Clowning For Improv

Clown and improv have a lot in common. But while improvisers play for an audience, clowns play with them. Every show, we engage in an all-or-nothing competition to win an audience’s love. Clowns take risks. Break the rules. Celebrate success and fail epically. It’s all for the crowd, which makes them deeply invested in the outcome – even though we are exploring our dumbest and most joyous impulses.

This class will introduce you to the fundamentals and psychology of clown work – and illustrate how these techniques can make you a more dynamic improviser. The exercises will help you commit to ideas without judgment and engage an audience in a more profound and intimate way. We will also be using neutral masks to emphasize the power of physical play.

Chad Damiani is a clown and improviser based in LA. He is one of the pioneers of LA’s contemporary clown scene – having performed over 600 shows with his groundbreaking improv/clown duo, Jetzo. He’s also an original member of The Murge (the former flagship show of The Idiot Workshop) and Dr. Brown Builds a Show at The Lyric Hyperion. The latter ensemble currently appears on the FX comedy show CAKE. He works as a clown consultant and performer for Spiegelworld, the largest circus company in America. He also recently served as a clown choreographer on the upcoming TV show The Broadcast, produced by The Duplass Brothers, and founded and performs in Clown Zoo – a weekly outdoor event that mixes clown and theatrical mask. Chad has traveled all over North America – teaching and performing his clown-inspired standup routines. One of his characters appeared on the 2020 season of America’s Got Talent.

This three day workshop begins Friday, February 4 and culminates in a live show Sunday, February 6.

• Friday, February 4 class meets 7 p.m – 10 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday February 5 and 6 class meets 12 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Live show performed on the Reno Improv stage Sunday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m.
• Registration is $220 (non-refundable)
• Masks and proof of vaccination against COVID-19 are mandatory.