Adult Classes & Workshops
The Path of the Clown
Workshop: In this workshop, we will explore the physical attributes of your personal clown characteristics. The class consists of a neutral body exploration and physical movement exercises designed to help the student develop their personal clown through their own physically natural movements. We look deep within to discover the masks we wear, then strip them away to the best of our ability to rediscover our authentic selves. This workshop is intended to challenge the preconceived notions we have of what makes us funny. Later this year Faeble will leave to tour in Germany, so don't miss your chance to study with this international performer & instructor!
Prerequisites: This workshop is meant for all levels: beginners through to professionals, although some experience in physical clowning is helpful it is not required. You will need some ability to be physically active.
Instructor: Faeble Kievman is a clown, circus artist, physical comedian, teacher, and all around weirdly wonderful human. Faeble has worked as a stunt actor on TV, worked many years in social and humanitarian circuses such as: The Big Underwear Social Tour through Mexico & Central America, and Clown Without Borders. Faeble now runs their own Social Circus: Big Heart Circus. Faeble makes humans laugh and learn all over this planet.
Notable tours & credits: The China Wuqiao International Circus Festival, Circus Zoppe, The New Pickle Circus, Sardine Family Circus, Circus Bella in Japan, Cirque Starlight in Switzerland, A.C.T., Acrobatic Conundrum, Flynn Creek Circus, Krystalpalst Variety, Cirque du Soleil, Freidrichsbau Variete.
What’s So Funny?
Trying to be funny isn’t very funny. But oh my word is it funny to be authentic. The clown, above all, seeks to be one hundred percent purely, authentically (even overly and embarrassingly) committed to the truth in the moment. And hence, the ha-ha.
In this clown workshop, explore how chasing beauty, depth and vulnerability on stage can lead to comedy on a level that hits harder than you could have ever imagined. Find the funny through the not-so-funny and be amazed by the hilarity in being exactly who you are.
We will use writing and performance prompts and exercises designed to reveal and break down beliefs about what is and isn’t funny, what should and shouldn’t be shown on stage, and what is and isn’t the fourth wall. The clown doesn’t adhere to (or even understand) the societal constructs around us, so embodying our clowns gives us permission to dissolve made-up rules and connect with ourselves and the audience to find the ha-ha and boo-hoo in truly profound ways.
A safe (but deep) dive into the parts we don’t want to show, where we can find the power of clowning, guided by Claire Woolner and John Norris (award-winning absurdist comedian/clowns who have earned their accolades by crying on stage so much that the audience laughs and bewildering the audience into fits of snorting hysteria, respectively.
There is no pressure to be, do or make anything funny and no prior clowning experience is required–we will just explore the depths and see where they lead. But my gut tells me we’re gonna find some pretty absurdly hilarious shit.
Mime (Winter)
Explore the art and technique of mime, 10 week intensive with instructors Eric Wilcox.
Functional Movement for Seniors
Functional Movement Fridays 10am-12pm
Join us for a fun filled creative class every Friday featuring elements of circus, theater, stretching, and tai chi. We will perform movements dedicated to increasing the body's ability to move and function in space.
Mime Intensive
Explore the art and technique of mime in this one week intensive with instructors Dan Griffiths and Stephen Chipps.
Clown Intensive
Explore the art and technique of clown 1 week intensive with instructors Dan Griffiths and Dana Merwin.
Clown + Mime Class
Every Tuesday, April 4 - June 6. Explore the art and technique of clown and mime in this 10-week study with Dan Griffiths, Church of Clown founder.
Improvisation
Every Wednesday, April 12-June 5. Explore the craft of improvisation in this 10-week class instructed by veteran Bay Area improviser Craig Gaspian.
At Church of Clown we offer 10 week sessions of delightful intensive study, for the student who is ready to dive deep into the beautiful world of training.
Spring Session runs April 8 - June 12
Clown Class (10 weeks) with Dan Griffiths
This course is intended for performers and non-performers of all varieties who wish to develop greater physical vocabulary and explore how they are uniquely funny. Learn to trust yourself onstage in a state of true play and originality. Learn to follow your impulses with Delight, Discovery, Generosity, Action, Risk, and Humor! Through clear instruction and feedback, games, and entrances, you will develop a greater awareness of yourself in relation to your partners, your props, and your audience in a safe and fun environment. Prepare to experience the joy of discovery and the celebration of your ridiculous self!
Experience Level: No prior experience with Clown is necessary from participants, all levels welcome.
Two different classes offered:
Mondays April 8 - June 10 or
Tuesdays April 9 - June 11
7:00-9:00 pm, 2 hours with 15 min. break.
Cost: $750. Earlybird price of $675 available until March 24.
$1300 for two classes, both clown or clown and mime!
Location: Church of Clown / 2400 Bayshore Blvd
Student Showcase: Wednesday June 12
No Experience Necessary
Space is limited to ensure small class size
Limited Scholarships available. Email Programs@ChurchofClown for an application
Mime (10 Weeks) with Eric Wilcox
Learn to sharpen and wield your physical and emotional presence using techniques handed down from masters in the field. Performers and non-performers alike will sharpen not only their technical mime skills but also their ability to infuse performances with imagination and dynamics. Compose imagery with clarity and economy! Discover isolations, rotations, inclinations, stops, impulses, and playwriting techniques.
The final class, June 12, will be a student showcase with an extra rehearsal on Tuesday, June 11.
Experience Level: No prior experience with Mime or Clown is necessary from participants, all levels welcome.
Space is limited to ensure small class size.
Dates: Wednesdays April 10 - June 11
Wednesdays: 7:00-9:00 pm, 2 hours with 15 min. break.
Cost: $750. Earlybird price of $675 available until March 24.
$1300 for two classes, mime & clown!
Location: Church of Clown / 2400 Bayshore Blvd
Student Showcase: June 11
