Disruptor: Intro to Modern Clown Intensive with Chad Damiani

What does it mean to be a modern clown? The art form has experienced a huge resurgence – as shows seek to take bigger risks, explore their most fun ideas and create deeper connections with the audience. The work is an exercise in contradiction. The clown is a harbinger of mischief, defiance and danger; while also a purveyor of joy, kindness and connection. Clowns present their dumbest ideas, while connecting to audiences in a deeply profound way.

This two-day intensive explores the basic principles and psychology of clown work. There are no red noses, costumes or props. Students will participate in exercises that will help them be less verbal and more physical, commit to their most joyful impulses, embrace failure and play with the audience, instead of for them.
The intensive will run 11am-3pm on both Saturday January 18th and Sunday January 19th.

For students and performers of all levels.
About your instructor:

Chad Damiani has spent over a decade as one of the leaders and architects of LA’s current clown scene. He’s the creator/star of STAND UP AND CLOWN – where he directs well-known stand-ups through their first clown show (this is also a weekly podcast, with interviews and clown tutorials). He’s an ensemble member in the international clown variety show STAMPTOWN – which features some of the best alt comics and skill acts in the world. Chad is also the longtime leader of CLOWN ZOO – an all-star ensemble created during the pandemic that combines modern clown and theatrical mask work.

Chad has performed his solo clown pieces all over the country – often at traditional stand-up venues. He’s appeared in various TV shows and music videos, including AMERICA’S GOT TALENT, DAVE, and TBS’s upcoming reboot of JOE SCHMO. Chad is also a Blacklist-winning screenwriter and worked as an announcer for World Championship Wrestling (this was a very long time ago).

About the Venue:

The Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) mission is to create BIG connections within broad communities, teaching people of all ages and backgrounds to improvise their way out of challenging circumstances and embrace the unknown with courage and comedy.

This space is wheelchair accessible. Find out accessibility details about all of our venues here.

About Highwire Improv:

Highwire Improv’s mission is to steward a community of artists committed to growth, collaboration, joy, and justice — in Baltimore and around the world — through improvisational theater. Learn more at https://www.highwireimprov.com

Host or Publisher Highwire Improv