyn, New York

Ready to unleash your inner clown?

Master teacher Christopher Bayes will guide you to explore new ways of doing, thinking, feeling, and expressing yourself — whether you’re a total newbie, a seasoned actor, or a complete clown (pun intended).

Pandemonium classes use rhythm, kinesthetic response, and impulse exercises to help actors develop expression. By unlearning societal filters and listening to your body, you’ll unleash playful impulses. The result? Performances that are bold, dynamic, and unforgettable.

Offerings

Pandemonium offers summer intensives, teacher trainings, and classes. Classes titles include Clown for All, Clown, Advanced Clown, Extra Super Advanced Clown (!!), Acting as Play, Shakespeare as Play, and Improv with Ralf!

Learn more at https://www.thepandemoniumstudio.com.

8. The Actors Gymnasium – Evanston, Illinois

If you’re looking to hone your foundational circus and performance skills, definitely check out The Actors Gymnasium (AG).

AG’s Artistic Director, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, grew up touring with circuses like Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey as a second-generation performer. She is also an ensemble member of the Lookingglass Theatre.

AG’s leadership and staff have created a community of physical performers who support each other emotionally, physically, and creatively.

Offerings

AG classes are open to people of all ages and all abilities (Yes! Beginners are welcome!).

If you want more structure, check out AG’s Professional Circus Training Program. The program has two concentrations: aerobatics and clowning. 

The clown concentration is based on Ringling Bros Clown College and includes various disciplines such as circus arts, mime, dance, physical comedy, devising, and object manipulation. The curriculum also focuses on developing skills in clown dramaturgy and direct audience relationships.

Financial aid is available for anyone, with scholarships covering 25% to 95% of the program cost.

Learn more at https://www.actorsgymnasium.org.

9. The Clown School – Los Angeles, California

The Clown School wants your clown to come out and be creative, playful, and fearless.

Using ancient and modern methods to teach clowning, The Clown School pays tribute to everything from indigenous clown rituals to the modern-day circus. They offer unique classes that inspire actors, performers, and comics.

David Bridel and Orlando Pabotoy founded the Clown School in 2007, and presently, David and Mike Funt lead the classes, accompanied by various guest teachers.

Offerings

The exercises and improvisations build skills that are useful on stage, in film, and in life. The students receive individual attention and face targeted challenges, making the classes disciplined, rigorous, and fun.
Learn more at https://www.theclownschool.com.

10. The Idiot Workshop – Los Angeles, California

Get ready for some serious silliness at The Idiot Workshop! Their website proudly declares them as champions of “upholding, nurturing, and catapulting Idiots.”

Leading the pack is John Gilkey, a legendary clown, acrobat, and performer with over 35 years of experience in the entertainment industry, including stints with the Pickle Family Circus and Cirque du Soleil.

But here’s the twist: The Idiot Workshop ditches the traditional hierarchy and offers an ongoing class structure that prioritizes continued practice and lets students switch things up whenever they want.

Offerings

The Idiot Workshop emphasizes the importance of play, fun, and creativity in the learning process, and its instructors provide individual attention and feedback to their students. The school’s courses are suitable for anyone interested in physical comedy and performance, including actors, comedians, and theater students.

In the Intro class, performers learn to improvise organically without following rules or formulas, discovering their own comedic voice. Extra-Idiot classes include Body Brain Smoothie (a movement class), Devising and Idiot Dance, Red Nose Clown, a video-making class, and Acting as Disaster.

Learn more at https://www.theidiotworkshop.com.

11. Giovanni Fusetti

Get ready to ignite the stage and unleash your inner artist with Giovanni Fusetti! This rockstar of a teacher and performer brings a holistic approach that blends physicality, emotions, and wild imagination.

With training from prestigious schools and collaborations worldwide, Giovanni has become a renowned teacher, pedagogue, and director. His work in movement-based theater has taken him to numerous countries, where he has shared his expertise with leading theater companies, universities, and schools.

Giovanni’s passion for theater as a transformative experience extends to his work with hospital clowns and his exploration of personal healing through the Red Nose Clown.

Offerings

Giovanni Fusetti has an exciting lineup of workshops worldwide in places like Italy, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Join him for immersive experiences in Theatre Clown, Physical Comedy, Movement Analysis, Psychological Types, Contemporary Australian Types, Psychodrama, Physical Theatre, and the Pedagogy of Movement Theatre.

Keep an eye on the evolving calendar and join the mailing list for updates on new workshops.

Learn more at https://giovannifusetti.com/workshops.

“Giovanni is skilled at creating ensemble and teaches partner work beautifully. At every opportunity, Giovanni incorporates music into clowning. He structures the class within a professional standard that reminded me of ballet master classes and acting conservatories. He gives his students every ounce of his attention and expects the same in return, which created a hugely gratifying and respectful environment.”

— CWB Artist Olivia Lehrman Sblendorio

Conclusion

Finding the right clown school is like finding the right clown nose — it may take a while, but the search is worth it.

How else might we help you on your journey to bring more laughter into the world? Please let us know in the comments.

Also, do you think another clown school program should be on the list? Leave a comment and let us know what we might want to consider adding (and why) for our next update!

Learn more about CWB’s 2022 tours.

So, you want to be a bit more clown? Valentine’s Day is a great day to practice your skills with the children (and adults!) in your life.

In the following post, Hannah Gaff, a seasoned CWB artist, recounts how a courageous girl from Lebanon introduces a delightful game. You’ll love hearing how Hannah responded.

Read to the end for downloadable “I Love You” game tips. (Happy V-Day from CWB!)

Keeping Watch is Key to Clowning

When I clown in the hospital or on the streets, I listen for the game — the gateway to making a vibrant connection with other humans.

I offer myself as an object of play and look to them to see what brings a spark to their eye, a change in their breath, or a giggle.

Sometimes we communicate with words, conversation, stories, or witty jokes. But often the play is non-verbal and we communicate simply through body language, emotion, and eye contact.

Being a Clown Can Start with a Game of Copycat

One day in Northern Lebanon (2018), fellow CWB artists and I performed three shows in the Akkar District near the Syrian border.

It stormed all morning, resulting in an impromptu performance at a school where kids could take a dry seat.

After the show, as we began packing up our props, one bold little girl ran up to me and threw her arms around my waist, squeezing tightly. I knelt and squeezed back. When I stood back up, she grabbed onto my arm and dragged me to the schoolyard.

Suddenly three more girls materialized, and we started a game of copycat: I performed a silly movement, and they repeated it.

The bold girl stayed with her arms wrapped around my waist, smiling and laughing up at me. Soon, ten more girls and a few boys gathered. We came up with a little song and dance, full of laughter and play.

“I Love You”: A Game to Change the World

My teammates had finished packing and loading the van and it was time to go. I told the kids goodbye and thank you in Arabic, but the little girl kept holding on.

When I knelt to give her a hug, she kissed me on the cheek and said, in clear English, “I love you!”

Her words surprised me.

Before I could respond, she said it again, more emphatically, “I. Love. You!” and squeezed me even tighter.

I responded, “I love you,” and blew her a kiss.

She repeated her words — and this time the kiss she threw was so powerful it knocked me backward!

Soon, the other kids joined in on the game.

I’d say, “I love you!” and blow a kiss that they’d all catch. Then they’d all yell, “I LOVE YOU!” and blow kisses that would knock me backward.

This continued until they cornered me against the van. Sensing the need to say goodbye, my little friend grabbed my arm, pulled me down, and gave me one last hug and kiss on the cheek.

I got in the van and waved from the window. I said, “I love you,” and blew one last kiss, which she caught and held to her cheek.

As the van pulled away, the group of kids chased us down the street, blowing kisses and laughing.

This one tiny heart came up with a game that could change the world: The I LOVE YOU game.

Your Turn to Be a Clown: Play the Game!

So you want to incorporate more play in your days, not just Valentine’s Day? Download these game tips, (which can serve as your cell phone wallpaper) for a gentle clown-ish nudge each day.

Just click on the image, download it to your phone, and then update your wallpaper!